Act Now: Georgia Solar, EV & Energy Rebates Expiring 2025 Deadlines Hit

By Christina Coleman - Charitable REALTOR®️ | September 2025

Why This Matters Now

If you live in Georgia and are thinking about going solar, upgrading your home for energy efficiency, or buying an EV, the window to claim major federal incentives is rapidly closing. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) signed this summer rewrote the timeline, pulling forward expiration dates that many thought would last for years.

Bottom line: To benefit, Georgians must act in 2025, and quickly. Let’s break down the federal programs, then zoom into how Georgia’s unique utility policies make batteries and smart timing critical.

Federal Incentives (National Rules)

1. Residential Clean Energy (Solar, Battery, Geothermal) – §25D

• What it covers: 30% tax credit on solar, battery storage (≥3 kWh), geothermal heat pumps, and solar water heaters installed at your home.

• Deadline: Must be placed in service by Dec. 31, 2025.

• Notes: Credit is nonrefundable (reduces tax liability, but won’t generate a refund if you owe zero). Unused amounts can be carried forward if your system was in service by 2025.

2. Energy-Efficient Home Improvements – §25C

• What it covers: 30% credit (annual caps apply: $1,200 for windows/doors/insulation/electrical upgrades; $2,000 for heat pumps, water heaters, biomass).

• Deadline: Property must be placed in service by Dec. 31, 2025.

• Special note: You must include the Qualified Manufacturer Identification Number (QMID) for 2025 projects.

3. EV Credits – New (§30D) & Used (§25E)

• What it covers:

  
  

  • New EVs: up to $7,500.

  • Used EVs: up to $4,000 (or 30% of price).

  
  

• Deadline: Vehicle must be acquired by Sept. 30, 2025. If you signed a binding contract and made payment by then, delivery after the deadline may still qualify.

4. EV Charger / Alternative Fuel Infrastructure – §30C

• What it covers: 30% credit for home and commercial EV charging equipment.

• Deadline: Equipment must be placed in service by June 30, 2026.

Georgia Reality Check

Unlike some states, Georgia does not offer a personal state solar tax credit. That means federal incentives are your biggest lever.

And here’s the kicker: most Georgia utilities don’t offer full retail net metering. Instead, they use net billing or avoided-cost crediting, where exported solar power is credited at just a few cents per kWh (well below what you pay for electricity).

👉 Translation: In Georgia, self-consumption and batteries matter more than ever.

Georgia-Specific Perks

• Georgia Power Residential Charger Rebate: $150–$200 for qualifying Level 2 chargers (expires Dec. 31, 2025 or while funds last).

• Jackson EMC Charger Rebate: $250 for members installing Level 2 chargers.

• Business EV-Charger Tax Credit: 10% of cost, up to $2,500, for business installs (carryforward allowed).

• Cooperative Solar Options: Some EMCs (e.g., GreyStone, Central GA) let members buy into shared solar projects instead of rooftop installs.

How Georgians Can Still Win in 2025

1. Solar + Batteries

• Design systems for self-consumption (use more of your own solar power).

• Add battery storage (≥3 kWh) to qualify under §25D and boost savings under Georgia’s net billing rules.

• Submit interconnection applications now, don’t wait until December.

2. Heat Pumps & Weatherization

• Upgrade HVAC, water heaters, insulation, and windows in 2025 to grab §25C credits.

• Confirm QMID numbers with manufacturers for your tax return.

3. EVs

• If buying, ensure a binding contract and payment by Sept. 30, 2025 to preserve the federal credit.

• Pair the EV with a rebated charger from your utility.

4. Keep Records

• Save contracts, invoices, installation/completion dates, PTO (Permission to Operate), and QMID forms.

• Work with a CPA familiar with energy credits.

Month-by-Month Georgia Checklist

• September 2025:

  
  

  • Final chance to secure EV credits, binding contract & payment required.

  • Book installers and file interconnection applications immediately.

  
  

• October–November 2025:

  
  

  • Complete solar + battery installs; schedule final inspections.

  • Install Level 2 EV charger; file rebate forms.

  • Finish heat pump or window projects and confirm QMID documentation.

    
    

• December 2025:

  
  

  • Verify all systems are placed in service.

  • Create a tax folder with contracts, invoices, and interconnection approval letters.

  • Book CPA for January tax planning.

Final Takeaways for Georgia

1. Act now. Delays in permitting and supply chains could cause you to miss the December 31 deadline.

2. Design smart. Batteries and right-sizing matter more in Georgia’s avoided-cost utility landscape.

3. Stack perks. Grab every rebate. Georgia Power, EMCs, business credits before they vanish.

4. Get pro help. Work with licensed installers and CPAs familiar with federal and Georgia programs.