2/13/14—Georgia has climbed to 16th place in the nation in 2013 for the number of workers in the solar industry, according to a new report by The Solar Foundation. Georgia has added some 1,800 solar jobs since 2012, bringing the total number of jobs in Georgia’s solar industry to about 2,600, the report found.

Source: Georgia’s solar industry adds jobs as PSC calls for more solar energy – SaportaReport

1/30/14—A Georgia state lawmaker on Tuesday introduced legislation that would encourage more solar power in the state by making the solar panel purchase process more like buying a car — allowing citizens to lease, rather than buy, solar panels for their homes.

Source: A Georgia Republican Is Working To Increase Access To Rooftop Solar Power | ThinkProgress

1/29/14—Amid the falling snow blocking the sun Tuesday, Rep. Mike Dudgeon introduced legislation designed to bring solar power to more homes and small businesses.

“Enabling free-market financing will spur growth in our state’s solar industry, attract investment from local, national and international companies, and create high-quality new jobs for Georgians,” said Jason Rooks of the Energy Industries group.

Source: Georgia bill would allow rooftop leasing for solar panels | Online Athens

1/28/14—Georgia property owners would be able to contract directly with solar energy installers to finance the installation of solar panels under legislation introduced in the General Assembly Tuesday.

The bill would let property owners lease solar panels instead of having to buy them with cash up front, said Georgia Rep. Mike Dudgeon, R-Johns Creek, the bill’s sponsor.

“We want to make it clear that you can use whatever financing is available to finance your solar panel,” Dudgeon said.

Source: Ga. Republican unveils solar bill – Atlanta Business Chronicle

In Georgia, solar advocates and conservative activists have been successfully garnering support for solar by promoting it as part of property rights. A big focus of the effort has been passing laws that let Georgia residents lease solar panels, which wasn’t allowed under a 1970 law. “Are New York bondholders more important than Georgia ratepayers? This is about free market. This is about property rights. It is about technology and innovation.”

Source: Eight Reasons Conservatives Should Love Renewables

12/28/13—Last week, Georgia solidified its place as a national solar energy leader.

In a display of bold, thoughtful leadership, the Georgia Public Service Commission dismissed a proposal to punitively tax solar customers. This action allows for the continued trend of Georgia homes and businesses choosing to harness solar technology’s homegrown energy supply.

Source: Commentary: Sun rising on solar energy in Georgia | savannahnow.com

11/20/13—In stark contrast to the situation in Arizona, Georgia Power customers with solar panels won’t be charged an extra monthly fee.Georgia Power, the largest subsidiary of Southern Co., made that decision this week, withdrawing a proposal that would have tacked on nearly $30 a month to their utility bills if they installed panels after Jan. 1, according to The Associated Press.

Source: Huge Victory for Solar Power in Georgia

11/20/13—“Once again, common sense – and overwhelming public support – have prevailed on the side of clean, affordable solar energy.  SEIA applauds the Georgia Public Service Commission and its staff for listening to the concerns of solar homeowners and business owners in Georgia, who would have been socked with an unfair and unwarranted fee on their utility bills.  To its credit, Georgia Power sensed an ever-growing opposition to the proposal and has withdrawn it.  We urge the Commission to formally accept this decision at its December 17 meeting.  Moving forward, we will continue our efforts to educate public officials as to the true market value of solar, and the benefits it provides to local economies, grid reliability, consumer choice and environmental quality.”

Source: SEIA Applauds Decision to Abandon New Solar Fee in Georgia | SEIA