Georgia Power starts consumer site on solar energy

ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Power has launched a new consumer website as part of the company's solar energy initiatives. The site, found at www.georgiapower.com/solar, is intended to help business and residential consumers decide whether solar energy is "right for them," according to the company's Wednesday announcement.

The site explains how solar power works and features a calculator to help consumers estimate their potential annual savings. Georgia Power, a Southern Co. division, does not actually sell or endorse specific solar panel systems.

The site tells visitors that solar energy systems costs between $2,000 and $8,000 per kilowatt. The average home might use a 3 or 4 kilowatt system, depending on the occupants' needs.

Georgia residents can qualify for partial credits on their state and federal income taxes after buying solar panel systems.