Top Solar Companies in Alabama

We, SolarPowerSystems.org, are here to assist you in comparing your available choices and locating the most advantageous offer if you have been considering going solar in Alabama but are unsure how to get started.

For the purpose of selecting our best selections for Alabama, we evaluated well-known solar providers based on ratings and reviews, the variety of equipment available, warranties, and availability, among other considerations. Additional detailed information on our methods may also be found here SolarPowerSystems.org articles.

Ready to switch to solar and start saving on your energy bills? Get free solar quotes from the top-rated companies in Alabama today! Simply fill out our quick form to receive personalized quotes and find the best solar solution for your home. Don’t wait — take the first step toward a greener, more affordable future now!

It’s crucial to know if installing a solar power system in Alabama is worthwhile before making the major investment since the payback periods for solar power systems may range from 5 to 20 years approximately, depending on your location and the size of the system you choose and many more factors. To get more insight, peruse our all-inclusive article, which certainly will give you the answer to the question “Is it worth going solar in Alabama?”

The Solar Landscape in Alabama

It is estimated that the state of Alabama experiences an annual temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit on average. It is also classed as a humid subtropical climate, much like the majority of states that are located below the Mason-Dixon Line. As a result of the state’s average annual sunlight count of 213 days, Alabama is one of the best locations for the production of solar electricity. Because of these factors, it is one of the hottest states in the United States (with the exception of Hawaii), which means that it receives a lot of sunlight throughout the year. Due to this, the conditions are perfect for installing solar panels.

Going solar in Alabama offers many benefits to citizens, making it a desirable alternative for both companies and households. Lower power costs result in money savings, which is one of the biggest benefits. Installers of solar panels could qualify for national and state subsidies.

In addition, the state of Alabama offers a number of loan schemes tailored expressly for renewable energy projects, such as solar system installation. If individuals take advantage of these unique opportunities, they can save money while also investing in environmentally friendly technology that is beneficial to both themselves and the environment as a whole.

In accordance with Alabama solar power laws, homeowners may lease the roof space on their residential properties as long as they first get permission from the local zoning boards. County commissioners must also approve any rooftop leasing agreements for commercial structures before they can become official. This reasonably simple procedure guarantees proper rooftop usage without violating local aesthetic requirements or safety rules.

In Alabama, the decision to go solar is influenced by a variety of factors. From reducing electricity costs to decreasing environmental impact and achieving energy independence, individuals have both financial and personal motivations for embracing solar energy.

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Installation Process and What to Expect

Depending on the state, the legislation and regulations that pertain to the installation of solar panels might vary quite significantly. Before putting solar panels on their land, homeowners in Alabama are required to secure the necessary permissions. As part of the procedure, you will be required to submit an application along with supporting papers, which may include designs and drawings of the proposed system. In the event that permits are necessary, any work that involves electrical wiring or connections between buildings and the main power grid may also be subject to license requirements. In some municipalities in the state of Alabama, obtaining extra zoning permissions is necessary before construction may commence on a residential property that will be equipped with solar panels.

It is essential to investigate the tax advantages that are made available by the state government. These tax solar incentives in Alabama include rebates and credits, which have the potential to drastically lower the expenses connected with the purchase and installation of solar panels, making them more affordable over time. Homeowners may maximize the return on their investment (ROI) by selling surplus power back into the grid during peak production hours throughout the year if they have a thorough understanding of net-metering rules at both the local and statewide levels.

The financial choices you make about installing solar panels may also significantly affect the ROI and your eligibility for Alabama solar incentives. Thus, in order to get the most out of your solar system and optimize your savings, it’s imperative that you thoroughly analyze your financing alternatives. One way to become an owner is by financing through a solar loan; third-party ownership (TPO) possibilities include PPAs and solar leases. Additionally, if you want to buy your panels entirely with cash, no financing or payment plan is required. Although financing alternatives are often provided by Alabama solar installers, consumers are also free to look for their own financing via banks, credit unions, and other organizations.

The installation process starts after your local government agency gives its clearance. Ordering the panels and getting the roof ready are two things that often take up to a week during installation. The majority of solar panel installations may be completed in one or two days, depending on the project’s size. The construction team installs mounting equipment and wiring early thing on the day of installation. Subsequently, the solar panels are installed and linked to the electrical system.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Solar Company in Alabama

When searching for companies that install solar panels, it’s important to look for the following essential characteristics and advantages to narrow down your choices.

Quality and Efficiency of Solar Panels

Solar panel technologies come in a variety of forms, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels, among others. The rates of efficiency and the expenses associated with each kind are different.

Solar panel operating efficiency is dependent on a wide variety of external circumstances when it is used in the real world. All of these different aspects, depending on the local climatic circumstances, have the potential to lower the efficiency of the panels and the overall performance of the system. A list of the primary elements that influence the efficiency of solar panels is shown below:

• Solar Irradiance (W/m2)
• Shading
• Panel orientation
• Temperature
• Location (latitude)
• Time of year
• Dust and dirt

For solar systems to survive for an extended period of time, high-quality solar components are required. The solar system should be constructed using components that are long-lasting, including the panels and the inverters. When it comes to installation, a dependable provider will often make use of high-quality equipment. The conclusion is that if a company is already checking off all of your boxes, then it will most likely also check off this one.

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Licensing, Insurance, and Credentials

Make certain that the contractor you hire is knowledgeable and experienced in solar panel installation in Alabama. After you have obtained the names and phone numbers of previous customers, you should get in contact with them once again. Determine the number of solar systems that the contractor has installed before, as well as the length of time that they have been installing systems. Make a request for paperwork that demonstrates the contractor is protected by workers’ compensation and liability insurance. When it comes to your defense, the contractor’s liability insurance will be of great assistance.

The most common types of licenses for solar systems are those for general contracting, electrical (C-10), home improvement, and home performance contractors. Furthermore, solar installers in Alabama are required to own general liability insurance and meet the OSHA certification requirements.

The best national standard certification program is the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), which is also where the best solar installers are certified. Don’t overlook it. Verify evaluations of solar-related businesses, especially those that aren’t accredited by NABCEP.

Despite the rarity of NABCEP certification among sales consultants, the team should always have a minimum of one fully certified technician. Use experience if NABCEP certification is not available. Certification by NABCEP is not necessarily necessary.

Warranty and After-Sales Service

As a general rule, the solar panel business offers a limited warranty that lasts for 25 years. Not only does this entail fixing the panels, but it also covers replacing components that fail due to faults in installation or problems in the manufacture. Nevertheless, use caution since not all warranties are as generous as others. One kind of insurance just covers the cost of replacement components, which means that the homeowner is responsible for paying the repair personnel. There are others that guarantee certain parts of the system for shorter periods of time. An example of this would be a corporation that guarantees the performance of panels for a period of twenty-five years but only guarantees the inverter for half of that quantity of time.

Over time, homeowners should also account for the guarantees of upkeep and repairs. With proper maintenance, solar panels may last up to 25 years, but because of environmental factors like wind and rain damage, they will sometimes need new components and frequent cleaning.

Costs and Financing Options

Homeowners may generate their own electricity and reduce their electricity costs by using solar finance, which allows them to pay for their solar energy systems over time.

The price of solar panels varies according to a number of variables, including your state, the installer, the type of panels, any subsidies, and your financing options. It’s useful to think about the system’s size in terms of its energy capacity, which is expressed in watts (W), while talking about solar panel cost in Alabama.

According to SolarReviews, in Alabama, solar panels typically cost $2.45 per watt as of June 2024. This means that a 6000-watt (6 kW) solar system would cost $10,290 once the 30% federal solar tax credit is taken advantage of. This is less expensive than the $3.00 per watt average price of home solar power systems in the US right now.

However, you should only consider this cost if you want to purchase your solar energy system. To calculate the cost of solar panels in Alabama, you will need to apply different equations, whether you are interested in a power purchase agreement or a solar lease. Additionally, you won’t qualify for the federal Alabama solar tax credit. More details about these payment methods may be found below:

• Cash Purchase

Invest in and take full ownership of your solar array. There are tax credits, incentives and Alabama solar rebates that you could be eligible for.

• Loan

You may purchase your solar array by taking out a loan. There are tax credits and incentives that you could be eligible for.

• Lease

The solar array may be rented from the given firm. It is quite unlikely that you will be eligible for tax credits and incentives since you will not own the system.

• Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

The electricity that is produced by the solar array should be purchased. It is quite unlikely that you will be eligible for tax credits and incentives since you will not own the system.

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Even the most impressive credentials and background won’t matter if the business doesn’t serve its clients correctly. Look for user reviews on Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, and Energysage websites. If you discover very few or none at all, get in touch with the business and request references. Almost every solar company has a phone line for customer support, and many of them also offer an emergency number for calls made after business hours. A few more give online chat or email consultations, while others provide interactive troubleshooting to assist homeowners in identifying issues and scheduling repairs, if necessary. In most circumstances, a company’s customer satisfaction level increases with the number of alternatives it gives.

Make a note of the overall impressions you receive from the reviews you locate in your document. This will help you recall the issues you should bring up with a firm before moving forward.

Get a Solar Quote

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Installing solar power equipment is a smart move and a significant accomplishment. Even if there are a lot of potential benefits, it’s important to take your time and carefully weigh your alternatives to get a personal solar quote.

Some solar suppliers rush to offer a one-size-fits-all solar system without inspecting the property to seem fast. While these rates may seem appealing at first, homebuyers will rapidly learn that merely providing a basic price takes out important facts they need to make a selection.

Gather the following data to ensure that your solar quotes are as precise as possible:

• Which kind of solar system is required?

Off-grid, hybrid, or on-grid.

• What date would you want the solar system installed?

You need to have a general notion of the time you want the installation to begin.

• What is your daily power consumption?

This data should be shown at the top of your most recent energy statement, either as your predicted yearly use or as your average monthly consumption.

• How is your property set up?

Giving the provider details about your property, such as the number of levels, age, and kind of roof, can assist them in determining the optimum arrangement for your house.

• Who provides you with energy now?

Having your most current quarterly electricity bill on hand is also rather convenient.

• How would you want your solar system to be paid for? A one-time payment or monthly installments?
• Your contact information.

The property address, email address, and phone number.

You may confidently transition to a sustainable energy future when you have a reliable customized solar quote in your possession. It’s crucial to remember that what works well for one homeowner may not be the ideal option for another.

Solar Technology Alabama

Founded in 2008, Solar Technology Alabama is an Alabama-based company that offers affordable solar energy products and services. The owner-run business serves people and businesses in Alabama’s cities and rural areas.

Solar Technology Alabama manages the installation process from design to completion as a full-service installer. The company is an authorized dealer of top solar brands and a member of the American Solar Energy Society. Solar Technology Alabama offers excellent ratings for amiable service and reliable knowledge, and it gets its clients from recommendations from the community.

Service offered:

• Custom-Made Solar Panels: Solar Technology Alabama offers high-quality solar panels designed and engineered to suit the energy needs of each business and household.
• Solar Water Heaters: Systems for solar water heating are offered by Solar Technology Alabama.
• Grid-Tied Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: the company provides highly efficient non-battery PV systems for power storage.
• Installations & Maintenance: Solar Technology Alabama provides continuous maintenance and assistance in addition to expert solar energy system installation.
• Continuous Upkeep.

Additionally, the company has its educational YouTube channel, “idosolar”, which prospective customers may visit in order to make knowledgeable decisions when considering a switch to solar energy, learn about solar energy products and how they work. The company’s credibility is confirmed by the positive Google Reviews it has gotten for dependable customer service and the ease with which maintenance inquiries can be addressed to Solar Technology Alabama.

While the solar panel company has many strengths, there are notable drawbacks. The website lacks detailed information, particularly regarding warranty policies, financing options, and the referral program. Customers need clear warranty details to make informed decisions, and the limited information on financing options may deter potential buyers. Additionally, the referral program lacks sufficient details to effectively encourage word-of-mouth marketing. Addressing these issues could significantly enhance customer experience and trust.

GO Solar Power

Go Solar Power is a full-service solar power solutions provider headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. The company has experience with both business and residential solar energy systems.

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The firm’s parent company, Service Experts, is the nation’s biggest installer of HVAC and hot water heater systems. As a result, Go Solar Power offers a comprehensive range of solar services:

• Air conditioning
• Hot water systems
• EV chargers
• Storage with Tesla Powerwalls
• Air conditioning
• Solar pergola

Go Solar Power is a division of Brookfield Infrastructure Partners, an established leader in the worldwide energy infrastructure market.

As a Premier Certified Tesla Installer and an Enphase Platinum Installer, Go Solar Power adheres to high installation standards.

The company uses rigid panels (with a 12-year workmanship warranty and 25-year power output warranty) and flex panels (with a 2-year workmanship warranty and 5-year power output warranty). Their solar controllers come with a 5-year warranty.

Go Solar Power offers the “Go Solar Safeguard Program”, it is a Scomprehensive protection for your solar system. The program includes on-site evaluations by technicians, system performance monitoring with annual production reports, and continuous system monitoring to detect any issues. Additionally, customers receive dedicated service support for all their solar system needs, ensuring peace of mind and optimal system performance.

It would be advisable for the company to give more detailed information about financing options. Go Solar Power recommends national solar loan providers, but it remains unclear for customers if they offer other options, like leasing and PPAs. We recommend contacting the company directly for more information.

Vulcan Solar Power

Another worthy solar company offered is Vulcan Solar Power, LLC, which is based in Birmingham, Alabama. As a certified general contractor, VSP (Vulcan Solar Power) offers full-service system design, permits, installation, and connections. It also provides free consultations, system designs, and quotes, as well as site evaluation for the final setup.

solarpowersystems.org

The firm offers complete solar systems for residential, commercial, non-profit, and utility-scale projects installed by NABCEP-certified experts. Three service categories with various advantages are provided by Vulcan Solar Power:

• Grid-Tied Solar System
• Off-Grid Solar System
• Hybrid Solar System

Vulcan Solar Power has a great website that is very easy for everyone to understand and use. They give free prices and cost predictions. You can easily get in touch with them by phone, email, or the form on their website. They are said to be very quick, friendly, and easy to work with.

Their past customers are pleased with the work they’ve done for them, which says a lot about Vulcan Solar Power.

Most Alabama solar power companies develop and maintain relationships with solar manufacturers. Whether the solar installation company becomes an authorized dealer or a preferred partner, this relationship is crucial for the consumer. Unfortunately, there’s not enough highlighted information on the company’s website about brands with which VSP cooperates.

Eagle Solar & Light

Eagle Solar and Light is a multi-state solar panel and LED lighting installation company that primarily serves five states, including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, and Alabama. In the state of Alabama, Eagle Solar And Light offers its services to about one hundred percent of the state. They provide services to a number of cities, including Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville.

solarpowersystems.org

The organization provides solar and energy storage systems that are completely turnkey for customers in the commercial, residential, and charitable sectors. The installation process is handled by Eagle Solar and Light from beginning to end. Following a free consultation, a representative will evaluate the property and assist you in reaching an agreement. Additionally, they will communicate with your utility company and local authorities to manage the necessary permits and building permissions at the same time.

The installer is a qualified REC Solar Professional Installer, which makes them one of the few in the southeast region of the United States to have this certification. Eagle Solar and Light is also qualified to install Tesla Powerwall battery systems.

There are a few significant issues with the solar panel company. To begin, they only provide a few solar services, which might be an issue for people who want complete answers for their solar energy needs. Second, the business doesn’t offer PPAs or leasing. Customers who don’t want to make a big investment upfront and would rather pay for the energy their system produces over time may find it hard to get credit that fits their needs. If these problems are fixed, the business might attract more types of buyers.

Small Tech Solar

With a combined experience of eighty years in the area of electrical engineering, Small Tech Solar provides a mechanical background together with technology skills in order to provide customers with a comprehensive design and sales capabilities. The primary focus of Small Tech Solar is to provide electrical services for renewable energy projects.

Additionally, the installer concentrates on many elements of residential and light-commercial energy backup, with a particular emphasis on Off-Grid Solar Design and installation.

• Solar Panels: They install intelligent solar panel systems that capture free energy from the sun. These systems can offset energy bills and qualify for federal tax credits.
• Battery Backup: Small Tech Solar offers lithium battery backup systems, ensuring that your lights won’t go out during power outages.
• Automatic Generators: They also provide gas-powered automatic generators for additional peace of mind.
• Electric Vehicle (EV) Wall Chargers: If you have an electric vehicle, they can install EV wall chargers for convenient charging at home.

Despite being locally owned and trustworthy and offering many solar and additional services, the company has a notable shortcoming. The company’s website lacks basic yet crucial information, such as the date of establishment, licenses, certifications, and warranty details. This lack of transparency can be frustrating for potential customers who need this information to make informed decisions. Providing these details would greatly enhance the company’s credibility and customer trust.

Sunset Summary in Alabama

People choose to use solar power in Alabama for a number of reasons, including caring about the environment, wanting to be energy independent, and wanting to lower their electricity costs.

Having answered the crucial consumer question, “ Are solar panels worth it in Alabama?” we can say with confidence that — “YES”! Many solar panel companies in Alabama offer a wide range of services, from basic solar installations to additional electrical, roofing, storage, and EV solutions. To help you switch to solar quickly and easily, we at SolarPowerSystems.org have researched these installers. Here’s a short summary recap of each, described in this article above.

• Solar Technology Alabama offers affordable solar energy products and services, managing installations from design to completion. They provide custom-made solar panels, solar water heaters, and grid-tied PV systems, along with continuous maintenance and customer support. The company is known for its friendly service and reliable expertise, supported by positive community referrals and a helpful YouTube channel. However, the website lacks detailed information on warranty policies, financing options, and referral programs, which could improve customer experience and trust.
• Vulcan Solar Power is a trustworthy company, as shown by the company’s website and other business websites. People say that the managers are nice and honest, the team is professional and works quickly, and the work and materials are as good as they say they are. In addition, they have a lot of qualifications and a resume full of well-known clients, which makes them look even better.
• Go Solar Power provides comprehensive solar solutions for both residential and commercial clients. As a Premier Certified Tesla Installer and Enphase Platinum Installer, they offer services, including air conditioning, hot water systems, EV chargers, and solar pergolas. They also provide a detailed “Go Solar Safeguard Program” for system protection and maintenance. However, the company’s website could benefit from more detailed information about financing options beyond recommending national solar loan providers.
• Eagle Solar & Light operates across five states, including Alabama, offering turnkey solar and energy storage systems for commercial, residential, and charitable sectors. They handle everything from initial consultation to installation and permit management. They are a qualified REC Solar Professional Installer and certified to install Tesla Powerwall battery systems. However, they offer limited solar services and do not provide PPAs or leasing options, which may restrict accessibility for some customers.
• Small Tech Solar boasts a combined 80 years of experience in electrical engineering, offering a robust mix of mechanical and technological skills. They specialize in renewable energy electrical services and focus on off-grid solar design and installation. They provide intelligent solar panel systems, lithium battery backups, gas-powered generators, and EV wall chargers. However, their website lacks essential information such as the date of establishment, licenses, certifications, and warranty details, which could enhance transparency and customer trust.

Stay informed on the latest solar information and news by visiting SolarPowerSystems.org. Feel free to explore our site for comprehensive updates and insights. Don’t forget to get solar quotes to ensure your choice of solar installer is customized, comfortable, and the perfect fit for your needs. Making the switch to green energy has never been easier or more sustainable!