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3 best solar companies in Alabaster, Alabama
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 3 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Alabaster. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To get a high-quality solar panel installation in Alabaster, Alabama, you'll need a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in Alabaster to help you select the right one.
Before settling on an installer, request recommendations from others, vet the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Alabaster or pick a leading national brand.
While solar panels call for a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy enables Alabaster homeowners to save $2,000 on average each year.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Ahead of arranging your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get quotes from each.
Find the top solar company for you in Alabaster
Look for Alabaster solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a positive rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for frequent negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Small Tech Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Eagle Solar & Light
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Technology Alabama
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Alabaster?
Even areas with changing sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Alabaster, can still use solar panels. Major reasons to consider solar are:
- Save on energy bills: Switching to solar enables you to cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels replaces the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be needed to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Leveraging your own power is the ideal way to make sure your electric vehicle operates on renewable energy.
Facts about Alabaster
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alabaster?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the median national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels depends on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost goes up if you select any add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
In Alabaster, solar panel installation costs approximately $22,070, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
How much can you save by going solar in Alabaster?
While solar panel installation might be a big initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Alabaster from going solar
In Alabaster, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period refers to how long it takes a solar panel system to earn back its initial investment through energy savings. According to our analysis using data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Alabaster's average payback period for solar is 11 years.
- Annual solar savings in Alabaster: Homeowners in Alabaster typically save around $2,004 per year by utilizing solar energy, based on our analysis using data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can expect to save $34,602 after going fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
Energy savings in Alabaster from going solar
Beyond cost savings, changing to solar power also lessens your carbon footprint and minimizes your environmental impact. Provided below are the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from solar energy, as determined by our analysis of data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 88 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2200 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Alabaster?
Alabaster homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Certain programs are offered statewide to all Alabama residents, and others depend on city, municipality and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives to Alabama homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Personal Tax Deduction Wood-Burning Heating System Deduction | 100% |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Faclities | See Website |
Loan Program Alabama Power - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program | Varies, up to 100% of project cost for qualifying customers |
Rebate Program Central Alabama Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Water Heater: $235 - $375 Dual Fuel or Mini-Split Heat pumps: $300- $350/ton Converting furnace to heat pump in new manufactured homes: $400-$700 Converting furnace to heat pump in existing manufactured homes: $400/ton |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Alabaster solar installer?
Take time to evaluate these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you is based on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't large enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local rules. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sun. Trees, rainfall and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This proves particularly beneficial when you're trying to prevent power loss during storms. The extra battery storage might bump up the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You have options among solar panel types, as they differ in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These elements influence cost, when you'll need to swap panels and space used on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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