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10 best solar companies in Athens, 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 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Athens. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Athens, Alabama, requires you to hire a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've assembled a list of the leading solar companies in Athens.
Before choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and obtain multiple quotes to find the right company for your needs. You can find a local solar company in Athens or pick an established national brand.
While solar panels are a major upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), changing to solar energy allows Athens homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Various solar companies provide different services. Make sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Athens
Vet Athens solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be wary if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
ACE, LLC SOLAR
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Southern Solar Systems, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Technology Alabama
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Dragon Scale Roofing & Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
LightWave Solar, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
- Prompt service delivery
ReNew Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Green Wave Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Cashville Solar Solutions
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Eagle Solar & Light
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
JTE Solar Inc
Services offered
Highlights
- Prompt service delivery
- Reliable customer support
- Informative resources
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
Scenic City Solar
Small Tech Solar
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Athens?
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with increased rain or clouds like Athens, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to go solar include these:
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can fuel electric vehicles using solar power at home. This is the best way to ensure your electric vehicle is powered by renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to cut your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Going solar shrinks your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Athens
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 Athens?
According to the results of our survey done in October 2023, the median cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Drawing from data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA, installing solar panels in Athens typically costs $22,878.
How much can you save by going solar in Athens?
Solar panel installation is a substantial initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills after some time.
Money savings in Athens from going solar
After fully switching to solar power, Athens homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for achieving returns on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the length of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which utilize data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA, Athens' standard solar payback period is 21 years.
- Annual solar savings in Athens: Homeowners in Athens typically save around $1,069 per year by using solar energy, based on our findings using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Over 25 years, you can potentially save $10,677 after transitioning fully to solar, according to our calculations based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and NASA.
Energy savings in Athens from going solar
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Athens?
Athens homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Specific programs are available statewide to all Alabama residents, while others depend on utility company, municipality and city.
The following solar incentives are accessible to Alabama residents, according to DSIRE:
| 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 |
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 Athens solar installer?
Take time to consider these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar installation project could be subject to applicable codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to apply for the required permits from your local building department, as well as schedule an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Nearby trees, rain conditions and severe 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?
To store additional energy, many panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature becomes critical in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, using battery storage could increase overall installation expenses.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up 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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