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3 best solar companies in Birmingham, 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 Birmingham. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Birmingham, Alabama requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Birmingham to help you choose the perfect installer.
Before settling on an installer, ask others for suggestions, screen the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Birmingham or pick an established national brand.
Although solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy enables Birmingham homeowners to save about $2,000 per year.
Solar companies do not all provide identical services and products. You should compare different companies and ask for quotes before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Birmingham
Seek out Birmingham solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so make a note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Eagle Solar & Light
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Small Tech Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Technology Alabama
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Birmingham?
Birmingham and the nearby regions have plenty of sunshine, which allows homeowners to get the most out of solar energy. The biggest reasons to start using solar power are these:
- Save on energy bills: Moving to solar enables you to lower your energy bills. Electricity from solar panels works in place of the utility-supplied power you'd normally buy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Transitioning to solar lowers your carbon footprint by preserving fossil fuels that would otherwise be utilized to power your house. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that generating electricity is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is fueled by clean, renewable energy.
Facts about Birmingham
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 Birmingham?
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels differs based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
According to data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, installing solar panels in Birmingham typically costs $22,165.
How much can you save by going solar in Birmingham?
Putting in solar panels calls for considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Birmingham from going solar
In Birmingham, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage impact how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Birmingham's standard solar payback period is 11 years.
- Annual solar savings in Birmingham: Birmingham homeowners can expect to save around $2,004 per year on average by switching to solar power, according to our analysis of data from the Department of Energy, the EIA and NASA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by transitioning fully to solar, you can plan to see a total savings of around $34,539 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Birmingham from going solar
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated 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 Birmingham?
There are several solar incentives open to homeowners in Birmingham. Specific programs extend to all Alabama residents, while others are dependent on your utility company, municipality and city.
Accessible solar incentives for 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 |
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 Birmingham solar installer?
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these key considerations.
What size system do you need?
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't expansive enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. 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 sunlight. Trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems include a battery. Solar batteries store extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to prevent power loss when there's no sunshine. Installing battery storage could raise the installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are several solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and roof space requirements.
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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