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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 4 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Fairhope. 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 Fairhope, Alabama, requires choosing a solar installer that is properly certified, qualified and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve put together a list of the top solar panel companies in Fairhope.
Before selecting an installer, request referrals, evaluate potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in Fairhope or go with an established national brand.
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Fairhope homeowners to save an average of $1,900 per year.
The products from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Search for Fairhope solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer feedback on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible red flag.
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Fairhope, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price 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 alignment, shading, system size and labor. The price rises if you choose any extras like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
In Fairhope, solar panel installation costs approximately $20,933, according to data from NASA, the EIA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Putting in solar panels means sizable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the line.
In Fairhope, 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 influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Beyond cost savings, transitioning to solar power also decreases your carbon footprint and lowers 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.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Fairhope can qualify for several solar incentives. Certain are available across the state for all Alabama residents, and others differ by your city, utility company and municipality.
Accessible solar incentives for Alabama homeowners, as stated by 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. |
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a solar installation service provider.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't big enough, it could struggle to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Required permits and local or state regulations could impact your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Not every house gets the same amount of sun. Nearby trees, precipitation and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks sufficient sunlight, you may need more panels with increased wattage.
Many solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to prevent power loss during inclement weather. Adding battery storage might affect the overall expense.
Multiple solar panel varieties exist, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors affect pricing, the rate of panel replacement and space taken on your roof.
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.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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