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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 3 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Homewood. 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 Homewood, Alabama, requires hiring a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve assembled a list of the leading solar installers in Homewood.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate potential companies and get multiple quotes to determine the best company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Homewood or pick a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can lower your energy expenses in the long run by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy allows Homewood homeowners to save a yearly average of about $2,100.
Not every solar company has the same offerings. Before scheduling your solar panel installation, compare different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Vet Homewood solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible red flag.
Homewood and the nearby areas get plenty of sunlight, which allows homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for switching to solar power:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your sunlight availability, area, system size, shading, roof orientation and labor costs. Choosing extras such as solar trackers, animal guards or batteries will raise the overall cost.
According to statistics from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA the average expense to install solar panels in Homewood is $22,260.
While solar panel installation may be a substantial initial cost, you are positioned to see major savings on your electricity costs over time.
In Homewood, you can anticipate saving money once you've gone completely 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.
Adopting solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Homewood can qualify for several solar incentives. Certain are available across the state for all Alabama residents, and others differ by your utility company, city and municipality.
Available 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 |
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. |
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these important questions.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household needs, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Houses with higher energy demands often need bigger solar setups. If the system isn't big enough, it may fail 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 all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, rain 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 more wattage capacity.
To store additional energy, many panel systems include a solar battery. This feature is invaluable during storms and helps to prevent power loss. However, adding battery storage can result in higher setup expenses.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, design and life expectancy. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up 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.
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
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While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
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Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
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Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
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