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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 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Huntsville. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Huntsville, Alabama, you'll need to hire a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the best solar companies in Huntsville to help you choose the right one.
Prior to selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet potential companies and get multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Huntsville or use a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels require a big 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 allows Huntsville homeowners to save $830 on average each year.
The services from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
When researching Huntsville solar companies, look for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, in addition to a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should read through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Keep an eye out for repeated negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Regions with intermittent sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Huntsville, can still benefit from solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
Based on the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you select add-ons like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
In Huntsville, solar panel installation costs an average of $22,882, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
While solar panel installation might be a big initial cost, you are positioned to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
In Huntsville, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also shrinks 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.
Experts Ready to Help
There are a number of solar incentives open to homeowners in Huntsville. Specific programs are applicable to all Alabama residents, while others are based on your city, municipality and utility company.
Available 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 |
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. |
Before choosing a professional solar panel installation company, evaluate these key considerations.
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t large enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire home.
Your solar installation project might be subject to relevant 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.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rain and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with more wattage capacity.
To store additional energy, many panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature becomes critical when sunlight is scarce and helps to mitigate power loss. However, using battery storage may lead to increased installation costs.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. 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.
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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