Advertiser Disclosure
Our editorial team is committed to creating independent and objective content focused on helping our readers make informed decisions. To help support these efforts we receive compensation from companies that advertise with us.
The compensation we receive from these companies may impact how and where products appear on this site. This compensation does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides within our content. We do not include all companies, products or offers that may be available.
10 best solar companies in Madison, Alabama
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
Join more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Madison. 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 Madison, Alabama requires you to hire a solar installer with proper certification, skills and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Madison to help you choose the right installer.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, screen the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that is the best fit for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Madison or opt for an established national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a substantial initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Madison homeowners to save an average of $1,100 annually.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Prior to arranging your solar panel installation, weigh different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Find the top solar company for you in Madison
Vet Madison 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 respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look through past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Take note of frequent negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Southern Solar Systems, Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Technology Alabama
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
ACE, LLC SOLAR
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Dragon Scale Roofing & Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
LightWave Solar, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
- Informative resources
- Prompt service delivery
Green Wave Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Eagle Solar & Light
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Scenic City Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Carbon Recall Chattanooga
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
Small Tech Solar
Roofing & Solar Sales
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Madison?
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Madison, can still use solar power. The major reasons to adopt solar energy are:
- Charge an electric vehicle: Solar energy gives you the ability to charge electric cars at your house. Utilizing your own power is the optimal way to ensure your electric vehicle uses renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help decrease your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems create power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar lowers your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Madison
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 Madison?
According to the results of our survey performed in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The cost increases if you pick any add-ons like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
According to numbers from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA, solar panel installation in Madison has an average cost of $22,956.
How much can you save by going solar in Madison?
While solar panel installation may be a substantial initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
Money savings in Madison from going solar
Homeowners in Madison who transition fully to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in Madison is around 21 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), the EIA and NASA.
- Annual solar savings in Madison: Homeowners in Madison typically save an average of $1,093 per year by utilizing solar energy, based on our calculations using data from the EIA, NASA and the Department of Energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: According to data we've compiled from the EIA and NASA, by switching fully to solar, you can expect to see a total savings of around $11,206 after 25 years.
Energy savings in Madison 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 projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 15 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 375 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Madison?
Homeowners in Madison can enjoy several solar incentives. A few are available statewide for all Alabama residents, and others are based on your utility company, municipality and city.
Here are solar incentives available to Alabama residents, as listed by 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 Madison solar installer?
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these important questions.
What size system do you need?
The size of your system relies 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.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to obtain the 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. Tree coverage, precipitation 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.
Do you need a solar battery?
Several solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries store extra energy, which can be crucial for ensuring continuous power in bad weather. Opting for battery storage could raise the overall expense.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only affect the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of 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.
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.
More on this topic...
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.
solarMay 16
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.
solarMay 15
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarApr. 16
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27