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5 best solar companies in Opelika, 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 5 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Opelika. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To complete a high-quality solar panel installation in Opelika, Alabama, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've assembled a list of the top solar companies in Opelika to help you choose the right one.
Prior to choosing an installer, ask others for recommendations, evaluate potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the right company for you. You can choose a local Opelika solar company or select a reputable national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy allows Opelika homeowners to save an average of $1,900 every year.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Make sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Opelika
Search for Opelika solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to learn about other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
Big Peach Solar Systems
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Better Tomorrow Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar Sale USA
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
Hannah Solar
Services offered
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- Clear pricing policy
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Opelika?
The Opelika region gets plenty of sunlight, which is great for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons to go solar:
- Reduce environmental impact: Going with solar panels lowers your carbon footprint by saving fossil fuels that would otherwise be used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), power generation ranks among the top contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You have the ability to power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the greatest assurance that your electric car is operating on clean, renewable energy.
- Save on energy bills: Going with solar energy enables you to lower your electricity bills. The power generated by solar panels substitutes for electricity that would otherwise be purchased from utility providers.
Facts about Opelika
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 Opelika?
Per a survey we carried out in October 2023, the average cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system dimensions and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
Based on statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the mean cost to install solar panels in Opelika is $21,715.
How much can you save by going solar in Opelika?
Solar panel installation is a major initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills over time.
Money savings in Opelika from going solar
In Opelika, you can expect to save money once you've fully switched to solar. But it takes time to recover the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recoup its initial cost. The payback period in Opelika is around 11 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 Opelika: Based on numbers that leverage data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA, Opelika homeowners save around $1,943 annually with solar energy.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from the EIA and NASA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can expect to save around $33,329 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Opelika from going solar
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 achievable by going solar.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 89 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 2225 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Opelika?
Multiple solar incentives are available to Opelika homeowners. Various programs are offered to all Alabama residents, though others differ by 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 |
Loan Program Alabama Power - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program | Varies, up to 100% of project cost for qualifying customers |
Rebate Program Dixie Electric Cooperative - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Contact member services representative |
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 Opelika solar installer?
Before choosing a solar panel installation expert, go over these important questions.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and will potentially require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local rules. You must get proper permits through your local building department and arrange for an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes have the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rainfall and harsh weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. The extra battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed 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.
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