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3 Best Solar Companies in Athens, AL

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated June 2024

Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Athens homes. Making the transition to solar energy can help you save money and shrink your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing installers, we assembled a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Athens. These installers consistently deliver excellent service.

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Top 3 Best Solar Companies in Athens

Advertisement This site receives compensation from some of the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. When you click "Get Quote," you will be connected with partners who may contact you with information related to your inquiry. This listing doesn't feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.

Solar Technology Alabama

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1206 Eva Rd, Eva, AL 35621 (256) 482-2063 solartechnologyalabama.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Off-grid solar systems
Panel installation
Grid-tied solar system

ACE, LLC SOLAR

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2335 Columbia Hwy, Pulaski, TN 38478 (931) 638-4639 acellcsolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Panel installation
Battery storage

Southern Solar Systems, Inc.

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11807 Memorial Pkwy SW, Huntsville, AL 35803 (256) 883-9848 southernsolarsys.com

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Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Permit assistance
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is reliable.

Check Licensing

Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Alabama certifies solar contractors with similar requirements to electricians. They must have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience and submit an application with the state's Electrical Contractors Board.

Read Customer Reviews

Check review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should describe all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the best option that fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee addresses any installation defects (such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar energy can help you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.

  • Look into utility rebates: Some energy providers may provide additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the eligibility criteria and rebate amounts offered by your local electric utility to determine your potential savings.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for total solar system costs until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels can be purchased upfront or financed over time through a loan or lease. Verify all terms when financing, including fees, annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, and ownership implications.

Cost of Solar Installation in Athens

The cost of solar panels varies based on your system's capacity and the solar technology being used. The typical Athens solar array has a capacity of 9.4 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $3,490 per kilowatt; the average Athens homeowners spends roughly $22,878 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for things like the panel type, capacity, and size of the planned system, and should include costs for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees.

Athens Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction

Incentive Amount:

100%

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: revenue.alabama.gov

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Athens, AL

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.

There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can save money, qualify for tax benefits, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.

It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. With the winter months in Alabama being very mild, you have a lengthy window to install your panels, though they won't achieve peak performance until summer arrives.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Athens, the average amount someone can save is $1,069 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.

The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel every three months. Your solar contractor might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.

While solar energy might not be the best option for some in wet or dark areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.

The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for Athens homes. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels a contractor offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

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