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.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
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.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
100%
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.