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4 Best Solar Companies in Birmingham, AL

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Every year, more Birmingham homeowners use rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and add value to their property. Solar power can cut your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a trustworthy solar installer. That’s why, after conducting thorough research on providers, we compiled a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Birmingham. These installers consistently deliver dependable quality service.

Our Recommended Providers

Top Pick
4.7/5
  • High-quality Maxeon solar panels
  • Nearly 30 years in business
  • Great customer service

Top 4 Best Solar Companies in Birmingham

Eagle Solar & Light

Eagle Solar & Light Logo

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4005 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 (800) 982-0808 eaglesolarandlight.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Battery storage
Panel installation
Consultation

Small Tech Solar

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2534 Mountain Cove, Hoover, AL 35226 (205) 862-9610 smalltechsolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation
Battery storage

Vulcan Solar Power, LLC

Vulcan Solar Power, LLC Logo

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3433 Lorna Ln, Birmingham, AL 35216 (205) 679-8666 vulcansolarpower.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation
Permit assistance

Solar Technology Alabama

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

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

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

Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. Alabama issues licenses to solar contractors with similar requirements to other electrical professionals. They must have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience and file an application with the state's Electrical Contractors Board.

Read Customer Reviews

Check Google Reviews, TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar installers. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you assess a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Be wary of companies with few or mainly poor reviews.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies for free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and list the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the best value based on your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Top-notch solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive guarantees indicate that a solar company believes in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Switching to solar power can help lower your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed through loans or leases. Confirm important financing details such as fees, annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, and ownership implications when financing your solar system.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states also provide incentives. These credits can lead to substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: More financial incentives might be available from utility companies looking to encourage homeowners to switch to solar power. Contact your local utility provider to find out rebate values and eligibility rules, so you can calculate your possible savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in Birmingham

The average Birmingham homeowner will spend around $22,165 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Birmingham cost roughly $3,490 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 9.1 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees, and will account for your system's panel type, capacity, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.

Birmingham Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction

Incentive Amount:

100%

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: revenue.alabama.gov

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: alabamapower.com

Incentive Amount:

Varies, up to 100% of project cost for qualifying customers

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 Birmingham, AL

A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar water heating system.

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

It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. With the winter months in Alabama being very mild, you have significant leeway to install your panels, though they won't reach peak performance until summer arrives.

Absolutely. The grid in Birmingham already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.

Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease 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 Birmingham, the average amount someone can save is $2,004 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.

Yes, solar panels can still provide you with energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system will keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.

Solar energy is on par with other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.

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