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3 Best Solar Companies in Calera, AL

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for homeowners in Calera. A solar panel array can help you decrease your carbon footprint, provide a dependable source of power, and add value to your property. Adopting solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and compiled a guide to the best solar companies in Calera. These trusted providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.

Our Recommended Providers

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

Top 3 Best Solar Companies in Calera

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

Commercial panels
Consultation
Residential panels
Permit assistance

Small Tech Solar

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

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Consultation
Battery storage
Residential panels

Eagle Solar & Light

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

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Solar roof assessment
Solar panel upgrades
Residential panels
Consultation
Commercial panels
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 reduce electricity costs and help the planet 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 ensures that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Alabama licenses solar contractors with similar requirements to other electrical professionals. They must have a minimum of 4 years of in-the-field experience and file an application with the state's Electrical Contractors Board.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be wary of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation problems such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance warranty promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.

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.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs is available through 2032. Many states also offer incentives. These credits provide substantial savings for solar customers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed over time through loans or leases. Confirm all terms when financing, including annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and ownership implications.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Check the qualification criteria and rebate values with your local electric company to determine what you could save.

Cost of Solar Installation in Calera

In Calera, solar panels cost an average of $3,490 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 9.0 kilowatts. The typical Calera homeowner spends $21,932 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will consider additional information reflecting your desired system's required preliminary work, panel type, size, and capacity. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Calera Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction

Incentive Amount:

100%

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Website: revenue.alabama.gov

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: caec.coop

Incentive Amount:

Water Heater: $235 - $375
Dual Fuel or Mini-Split Heat pumps: $300- $350/ton
Converting furnace to heat pump in new manufactured homes: $400-$700
Converting furnace to heat pump in existing manufactured homes: $400/ton

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 Calera, AL

A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar heating system for your water.

With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

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 Calera, the average amount someone can save is $2,039 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.

Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, the average sunlight in your area, and their rated capacity. Calera has extremely high daily sunlight levels, so you could recoup your investment in as little as 10.8 years per 5 kW of rated capacity.

Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can sell the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.

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

Solar panels are becoming more popular for their high efficiency and low maintenance costs. Depending on how much sunlight your property receives, you may find they're the best performing source of renewable energy compared to others.

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