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4 Best Solar Companies in Forestdale, AL

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Rooftop solar energy is becoming increasingly popular for Forestdale homeowners. A new solar energy system can help you decrease your carbon footprint, provide a dependable source of power, and add value to your property. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a trustworthy installation company first. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar installers and put together a guide to the best solar companies in Forestdale. These reputable 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 4 Best Solar Companies in Forestdale

Eagle Solar & Light

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

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Solar panel upgrades
Consultation
Residential panels
Solar roof assessment

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

Battery storage
Consultation
Residential panels

Vulcan Solar Power, LLC

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

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Consultation
Commercial panels
Residential panels

Solar Technology Alabama

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

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Off-grid solar systems
Commercial panels
Battery storage
Residential 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 lower 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

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Alabama issues licenses to solar contractors with similar requirements to other electrical professionals. They must have at least 4 years of field experience and submit an application with the state's Electrical Contractors Board.

Read Customer Reviews

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

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact three to five solar companies for free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly explain all costs and specify the exact solar components included. Comparing multiple quotes helps identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

High-quality solar installations should come with robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor alignment, cracks in the panels, or poor wiring. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong guarantees reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Going solar can help reduce your energy expenses. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.

  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal solar tax credit on the full system cost is available through 2032. Many states also have incentives. These credits provide substantial savings for solar customers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra financial benefits to incentivize homeowners to go solar. Review the requirements to qualify and the rebate amounts with your local provider to figure out your potential savings.
  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed through leases or loans. Check important financing details such as annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and ownership implications when financing your solar system.

Cost of Solar Installation in Forestdale

The average Forestdale homeowner will spend around $22,260 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Forestdale cost roughly $3,490 per kilowatt, with an average size of 9.1 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor, and will account for your system's panel type, capacity, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Forestdale 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 Forestdale, AL

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system 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 panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

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

Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Forestdale amount to $2,053.

Your payback period is the time to earn a net profit from 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. Forestdale 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.

The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. A majority of solar contractors in the Forestdale area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.

Although solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.

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