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3 Best Solar Companies in Northport, AL

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated February 2024

Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Northport homes. Going solar can help cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. That’s why we’ve analyzed the options and assembled a guide to the most dependable solar providers in Northport. These top providers offer high-quality and reliable services.

Our Recommended Providers

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

Top 3 Best Solar Companies in Northport

Small Tech Solar

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

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Battery storage
Consultation

Eagle Solar & Light

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

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Battery storage
Consultation
Panel installation

Vulcan Solar Power, LLC

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

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Permit assistance
Consultation
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 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 help guarantee that the work is done correctly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Alabama issues licenses to solar contractors similarly to electricians. 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, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar providers. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a provider's integrity and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. The quotes should describe all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should include strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong warranties show that a company is confident in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

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

  • 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: Local power companies may offer additional rebates to encourage homeowners to adopt solar panels. Check the qualification criteria and rebate values with your local power company to find out what your savings could be.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels outright or finance payments over time with a loan or lease. Be sure to confirm key details like annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, fees, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Northport

The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the technology being used. The typical Northport solar array has a capacity of 9.0 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $3,490 per kilowatt; the average Northport homeowners spends about $21,928 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for things like the size, capacity, and panel type of the planned system, and should include fees for preliminary work, labor, and permit fees.

Northport 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 Northport, AL

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.

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

Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the environmental benefits and savings of solar energy without having to completely switch over.

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. Northport has extremely high daily sunlight levels, so you could recoup your investment in as little as 10.7 years per 5 kW of rated capacity.

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 where you could 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.

Of course. Solar panels are independent of the Northport grid and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Keep in mind, however, that a solar system without a storage system cannot keep you running through a nighttime outage. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.

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