Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Opelika homes. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and shrink your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a reputable solar installer. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing installers, we put together a guide to the most trusted solar companies in Opelika. These providers offer dependable quality service.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
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 key factors to consider when determining whether a solar installer is reliable.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. Alabama issues licenses to solar contractors with similar requirements to electricians. They must have at least 4 years of relevant experience and apply with the state's Electrical Contractors Board.
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 trustworthiness and customer service. Avoid companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. A quote should list all costs and identify the solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The performance warranty promises a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Solar energy can help lower your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
The average Opelika homeowner will spend around $21,715 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Opelika cost roughly $3,490 per kilowatt, with an average size of 8.9 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for labor, permit fees, and preliminary work, and will account for your system's capacity, panel type, and size. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
100%
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, save money, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also offer you further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
Absolutely. Opelika uses an even mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will lower your home's emissions and provide cost savings, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.
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 Opelika amount to $1,943.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. In perennially-sunny Opelika, you could make enough from your solar panels to recoup your investment in 11.2 years per 5 kW of rated capacity at maximum.
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. Full-service solar contractors in the Opelika area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
Net metering is a power purchasing policy that allows solar energy system owners to be compensated for the amount of energy they put back into the grid. It's available in most states and is a great way to reduce energy costs.
The answer depends on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Opelika. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you could 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.
