Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Year after year, more Rainbow City homeowners use rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and add value to their property. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a qualified solar installer. Luckily, we’ve analyzed local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Rainbow City. These proven and dependable providers are reliable options known for their quality services.
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
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:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. Alabama certifies solar contractors similarly to electricians. They must have at least 4 years of in-the-field experience and file an application with the state's Electrical Contractors Board.
Check TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar companies. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you assess a provider's integrity and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should outline all costs and list the solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the best value.
High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's faith in its installations.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Rainbow City varies depending on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system costs $3,490 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in Rainbow City are 9.2 kilowatts, and the typical Rainbow City homeowners spends $22,590 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
100%
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar heating system for your water.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can qualify for tax benefits, raise your property values, and reduce emissions. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
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 Rainbow City, the average amount someone can save is $2,053 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Rainbow City, meaning your payback period could last 11.0 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
Your recommended maintenance will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel four times a year. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
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.
Solar panels can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. Their maintenance costs are low and today's systems can work in a variety of conditions.
