Best 4 Solar Companies in Auburn, AL

With Auburn's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel overwhelmed searching for an excellent provider. On this page, we'll highlight Auburn's premier solar contractors and share insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Auburn solar companies.

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Auburn community for more than a decade.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Auburn solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Auburn Homeowners?

Alabama homeowners who go solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the region's incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Auburn

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while shopping for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

Alabama licenses solar contractors with similar requirements to electricians. They must have at least 4 years of relevant experience and file an application with the state's Electrical Contractors Board. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn

Your solar modules' model will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar providers include these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

You can plan to spend about $17,450 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Auburn. Use the table in this section to get an idea of how much Auburn solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Auburn

Choosing the right financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each company you're considering about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Auburn.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy