Best 3 Solar Companies in Birmingham, AL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Birmingham

The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

Alabama certifies solar contractors with similar requirements to other electrical professionals. They must have a minimum of 4 years of field experience and file an application with the state's Electrical Contractors Board. Solar providers can also earn certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Birmingham

Your solar panels' model will affect how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Birmingham

Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best 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 reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good 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 allow you to pay a monthly fee to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be appropriate in certain circumstances. We recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

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

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