Best 3 Solar Companies in Dothan, AL

Dothan homeowners are lucky to live in plentiful sunlight, both to bask in and use for energy. Many are hiring top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,100 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional technician can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Dothan's top-rated solar companies and learn key decision-making strategies on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Dothan solar companies.

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Dothan solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Dothan community for more than a decade.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced energy costs: Sourcing some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Dothan Homeowners?

The state of Alabama offers a range of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Check out a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Dothan

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar system will ultimately perform. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

Alabama issues licenses to solar contractors with similar requirements to other electrical professionals. They must have a minimum of 4 years of in-the-field experience and submit an application with the state's Electrical Contractors Board. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Dothan

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

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 system more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's important for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,450 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Dothan. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Dothan

There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each representative about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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