Best 5 Solar Companies in Madison, AL

With Madison's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. If you live in one of the area's numerous old homes, you might question whether your electrical system would accommodate solar panels. However, new innovations and knowledgeable installers can help these homeowners access eco-friendly, clean power. On this page, we'll showcase Madison's leading solar companies and share valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar companies near Madison, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Madison community for more than a decade.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Madison solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have trustworthy energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Madison Homeowners?

Alabama's public agencies and power companies offer a range of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Madison

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately work. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

Alabama issues licenses to solar contractors similarly to electricians. They must have at least 4 years of relevant experience and apply 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 respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Madison

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power 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.

Additional accessories, 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 companies include these add-ons, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Madison

Choosing the optimal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, cash payments, and leases. We suggest paying with cash 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut 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 installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin 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. Look for installers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates that could save you more money.

Sources

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