Best 5 Solar Companies in Montgomery, AL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Montgomery

The price and efficacy of solar panels often rely on the provider that installed them. Consider each of these aspects in your contractor search.

Your solar modules' model will affect how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels 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 aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you'll usually pay extra for accessories. These upgrades extend your system’s efficiency while adding more conveniences to your home. Not every solar contractor provides these additional features, so look for a provider that has them if it's important for you.

Licensing and Training

Alabama licenses solar contractors with similar requirements 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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Financing Options

There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.