Best 3 Solar Companies in Montgomery, AL

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Montgomery

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some crucial criteria to bear in mind while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

Alabama licenses solar contractors with similar requirements to electricians. They must have at least 4 years of 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), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Montgomery

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.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar companies provide these optional components, so look for a company that installs 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 Montgomery. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Montgomery solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Montgomery

Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar leases, solar loans and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for companies that offer several 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 Montgomery.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.