Best 3 Solar Companies in Vestavia Hills, AL

With Vestavia Hills' clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. 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. In this guide, we'll highlight Vestavia Hills' best solar companies and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated dozens of Vestavia Hills solar installers, using the following criteria to select the superior:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Vestavia Hills solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Vestavia Hills community for a decade or longer.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Vestavia Hills Homeowners?

Alabama homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Vestavia Hills

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Here are some important factors to remember while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

Alabama certifies solar contractors with similar requirements to other electrical professionals. They must have a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience and apply with the state's Electrical Contractors Board. Solar companies can also earn certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most prestigious 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 Vestavia Hills

The style of solar panels you choose dictates how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors offer these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Vestavia Hills and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $17,450 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Vestavia Hills

Choosing the best financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, leases, and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash 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 cut 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 let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like 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 multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives 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