Best 5 Solar Companies in Alpharetta, GA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Alpharetta

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Consider each of these elements in your company search.

Licensing and Training

Georgia doesn't have contractors' licenses specific to solar energy, but the law does require solar installers to be licensed electrical contractors. The Georgia Secretary of State manages business filings and licenses. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Alpharetta

The type of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Alpharetta and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $18,700 for materials and labor. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Alpharetta

Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, solar loans and solar leases. We recommend making a cash payment or using 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 reduce 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 installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each company you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.