Best 5 Solar Companies in Brookhaven, GA

Brookhaven homeowners are fortunate to live in ample sunlight, both to enjoy and harness as energy. Many are hiring top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. While embracing solar power comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $1,100 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Brookhaven's best solar companies and learn vital decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar contractors near Brookhaven, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Brookhaven solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company 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 innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Brookhaven community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you generate power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Brookhaven Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Brookhaven

The purchase price and efficiency of solar panels often rely on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

Licensing and Training

Georgia doesn't have solar-specific contractors' licenses, but the law does require solar installers to be licensed electrical contractors. The Georgia Secretary of State manages licenses and business filings. Solar installers can also earn accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Brookhaven

The type of solar panels you select determines how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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 recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies provide these add-ons, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.

You can expect to pay about $18,700 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Brookhaven. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Brookhaven solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Brookhaven

There are many ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, and loans. We advise making a cash payment 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 reduce 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 monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed 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 do not provide 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 pocket.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, 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