3 Best Solar Companies in Alabaster, AL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Alabaster based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Alabaster, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Alabaster homeowner saves $1,774/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Alabaster
When deciding on the best solar panel companies, Alabaster homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we’re here to make making the switch to solar energy easier. One of the major reasons why many homeowners consider switching to solar energy is because it can greatly reduce your monthly utility bills which keep getting higher each year.
Here, we’ll make a list of some of the top solar companies in Alabaster to make your choice much easier.We recommend shopping around to get quite a few quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get free, no-pressure quotes from the best solar installers in Alabaster, click the link below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Alabaster
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
Free Quotes- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Consultation- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
Small Tech Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Eagle Solar & Light
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Alabaster
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Alabaster based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Alabaster
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Alabama solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Alabaster
For most homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar energy comes down to the cost.Some important factors that determine the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- The type of solar panels you want: More high-tech panels have higher prices, so that will shape your budget for your solar project.
- How much power your household needs: If your home regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from going solar.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $21,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your current power bills: Solar panels can substantially lower, or entirely get rid of, your utility bills. In Alabaster, you can save an average of $1,848 a month.
There are many wonderful benefits of solar in spite of the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your bank account. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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For an idea of both how much you could save and impact the environment by installing a solar panel system, you can test out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Alabaster, AL.
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Solar Incentives in Alabaster
One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is earning incentives from the government.On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level programs, which in most cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you can save even more. Our article on solar incentives has more information on the incentives you can find in Alabaster.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Alabaster
Installing solar panels is a profound way to do what you can for a more eco-friendly future.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? Going solar is an impactful choice for the environment, due to the fact that the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation – all of which can be powered by solar instead.Though solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Alabaster, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. If you care about the environment, you’ll no doubt find that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Alabaster, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Alabaster?
The best local solar company in Alabaster is Vulcan Solar Power, LLC, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels call for a large upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof configuration and desired energy output.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.