4 Best Solar Companies in Forestdale, AL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Forestdale based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Forestdale, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Forestdale homeowner saves $1,803/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Forestdale
Do you want energy freedom in Forestdale? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding investment since you can take advantage of lots of perks when you switch to solar power. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but adopting solar will save you money on your utility bills over time. In fact, you can potentially save about $21,000 over 20 years.
In this article, we’ll help you find the best companies in your area.To see how much you would have to pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Forestdale by clicking the "get quote" button 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 Forestdale
Eagle Solar & Light
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Small Tech Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Solar Technology Alabama
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Forestdale
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Forestdale 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 Forestdale
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 Forestdale
We understand that for many homeowners, the choice to invest in solar hinges on installation costs.Some significant things that influence the cost and possible savings include:
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you are interested in getting will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Your location: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- Your power bills: This will impact your savings. In Forestdale, the average homeowner can save about $1,800 a year on their electricity bills.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $21,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
There are several good benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your wallet. In addition, it can boost the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you choose to sell your home later.
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Adopting solar energy can greatly impact both the environment and your utility bills. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Forestdale, AL.
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Solar Incentives in Forestdale
There are many good reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them involves some government incentives that can save you money.Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For detailed information about incentives that apply to you, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Forestdale
If you’re considering adding solar panels to your home, one of the major reasons why may be to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? Switching to clean energy for electricity in place of using nonrenewable energy is an impactful way to reduce your carbon footprint if you're concerned about Forestdale's sizable level of greenhouse gas emissions.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. For people who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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 Forestdale, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in Forestdale?
The top local solar company in Forestdale is Eagle Solar & Light, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it’s good for the environment, and it gives you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t work as well when there’s limited direct sunlight, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget 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.