3 Best Solar Companies in Tuscaloosa, AL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Tuscaloosa based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Tuscaloosa, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Tuscaloosa homeowner saves $1,764/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Tuscaloosa
When deciding on the best solar panel installers, Tuscaloosa homeowners have more options than ever before, which can be a lot to take in, but we’re here to make adopting solar power simpler. Since Tuscaloosa is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're researching installing solar panels.
Here, we’ll list out some of the best solar companies in Tuscaloosa to make your choice much easier.To receive free quotes from the best solar companies in Tuscaloosa, you can click "get quote" 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 Tuscaloosa
Small Tech Solar
Free Quotes- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
Eagle Solar & Light
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Tuscaloosa
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa
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 Tuscaloosa
The cost of installing solar panels has dropped greatly over the past few years, but it’s still a substantial investment for most homeowners.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $21,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- The make and model of solar panels you want: Some are more expensive, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
- Energy consumption: Installing solar panels may be a high-cost investment for homes that don’t consume a good amount of energy per month.
- Average daily sunlight: Since Tuscaloosa gets lots of sunlight, your solar panel system will most likely be able to produce enough energy to power your whole home, which influences how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
There are several good benefits of solar even with the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your wallet. Plus, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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For an idea of both how much you could save and help protect the environment by switching to solar power, you can play around with the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Tuscaloosa, AL.
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Solar Incentives in Tuscaloosa
Adopting solar power has lots of considerable benefits. Not only can it help protect the planet, but you can also save a good amount of money on your installation with various government incentives.There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that may earn you anywhere from 0 to 50% of your money back after buying a qualifying system. For more information about incentives for homeowners in Tuscaloosa, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Tuscaloosa
One reason so many homeowners are considering going solar is to help reduce their environmental impact.Something many people might have in mind is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? According to the EPA, electricity production is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Using solar power can help bring down that statistic in a city like Tuscaloosa that generates a sizable amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.Though solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by considerably reducing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Tuscaloosa, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you’ll no doubt understand that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
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 Tuscaloosa, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installation company in Tuscaloosa?
In Tuscaloosa, Small Tech Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your house.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
The greatest advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, entirely erase your electricity bills, improve the value of your home and reduce your carbon footprint. The biggest disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 11.1 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how many watts of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.