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4 Best Solar Companies in Alabama (2024 Guide)

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Author Image Written by Tamara Jude Updated 11/07/2024

Alabama’s electricity rates are lower than the United States average, but its residents consume 31.45% more energy than most American households. This usage translates to energy bills about 26.17% higher than usual. Going solar can help residents tap into more affordable renewable energy, reducing their average utility bill spending. Solar panels with batteries also provide backup power during active hurricane and tornado seasons.

Our team spent more than 60 hours researching top solar installers on the national, regional, and local levels. Our guide includes details about Alabama’s best solar companies, available solar incentives in the state, and tips for selecting the right company for your home.


Compare Solar Energy Companies in Alabama

Company Star Rating Warranties Payment Options Link
4.2
Varies Full purchase, loan, lease, PPA GET QUOTE
4.4
N/A N/A GET QUOTE
4.2
N/A N/A GET QUOTE
4.0
10-25 years Full purchase, loan GET QUOTE
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Alabama’s Top Solar Energy Companies


Our Picks for Solar Panel Installers in AL

LGCY Power

Best Solar Consultation
4.2

Pros and Cons

Pros Certified Sunrun partner Guided solar consultation and installation Online catalog of informational blogs and guides Cons Limited website details on available solar products Customer reviews mentioned communication issues with support teams Varying product warranty length

Why We Chose LGCY Power

LGCY Power provides a thorough consultation process, and homeowners receive a dedicated energy consultant to guide them through installation. LGCY’s team also assists with solar incentive applications, helping you find the best savings. The company’s website has detailed guides and blogs about solar systems, financing, and other solar-related topics to help customers stay informed.

As a certified Sunrun partner, LGCY Power offers a catalog of high-quality solar panels, inverters, and solar batteries. It also offers ongoing system maintenance and 24-hour monitoring.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
LGCY provides product, inverter, and workmanship coverage, but warranty lengths vary by product.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPAs

Reputation and Awards

LGCY ranked No. 17 on the 2023 Inc. 5000 list for the Rocky Mountain region. The company also ranked in 2019, 2021, and 2022. Utah Business recognized LGCY on its 2019 Fast 50 list as one of the state’s fastest-growing companies.   

The company holds an A rating from the BBB and is accredited by the organization. While reading customer reviews, we learned that customers appreciated having a dedicated project manager and praised the company’s informed consultants. However, several people mentioned customer service communication issues. 

LightWave Solar Most Experienced Alabama Installer
4.4
Pros and Cons
Pros Rooftop, ground-mounted, and canopy installations Three rooftop solar systems designs, including off-grid options Transparent solar quote details Cons 75% system payoff required before activation No virtual consultations offered Workmanship coverage lasts only five years
Why We Chose LightWave Solar

LightWave Solar is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking an experienced installer with a smaller service area. The company offers rooftop, ground-mount, and canopy installations, providing more solar conversion options. LightWave Solar works with leading solar brands, such as REC, SunPower, and LG, plus battery storage options such as the LG Chem and Tesla Powerwall. The company also offers off-grid installations for homeowners seeking more energy independence. 

LightWave Solar’s website provides a detailed overview of its solar quote process, including an itemized list of all included costs. The company uses in-house installers and provides system and Powerwall servicing to both internal and external customers.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
LightWave Solar includes a 25-year manufacturer and power production warranty with each system. You’ll also receive five years of workmanship coverage. Warranties for inverters and solar batteries vary by manufacturer. 

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

Reputation and Awards

LightWave Solar won Solar Power World Magazine’s Top U.S. Solar Contractors Award in 2022, its 11th time receiving the recognition. The company is a founding board member of Amicus Solar Cooperative and Amicus O&M Cooperative, organizations that support independently owned-solar energy companies throughout North America.

LightWave Solar has an A+ rating from the BBB but is not accredited by the organization. The company has mainly received positive reviews, with customers praising its professionalism, installation speed, and staff. The few negative reviews mentioned installation delays.

Eagle Solar & Light Best Local Alabama Installer
4.2
Pros and Cons
Pros Certified general contractors and NABCEP technicians Locally owned and operated in Birmingham Grid-tied, hybrid, off-grid solar panel systems Cons Few customer support contact options Limited solar services offered Smaller product catalog compared to other reviewed providers
Why We Chose Eagle Solar & Light

Headquartered in Birmingham, Eagle Solar & Light specializes in customized solar systems for local residents. Installations include grid-tied solar, solar and battery storage and off-grid systems. Eagle Solar is a certified REC Solar Professional Installer and Tesla Powerwall installer, meaning it is specifically trained to complete safe and reliable installations for both products. 

The company uses satellite imagery and in-person site assessments in its consultation process. The company offers full-service installations, handling all designs, permits, and paperwork, plus uses in-house installers to maintain project quality.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
Eagles Solar & Light offers 25 to 30-year product warranties (varies by product) and 25-year workmanship coverage. The company also provides a 25-year performance guarantee. 

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan

Reputation and Awards

Eagle Solar & Light holds an A+ rating with the BBB and is accredited by the organization. Homeowners praised the company for its knowledgeable staff and guided installation process but had trouble reaching the company for follow-up concerns. 

Tesla Solar

Best Solar Tech
4

Pros and Cons

Pros Rooftop panels and solar roofing available Tesla Powerwall add-on available with every installation Online quote provides transparent pricing Cons Third-party installers used for all installations Solar loans offered in select areas Customer reviews note issues with scheduling service appointments

Why We Chose Tesla

Tesla is ideal for homeowners looking for high-tech solar solutions. Its patented solar roof combines the benefits of solar panels with the durability of traditional roofing. The company also offers its popular solar battery, the Tesla Powerwall.

While most solar companies limit pricing information on their websites, Tesla provides full, transparent pricing with every online quote. Its online system analyzes your home design and calculates your system size based on your average energy use. Homeowners can customize their quotes and increase system size with up to 10 Powerwall batteries.

Warranty and Financing

Warranty
Tesla provides 10-year comprehensive warranty coverage for product and workmanship, plus a 25-year performance warranty.

Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan (in select areas)

Reputation and Awards

Tesla began developing solar technology inspired by its innovative automotive technology in 2003. It’s since released the Tesla solar roof, inverter, and Powerwall battery. 

Tesla is not accredited by the BBB but has an A+ rating. While reading customer reviews, we noticed that customers appreciated the rooftop panel technology and Powerwall performance but experienced issues scheduling service and repair appointments. 

Learn more: Tesla Solar Panels Review

Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.


Are There Solar Incentives in Alabama?

Solar rebates and credits help homeowners offset solar panel installation costs, making the move to clean energy more affordable. Although there are limited solar incentives in Alabama, homeowners still have opportunities to save on their solar conversion. 

Alabama residents should apply for the federal tax credit to help reduce initial costs. You receive up to 30% off solar system costs for photovoltaic (PV) panels, components, and racking systems. You can also receive credit for standalone solar battery installations. To qualify, you must be the legal solar system owner.

The Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Facilities incentive prevents additional property taxation due to a new solar energy system. Since solar systems add home value, you’d typically also see property taxes increase. With this incentive, you’re exempt from the added property value of a solar system. This tax exemption is statewide and requires no additional applications or paperwork. 

With net-metering programs, when you send excess energy back to the power grid, you receive credits on your electric bills. These credits help reduce future energy costs. Unfortunately, Alabama does not mandate net-metering programs for statewide utility companies. However, some utility companies, such as Alabama Power and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), offer their versions of net-metering programs with payments for returned excess energy. Programs vary between utility companies. We recommend contacting your local company for details on any available net-metering programs. 

The state offers additional energy efficiency rebates that compensate homeowners for certain efficiency improvements. Although they don’t help lower solar costs, they could improve your home’s efficiency, resulting in lower energy use and better savings. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for more details about all efficiency and solar rebates in your area.


What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?

As you shop for solar installation companies, look for the following key features and benefits to find the best options. 

Solar Services

Solar providers will use either in-house installers or third-party contractors for their projects. In-house installers work directly for the company, offering better communication and maintaining better quality solar panel installation. Results with third-party contractors vary by area, with fewer checks and balances for installation quality. We recommend using companies with in-house installers.

Some solar panel companies offer additional services and benefits beyond solar power. This may include solar performance maintenance or a home energy efficiency audit. We’ve included more service examples below: 

  • Dedicated mobile app or web portal
  • Electrical, plumbing, or roofing services
  • Energy efficiency audits
  • Home energy monitoring equipment
  • Smart-home device installation 
  • Solar water heaters and other equipment
  • Solar system monitoring

Warranties

Your included warranties should align with the average panel life span of 25 years. Solar contracts typically offer two or more coverage plans to protect your solar energy system. Here’s an overview of some typical solar system warranties:

  • Manufacturer’s (or product) warranty: This plan covers your panel for any manufacturer defects. 
  • Workmanship (or labor) warranty: This warranty covers issues caused by a faulty system installation. 
  • Power performance guarantees: This coverage outlines and guarantees your expected panel performance through a certain timeframe. If they fall short, companies typically offer panel replacement or repair.  

Based on our research, we found that best reviewed home solar panels usually have the best long-term coverage compared to the top affordable solar panel options.  

Payment Options

Most solar providers offer two or more financing options for solar power systems , allowing homeowners to find the best choice for their budgets. Below are the most common payment options offered: 

  • Up-front (or cash) payment: Homeowners pay the full up-front system cost. They become the system’s legal owners, qualifying them for federal, state, and local solar incentives. 
  • Solar loans: Homeowners make a smaller down payment and continue monthly payments for a set payment period. This option also qualifies you for solar incentives and credits. 
  • Solar leases: Customers pay little to no money down and make monthly payments to lease the system. Since the provider retains ownership rights, you won’t qualify for added incentive savings. 
  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs): This leasing option lets customers pay for their solar energy usage on a monthly basis. System ownership remains with the solar provider, so you receive no added financial benefits.  

If you’re looking for the best return on investment and financial savings, we recommend cash payments or solar loans.

Customer Support

Solar contractors should offer multiple customer support channels. Typical methods include email, online forms, or phone. Additional methods include online chat and text messaging. If the company offers a dedicated app, there may be a direct channel to tech support for troubleshooting assistance. We also recommend checking online reviews for any ongoing answered queries or unfriendly representatives. 


How To Get a Solar Quote in Alabama

To find the right Alabama solar installer, request solar quotes from multiple providers and assess their product catalogs, services, and costs. Based on conversations with solar installers and our own shopping experiences, we’ve created the below guide outlining the typical solar quote process. 

  • Contact the solar provider: Check each company’s website for solar quote information. You’ll usually need to call a phone number or request through an online form. Some companies offer online consultations to help you estimate potential savings and see if you’re a good solar candidate. 
  • Schedule a solar consultation: Companies offer virtual or in-person consultations. We recommend checking system requirements before your video call. Many consultations take at least two hours, so choose a timeframe with minimal interruptions. 
  • Have your energy bill(s) ready: Have your latest utility bill on hand for your appointment. The consultant will review your bill and build a system based on your energy needs. Some companies request multiple energy bills to get a clearer picture of your typical energy usage. 
  • Assess your home’s roof: Depending on your chosen type of solar panels, you may need ample roof space. The consultation will check your available space and make note of any structural damage or design elements, such as chimneys. They will choose the most shade-free spot for your solar array since solar panels work best with direct sunlight
  • Build your ideal system: A consultant will design your solar system based on the previous assessments. You’ll decide on your preferred solar panel type and brand, system components, and additional upgrades, such as solar batteries and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. 
  • Review the final quote: Once completed, you’ll receive a final itemized quote detailing your full system, associated costs, labor charges, and warranty coverage. Your quote will include financing options and your estimated payback period, or the time it takes for panels to pay for themselves in energy savings.

Our Conclusion

We chose LGCY as our top choice for Alabama residents thanks to its easy to understand guided solar setup process. The company ensures that you understand the installation process and get the right solar setup for your needs.

We recommend getting at least three free quotes from solar providers to find the best deals in your area. 


Other Alabama Home Service Resources


FAQ About Solar Companies in AL

Is Alabama a good state for solar power?

Yes, Alabama is a good state for solar power thanks to its abundant annual sunny days and incentives like the federal solar tax credit. Homeowners also benefit from property tax exemption for solar panels, helping residents avoid increased taxes for their home upgrade. These perks make solar worth the investment in Alabama. 

Does Alabama charge tax on solar panel purchases?

Yes, Alabama does charge sales tax on solar panels. The state does not offer any sales tax exemptions for solar systems. However, Alabama does offer a property tax exemption for installation, allowing homeowners to boost property value without added taxation.

Can an HOA block solar panels in Alabama?

Yes, an HOA can block solar panel installation in Alabama. It’s one of the few states that doesn’t have solar access laws. These laws typically prevent HOAs from stopping residents from installing solar panels. Without this protection, Alabama HOAs have control over your solar system installation. 

What is the best direction for solar panels in AL?

The best direction for solar panels in Alabama is true south. This rule holds true for any homes located in the Northern Hemisphere. 


Our Rating Methodology

We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:

  • Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
  • Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
  • Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
  • Financing options (15%)
  • Experience (10%)
  • Availability (10%)

Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.