Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Albany, Georgia requires you to select a solar installer with proper certification, expertise and experience. We've created a list of top solar companies in Albany to help you find the perfect installer.
Prior to selecting an installer, request referrals from others, assess potential companies and request multiple quotes to identify the best company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Albany or pick a well-known national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a significant initial investment, it can reduce your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that transitioning to solar energy allows Albany homeowners to save an average of $1,400 every year.
The products from different solar technicians vary. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you set up your solar panel installation.
Seek out Albany solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a respectable rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer testimonials can give insight into other homeowners' experiences working with the solar company. Frequent poor reviews are worth noting as a possible warning sign.
Places with different sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Albany, can still use solar power. The top reasons to switch to solar power are:
According to our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels varies based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you choose any accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
Based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, installing solar panels in Albany typically costs $17,014.
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can see significant savings on your energy bills down the line.
Homeowners in Albany who move completely to solar energy can anticipate saving money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and variables such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Albany homeowners can take advantage of various solar incentives. Specific programs are provided statewide to all Georgia residents, whereas others depend on city, municipality and utility company.
Accessible solar incentives for Georgia homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Sales Tax Incentive Biomass Sales and Use Tax Exemption | 100% exemption |
Rebate Program Georgia Power - Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Program | Single Family Central AC Replacement: $50 Air/Duct Sealing: $300 Attic Insulation: $250 Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250 Heat Pump Water Heater: $250 Solar Water Heater: $250 Home Energy Assessment: $150 Smart Thermostat: $75 Heat Pump conversion: $250 Multifamily Central AC Replacement: $25 Air/Duct Sealing: $150 Attic Insulation: $125 Heat Recovery Water Heater with Heat Pump: $250 Heat Pump Water Heater: $250 Solar Water Heater: $250 Home Energy Assessment: $75 Smart Thermostat: $38 Heat Pump conversion: $125 |
Loan Program Central Georgia EMC - Residential Energy Efficiency Home Plus Loan Program | See Website |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Consider these questions before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio determine the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need more extensive solar setups. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by certain regulatory requirements and state or local laws. You must acquire proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with a higher wattage.
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. The addition of battery storage can increase the cost of installation.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each varying in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors not only affect the price, but also how quickly you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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