3 best solar companies in Decatur, Alabama
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.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Decatur, Alabama, you'll need a properly certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Decatur to help you find the right one.
Prior to picking an installer, request referrals from others, vet potential companies and request multiple quotes to identify the best company for your needs. You can look for a local solar company in Decatur or select a well-known national brand.
- Extends 25-year system and labor warranties
- Installs electric vehicle chargers
- Offers strong leasing options
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates that switching to solar energy allows Decatur homeowners to save approximately $950 per year.
Different solar companies provide different products. Be sure to review each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Decatur
Focus your search on Decatur solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review websites. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Solar Technology Alabama
Services Offered
Eagle Solar & Light
Services Offered
Small Tech Solar
Services Offered
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Decatur?
The Decatur region gets plenty of sunlight, which is ideal for homeowners to capitalize on solar energy. Here are the key reasons to adopt solar:
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help decrease your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems generate power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Charge an electric vehicle: You can power electric vehicles at home using solar panels. This provides the best assurance that your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Moving to solar reduces your carbon footprint by minimizing the use of fossil fuels that would be required to power your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicates that electricity production is one of the biggest drivers of greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Decatur
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Decatur?
Based on a survey we carried out in October 2023, the average cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose accessories like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the mean cost to install solar panels in Decatur is $22,806.
How much can you save by going solar in Decatur?
Although installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve significant savings on your energy bills in the future.
Money savings in Decatur from going solar
Homeowners in Decatur who fully switch to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the time it takes for a solar energy system to recover its initial cost. The payback period in Decatur is approximately 24 years, according to our calculations, which are based on data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA.
- Annual solar savings in Decatur: Decatur homeowners can anticipate saving about $946 annually on average by adopting solar power, according to our analysis of data from NASA, the Department of Energy and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: Based on our data from NASA and the EIA, if you make the full switch to solar energy, you can anticipate saving approximately $7,628 over a 25-year period.
Energy savings in Decatur from going solar
Not only does transitioning to solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
- CO2 emissions reduced per year: 9 lb/MWh
- CO2 emissions reduced over 25 years: 225 lb/MWh
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Decatur?
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Decatur. Various programs extend to all Alabama residents, while others are dependent on your municipality, utility company and city.
Here are solar incentives available to Alabama residents, as listed by DSIRE.
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Personal Tax Deduction Wood-Burning Heating System Deduction | 100% |
Property Tax Incentive Local Option- Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Faclities | 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. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Decatur solar installer?
Consider these key points before hiring a solar panel installation professional.
What size system do you need?
Your solar panel system's size hinges on your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Bigger households use more electricity and may require larger solar panel systems. An undersized system may be unable to fully energize your house.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local laws could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes receive the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rainfall and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get adequate sunlight, then you may need more panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
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 during storms. The extra battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These aspects affect not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and the space needed on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
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.
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