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 Oxford, Alabama, you'll need a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Oxford to help you choose the right one.
Before hiring an installer, request referrals, vet potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can look for a local solar company in Oxford or use an established national brand.
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can lower your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Oxford homeowners to save approximately $2,000 per year.
The services from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you book your solar panel installation.
Seek out Oxford solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer testimonials can provide insight into other homeowners' experiences dealing with the solar company. Consistent poor reviews are worth making a note of as a possible warning sign.
Oxford and the nearby regions have plenty of sunshine, which allows homeowners to get the most out of solar energy. The biggest reasons to adopt solar power include these:
Based on our survey carried out in October 2023, the average national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. The cost goes up if you choose any extras like batteries, animal guards or solar trackers.
As per numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, solar panel installation in Oxford has an average cost of $22,347.
While solar panel installation may be a big initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
In Oxford, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also reduces your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are estimated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are a number of solar incentives available to homeowners in Oxford. Various programs are applicable to all Alabama residents, while others are based on your utility company, municipality and city.
Available solar incentives to Alabama homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
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 |
Loan Program Alabama Power - Residential Heat Pump Loan Program | Varies, up to 100% of project cost for qualifying customers |
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. |
When selecting a professional solar panel installation company, first review these key considerations.
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. Larger homes often need larger solar panel systems. If the system isn't large enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar installation project could be subject to the necessary codes and permit requirements by your state. You'll need to obtain the required permits from your local building department, as well as arrange an inspection.
Not all residences get equal levels of sunlight. Area tree cover, precipitation levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn't get enough sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
Many solar panel systems offer a battery. Solar batteries keep extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss during inclement weather. Adding battery storage may increase the overall expense.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements influence cost, how soon you'll need to swap panels and the amount of roof area you'll need.
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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