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.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Florence, Alabama, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To guide your search for the best possible installer, we've put together a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Florence.
Prior to choosing an installer, get referrals, vet potential installers and collect multiple quotes to identify the right company for you. You can choose a local Florence solar company or choose a reputable national brand.
While installing solar panels requires a large initial investment, it can lower your energy bills over time. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) shows that switching to solar energy allows Florence homeowners to save an average of $980 annually.
Different solar companies offer different services. Take the time to review each company and get quotes from all before booking your solar panel installation.
Seek out Florence 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).
Read through reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
Florence and the nearby regions receive abundant sunshine, which makes it possible for homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Major reasons to start using solar power are these:
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels hinges on factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The price increases if you select any add-ons like batteries, solar trackers or animal guards.
As per numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA, solar panel installation in Florence has an average cost of $22,752.
Installing solar panels requires sizable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through major reductions in your energy bills down the line.
In Florence, you can expect to save money after transitioning fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage influence how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
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
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Florence homeowners. Certain programs are open to all Alabama residents, though others change by municipality, utility company and city.
Available solar incentives for 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 |
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 the following before hiring a solar installation expert.
The size of your system is determined by your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households generally use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire house.
Required permits and local or state regulations could influence your solar project. Be sure to obtain necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rainfall levels and extreme weather can impact solar reception. If your home doesn't get adequate sun, it may require additional panels with higher wattage.
To store additional energy, a lot of panel systems come equipped with a solar battery. This feature is essential in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage could increase installation costs.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they vary in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These elements can change the cost, when 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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