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 Bessemer, Alabama, requires hiring a solar installer that is certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the perfect team, we’ve assembled a list of the top solar installers in Bessemer.
Before selecting an installer, request recommendations from others, review the installers you're considering and obtain quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Bessemer or choose an established national brand.
While solar panels require a substantial initial investment, you can lower your energy expenses in the long term by making the switch. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), adopting solar energy enables Bessemer homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,900.
Not every solar company provides the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
Vet Bessemer solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Looking at previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Bessemer and the nearby areas get plenty of sunlight, which enables homeowners to benefit from solar energy. Here are the top reasons for switching to solar power:
According to the results of our survey carried out in October 2023, the average cost for solar panel installation nationally is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation depends on several factors, such as where you live, availability of sunlight, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay more if you choose add-ons like animal guards, batteries or solar trackers.
In Bessemer, solar panel installation costs around $22,260, per data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
Solar panel installation is a sizable initial investment, but you can expect to see considerable savings reflected in your energy bills with time.
In Bessemer, you can expect to save money once you've transitioned fully to solar. But it takes time to make back the upfront costs, and factors like precipitation and tree coverage influence how soon you'll get a return on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, moving to solar energy lowers 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
Homeowners in Bessemer can enjoy several solar incentives. A few are available statewide for all Alabama residents, and others are based on your municipality, utility company and city.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for Alabama residents:
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 solar installation expert, first review these important questions.
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t big enough, it might fail to generate enough energy to power your entire house.
Required permits and local or state codes could impact your solar project. Be sure to secure necessary permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Local tree coverage, rain and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need extra panels with increased wattage.
A solar battery allows the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. Incorporating battery storage can increase the costs of setting up your system.
You have choices among solar panel types, as they differ in efficiency, design and life expectancy. 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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