Best Solar Companies in Alabama (2022 Rankings & Reviews)
We recommend vetted solar companies that have:
- Availability in your area
- Affordable pricing and financing options
- At least 5 years of experience
- Outstanding customer reviews
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Best Solar Companies in Alabama
Our reviews are curated by a team of solar experts, backed by insider data, and reviewed by an advisory board to ensure we provide only the most vital information, minus the marketing gimmicks. Let’s jump in.
Nationwide Service
Average cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market
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National coverage
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Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
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Great warranty coverage
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Expensive
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Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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System Monitoring
Local Service
Average cost
Creative Solar USA
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Representatives are experts on local policies
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Comprehensive service offerings
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Many years of experience
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No leases or PPAs
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Limited brands of solar equipment available
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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Community Solar
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Electrical Work
Regional Service
Average cost
Eagle Solar & Light
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NABCEP-certified technicians
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Offers products from leading manufacturers
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Locally owned and operated
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Award-winning company
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Relatively young company
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Limited information available on website
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Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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Community Solar
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Off-Grid Solar Solutions
Local Service
Average cost
Solar Technology Alabama
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Locally owned and operated
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Offers products from leading manufacturers
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Comprehensive service offerings
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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Solar Water Heaters
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Off-Grid Solar Solutions
More and more homeowners are looking to become energy independent and lower their electric bills in Alabama, which has solar panel installations on the rise. In fact, Alabama ranks 28th in the country for solar installations as of late 2021 — that’s quite the jump from 50th in 2020.1
You can search the web for the best solar companies in Alabama, but few other websites take the time to consider what’s most important to locals. Here at EcoWatch, our team of solar industry experts has done in-depth research on factors affecting solar in the Heart of Dixie to find which companies are best for you.
What Are the Top 4 Solar Companies in Alabama?
The table below provides an “at a glance” overview of the solar panel companies in Alabama, analyzed and ranked by the EcoWatch Solar Reviews team.
You might find some popular solar installers, like Vivint Solar, aren’t included in our reviews, which is intentional due to issues like lawsuits and reports of poor customer service. The companies listed on this page are reputable solar installers serving the Southeast and beyond.
Company | Solar Services | Warranty Coverage | BBB Rating | Year Founded |
Eagle Solar & Light |
Solar panel and battery installations; community solar; off-grid solar solutions | 25-year manufacturer, performance and workmanship warranties | A+ | 2016 |
Creative Solar USA |
Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; community solar; electrical contracting | 25-year manufacturer, 10-year electrical and 5-year workmanship warranties |
A | 2008 |
SunPower |
Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; system monitoring | 25-year manufacturer, workmanship and production guarantee | A+ | 1985 |
Solar Technology Alabama |
Solar panel and battery installations; solar water heaters; off-grid solar solutions | Undisclosed | Not Rated | 2008 |
Note: The EcoWatch Ratings you see in the company snapshots at the top of this page reflect our overall assessment of the company, but our rankings reflect the best solar companies in Alabama, specifically. If you notice that a company lower on our list has a higher EcoWatch Rating, it’s likely because it’s a great company but there are better installers for this specific area.
1. Eagle Solar & Light
Eagle Solar & Light has been helping Alabamians go solar since 2016. It’s a local company headquartered in Birmingham and has expanded to serve residents in Georgia, Mississippi and North Carolina as well.
When it comes to solar projects, Eagle Solar & Light knows its stuff. It won the Clean Energy Innovator award in 2018 and the Rooftop Solar Project of the Year award in 2021 from the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association.2,3 The company also employs several solar technicians who are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and is a member of the Amicus Solar Cooperative.
Eagle Solar & Light doesn’t have much information available on its website when it comes to solar financing, although it does mention that solar leasing and PPAs are available to its Georgia and North Carolina residents (current Alabama laws don’t allow for solar leasing options).4
As far as brands, Eagle Solar & Light carries some of the best solar panels and is a certified REC Solar installer. It also carries Generac and Tesla Powerwall solar batteries. Although Eagle Solar & Light doesn’t specify a specific warranty length for its company, it promises to assist with maintenance and service as long as the solar system’s manufacturer warranty is still in effect, which is typically 25 years.5
Pros for Eagle Solar & Light
- Carries top solar panel and battery brands
- Various solar industry certifications and affiliations
- Local Alabama company
Cons for Eagle Solar & Light
- Founded in 2016, so not as experienced in the solar industry compared to others on this list
- No financing information provided on its website
- No EV charger installations
Facts and Figures: Eagle Solar & Light
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating | A+ |
Year Founded | 2016 |
Average Cost | $$$ |
Solar Services | Solar panel and battery installations; community solar; off-grid solar solutions |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered | REC, Generac, Tesla Powerwall and more |
Financing Options | Cash payments, loans, leases and PPAs
(Note: Solar leases and PPAs not available in Alabama) |
2. Creative Solar USA
Creative Solar USA is a Georgia-based solar company offering rooftop and ground-mounted solar installations in Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas. Not only does the company offer solar photovoltaic systems, but also solar lights, roofing, energy-efficiency upgrades, electrical contracting and more. This demonstrates that the company is dedicated to installing well-designed home energy systems and is not just trying to sell you on solar panels.
CSUSA is a well-rounded solar installer offering strong warranties including a 25-year no-roof-leak guarantee and 25-year manufacturer performance warranties on all solar modules and on all micro-inverters and racking equipment. It also offers a separate 5-year workmanship warranty for any defects as a result of installation issues.
Lastly, CSUSA is helping to make solar more accessible by offering flexible financing with $0-down options and a broad range of creative, custom services.
Pros for Creative Solar USA
- Flexible financing options
- Wide range of electrical and contracting expertise, including ground-mounted solar systems, custom agricultural projects, utility-scale and government projects
- 10+ years of experience operating in the solar industry
Cons for Creative Solar USA
- Limited selection of brands
- Only five years of workmanship warranty coverage
Facts and Figures: Creative Solar USA
BBB Rating | A |
Year Founded | 2008 |
Average Cost | $$$ |
Solar Services | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; community solar; electrical contracting |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered | Varies |
Financing Options | Cash payments, loans |
3. SunPower
SunPower often makes our best solar companies lists because it’s been a pioneer in America’s solar industry since 1985. Its impressive resume includes designing solar technology for NASA spacecraft, and it is currently responsible for manufacturing the most efficient solar panels on the market through its sister company, Maxeon.
Together, SunPower and Maxeon manufacture and install every major aspect of a solar panel system (the only solar company that can make this claim). That means all the parts are designed to work together and are covered under a single warranty, which can save a lot of headaches for customers if they ever experience issues down the line.
So why isn’t SunPower No. 1 on our list of the best solar companies in Alabama? Well, the way SunPower can offer service in every state is by partnering with certified dealers and installers of SunPower products. That means your experience with SunPower can vary greatly depending on where you live and the dealer closest to you.
Click here to read our full SunPower review.
Pros for SunPower
- Offers one of the best solar panels on the market
- National provider with a reputation for great customer service
- Comprehensive 25-year warranty covering all aspects of your solar system
Cons for SunPower
- Quality of installation will depend on your local SunPower dealer
- Only offers SunPower products
- More expensive than most providers
Facts and Figures: SunPower
BBB Rating | A+ |
Year Founded | 1985 |
Average Cost | $$$$ |
Solar Services | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; system monitoring |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered | SunPower/Maxeon |
Financing Options | Cash payments, loans, leases, PPAs
(Note: Solar leases and PPAs not available in Alabama) |
4. Solar Technology Alabama
Solar Technology Alabama is the only solar contractor on our list that’s all-in on serving Alabamians, proud to have customers in both the bigger cities (Huntsville, Decatur, Birmingham, Mobile, etc.) and in surrounding suburbs and rural areas. Although it offers all types of residential solar projects, Solar Technology Alabama puts a big focus on its off-grid solar installations, striving to grant customers with energy independence from utility providers.
Along with solar panel systems, Solar Technology Alabama is able to offer a variety of solar services — including solar water heaters and solar refrigerators — through its partnerships with solar industry distributors like SunDanzer and AEE. This also gives Solar Technology Alabama access to a wide range of solar brands, as AEE carries many top brands like LG, Enphase, Q Cells and more.
Solar Technology Alabama was founded in 2008, but according to its website, its CEO has 20 years of experience working for Alabama Power before deciding to break into the solar industry.6 Although the website is a great resource for solar education, we were unable to find any information about Solar Technology Alabama’s financing methods or warranty coverage online.
Pros for Solar Technology Alabama
- Local to Alabama
- Offers a wide variety of solar services, including solar water heating and solar-powered refrigerators
- Access to a variety of solar panel brands through its wholesale partnerships with AET and AEE
- Solar education resources available on website
Cons for Solar Technology Alabama
- Not a lot of company information available on website (no financial or warranty information)
Facts and Figures: Solar Technology Alabama
BBB Rating | Not Rated |
Year Founded | 2008 |
Average Cost | $$$ |
Solar Services | Solar panel and battery installations; solar water heaters; off-grid solar solutions |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered | Wide variety through partnerships with wholesale solar dealers |
Financing Options | Undisclosed |
EcoWatch Criteria for Selecting the Top Solar Company in Alabama
We’ve compiled this list of the best solar companies in Alabama based on data collected from hundreds of solar installers across the nation. The seven factors outlined below explain how our EcoWatch rating is found, but if you’d like to learn more about our review process, you can visit our full methodology page.
Warranty
Solar photovoltaic systems (widely called solar PV systems) are costly, which makes having a reliable and lengthy warranty all the more important. The good news is that most solar panel brands are protected under a manufacturer’s warranty, and many installers provide additional warranties to cover workmanship.
We typically look for solar companies that carry brands with a 25-year product warranty that covers manufacturing defects as well as (at least) a 10-year workmanship warranty to cover labor-related issues. We also like to see a 25-year performance warranty to ensure maximum power production over time. Solar panel companies that meet these criteria get higher scores from EcoWatch.
Year Founded
The solar industry is hot globally, and it’s developing quickly in Alabama. That means a lot of players are looking to get involved, and some of them may not be the most reputable solar installers. On top of the industry experience that ensures trust in a smooth and reliable process, EcoWatch stresses industry experience for warranty coverage. What good is a warranty if the company you choose goes out of business in a few short years? We always recommend picking a solar installer you know will still have its lights on for decades to come.
Services Offered
Different solar companies have different specializations within the sector. For example, some homeowners may prioritize backup battery power if they live in an area of Alabama that can see extreme weather. Or maybe they’re interested in solar technology beyond panels, like solar refrigerators and/or solar water heaters, so they’ll choose Solar Technology Alabama as their installer. It’s good practice to investigate what each company has to offer and make sure it aligns with your needs. Be sure to ask about add-ons like energy-efficiency packages to go along with your solar.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Not every solar company offers every solar brand. Some of the top solar companies only install one brand, often because they manufacture their own equipment (like SunPower or Tesla). Other installers may carry a variety of brands so customers can pick their solar panels based on their preferences for durability, energy efficiency and price.
EcoWatch tends to favor companies that sell many different solar equipment brands because they can appeal to solar customers looking for specific high-quality hardware, like Tesla Powerwalls, or they might offer the cheapest solar panels on the market, which makes them more accessible. However, we still like some single-brand installers.
Industry Affiliations
Although not a requirement, EcoWatch does look for industry affiliations among solar installers. Companies that have connections with industry giants like the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) or technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) suggest that a company is reputable and can perform a professional and safe installation. It also typically indicates that a company is serious about making renewable energy more accessible and has a worthy mission that goes well beyond making a profit.
Size of Company
The size of a company is an important aspect to consider as we narrow our scope to the best solar companies. A larger or national company can typically serve you much quicker than smaller competitors because they have a much larger team and available resources. However, many smaller companies can meet or exceed the offerings of their larger competitors and tend to exceed when it comes to customer service and localized knowledge of Alabama solar laws and policies. So, while we keep the size of each company in mind, it isn’t true that larger solar companies are better than smaller ones or vice versa.
Solar Pricing and Financing
EcoWatch values variety in every category, but it might be most important when it comes to solar financing. Especially because solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) are practically illegal in the state of Alabama. We know that solar installation costs are expensive, so we want to highlight companies that offer flexible pricing packages to make solar more accessible to more people. As such, companies that offer more flexible solar loans tend to score higher with EcoWatch.
We also know that cheaper isn’t necessarily better when it comes to solar technology, because more efficient panels will give you better savings in the long run. So while we take affordability into account, EcoWatch gives the highest rating to companies that offer reasonable prices for what they offer.
Related Topics
EcoWatch FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Alabama
EcoWatch has become a trusted name in the solar industry, so we get a lot of questions about the best solar companies. Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received from Alabama residents, along with our responses.
We’re not just another solar review company picking out installers based on partnerships. Our EcoWatch Rating considers dozens of factors to unbiasedly score solar companies in your area. These include all of the criteria mentioned above, along with many other elements that help us determine how likely a solar installer is to provide outstanding service.
Once we have all those individual factors scored, we average them to determine an overall score, which becomes our EcoWatch Rating. This number gives you insight into how likely a company is to provide good service; products suited for Indiana residents, specifically; and warranties, prices and value that make your investment in clean energy well worth it.
It’s hard to dictate which company will be the most affordable solar installation company in Alabama because the cost of a solar energy system varies depending on factors specific to each household. Generally, the more you are able to customize your solar system, the more affordable you can make it.
With that being said, there’s a good chance Solar Technology Alabama would be the most affordable, as it partners with solar power wholesale dealers like AEE that carry a wide variety of brands. However, the only way to truly determine how much solar panels will cost in Alabama is to get free quotes from multiple solar energy companies and compare each rate.
Any homeowner who installs solar panels in Alabama is eligible for a federal tax credit (also called the solar investment tax credit). But don’t forget to ask each installer if there are any local solar incentives or rebates you qualify for.
Alabama is no stranger to severe weather. With its humid subtropical climate, it sees heavy rains, hot summers, tornadoes and hurricanes. Severe weather can put a lot of wear and tear on a rooftop solar system, and for this reason, we recommend giving special consideration to solar companies in Alabama that have:
Experience with weatherization
Workmanship and roof warranties
Local knowledge of weather and policy
Industry experience rather than a newcomer on the Alabama scene
Bigger national providers (like SunPower) are not necessarily better in Alabama. The benefits of a larger company typically include better technology, speed of service, and warranty coverage. However, smaller companies may offer more personalized service, better prices (in some cases), and more local knowledge about things like weather, policy, and benefits of solar for Alabamians.
While solar panels work best when it’s sunny, they still work when in the presence of indirect sunlight on rainy or cloudy days. Rain can actually help keep your solar system operating efficiently by washing away any dust or dirt that could get caked on the panels. Plus, if you add a solar battery to your home solar installation, you can store excess electricity from sunny days to use when it’s cloudy, raining, or at night.