13 Best Solar Companies in Birmingham, AL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Birmingham based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Birmingham, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Birmingham homeowner saves $1,767/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Birmingham
When you're on the hunt for the best solar companies in Birmingham, combing through all the options can be challenging, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many great perks. What's especially making many homeowners consider solar power is their very high energy bills that keep increasing each year.
In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best options in your area. To get an idea of how much it would cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Birmingham
Small Tech Solar
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Free Quotes - Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Expert panel installation - Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Solar Busters Glass Tinting & Shades
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Artistic Solar Films
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Battery Sales & Service
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
Eagle Solar & Light
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
The Home Depot
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
Solar Reflections Services
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
UAB Solar House and Sustainable Community
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Alabama Power James H. Miller Generating Plant
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Solar Control Specialists - Birmingham AL
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Solar Control Systems window tinting
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Technology Alabama
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Birmingham
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Birmingham based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Birmingham
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Alabama solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Birmingham
For lots of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar energy boils down to the cost. Some important things that determine the cost and possible savings include:
- Your current electric bills: Solar panels can substantially lower, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In Birmingham, you can save an average of $167 a month.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their solar installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $21,000 on your utility bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Birmingham uses a lot of energy, and therefore may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, along with your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can make.
Thanks to the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a sound investment for many homeowners.
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Adopting clean energy can substantially impact both the environment and your utility bills. To see how much, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Birmingham, AL.
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Solar Incentives in Birmingham
Switching to solar power has many wonderful benefits. Not only can it help protect the environment, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives. Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 30% of how much your solar project cost when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives you can benefit from too. Check out our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Birmingham
An important reason so many are thinking of adopting solar energy is to help reduce their environmental impact. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? The more power your house uses, the the more the environment will benefit when you switch to solar as you won't have to rely on traditional energy sources as much. In Birmingham, the average person can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. The advantages of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with committing to solar.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Birmingham, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best in Birmingham?
The top local solar company in Birmingham is Eagle Solar & Light, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
Are solar panels actually bad for the environment?
Solar panels can be harmful for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 7.8 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can create under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household requires between 20 and 35 panels to account for how much energy they need.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.