3 Best Solar Companies in Cottondale, AL (2025 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Cottondale based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Cottondale, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Cottondale homeowner saves $1,830/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in Cottondale
When choosing between the best solar companies, Cottondale homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we’re here to make adopting solar energy less confusing. Solar power isn't just good for the Earth — your bank account will thank you too. With solar power, you can save an average of $22,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
To help you comb through the large variety of Cottondale solar installers, we’ve narrowed down a list of the top ones.To start getting free quotes from the best solar companies in Cottondale, you can click "get quote" below.
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Cottondale
Eagle Solar & Light
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Consultation
- Battery Storage
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
Free Quotes- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Small Tech Solar
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Cottondale
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Cottondale 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 Cottondale
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 Cottondale
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs the most.Some important factors that dictate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If space isn't a constraint for your project, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which can save you some money, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $22,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- average energy usage: The more electricity your household uses on average and the higher your current electricity bills are, the more benefits you’ll see from switching to solar.
There are many great benefits of solar even with the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your finances. In addition, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Cottondale
One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is receiving incentives from the government.You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other state and city incentives. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to find out what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Cottondale
If you’re thinking of adding solar panels to your home, one of the principal reasons why may be to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions.But – how much exactly can you help by making the switch to solar? The more power your family uses, the the more the environment will benefit if you switch to solar as you won’t need to use as much nonrenewable energy.Although making solar panels releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by significantly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used traditional energy. In Cottondale, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. Since energy from the sun is plentiful and produces electricity without a carbon footprint, making the switch to solar power is one easy step you can take to help preserve the environment.
EcoWatch's Cottondale, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Cottondale?
In Cottondale, Eagle Solar & Light is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels really good 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 dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 10.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when there's less demand. With fewer homeowners contracting installers, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
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.