13 Best Solar Companies in Forestdale, AL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Forestdale based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Forestdale, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Forestdale homeowner saves $1,803/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
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Best Solar Companies in Forestdale
Looking for the best solar companies in Forestdale? Installing solar panels is an exciting home addition that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. For lots of homeowners, the choice to invest in solar rests on how much they can save. The great news is solar can help most homeowners save a considerable amount on their steep and increasing energy bills.
There are so many installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Forestdale. Continue reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or connect with a certified solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
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 Forestdale
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
SolarUp
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Battery Sales & Service
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
UAB Solar House and Sustainable Community
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Eagle Solar & Light
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
EnPower Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
Sofos Harbert Renewable Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
Alabama Power James H. Miller Generating Plant
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Small Tech Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Artistic Solar Films
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Solar Busters Glass Tinting & Shades
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Forestdale
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Forestdale 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 Forestdale
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 Forestdale
For most homeowners, the decision to invest in solar panels boils down to the cost. The cost and possible savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- Your current energy bills: Solar panels can dramatically decrease, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In Forestdale, you can save an average of $171 a month.
- average energy usage: The more power your household uses on average and the steeper your current power bills are, the more money you could save by making the switch to solar.
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, and the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can generate.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and even local utility companies may also have incentives and rebates that you can take advantage of. Plus, you can save about $21,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you'd like to lower your electric bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Forestdale homeowners.
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For an idea of both how much you could save and help the environment by installing a solar panel system, you can test out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Forestdale, AL.
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Solar Incentives in Forestdale
Since solar power is more sustainable than fossil fuels, there are some government incentives in place to encourage people to make the switch. Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 30% of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some local incentives that can save you some extra money too. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Forestdale.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Forestdale
There are tons of reasons to switch to solar power, like saving on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. But how much can switching to solar actually help the environment? In a city like Forestdale where energy use is particularly high, switching to solar energy is a good idea for those who are worried about the state of the planet. In Forestdale, the average household can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll most likely get that there are many benefits of adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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 Forestdale, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installation company in Forestdale?
The best local solar company in Forestdale is Shoals Technologies Group, Inc., with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a significant upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a range of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the best type of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.