3 Best Solar Companies in Lake View, AL (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Lake View based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Lake View, AL
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Lake View homeowner saves $1,650/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Lake View

Looking for the top solar companies in Lake View? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting venture that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. While solar power is a sizable investment, you’ll be able to make that amount back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $20,000 over 20 years.


If you want to take advantage of the great number of perks of solar, we’re here to help you narrow down your options to find the Lake View solar installer that’s in the right price range for you.To see how much you would pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the top solar companies in Lake View by clicking the "get quote" button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Lake View

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Small Tech Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://smalltechsolar.com/
Address: 2534 Mountain Cove, Hoover, AL 35226
Phone: 2058629610
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Vulcan Solar Power, LLC

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: https://www.vulcansolarpower.com/
Address: 3433 Lorna Ln, Birmingham, AL 35216
Phone: 2056798666
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Eagle Solar & Light

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://eaglesolarandlight.com/
Address: 4005 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 8009820808

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Lake View

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Lake View 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 Lake View


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 Lake View

For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar company to hire comes down to prices.There are a few factors you should consider when trying to determine costs and your potential savings, such as:

  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panels won’t be able to generate as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than someone with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
  • Your income and budget: This affects what kind of solar panels you can buy.
  • Electricity consumption: The average household in Lake View uses a lot of energy, and consequently may see more savings on electricity bills than other places.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $20,000 over the first 20 years with your solar system, too.

Even though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over time. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, including the angle of your roof and your local electricity rates.

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For an idea of both how much you could save and help protect the environment by switching to solar power, you can try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Lake View, AL.

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Solar Incentives in Lake View

One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is earning federal and potentially state incentives.These incentives typically include cash rebates, tax benefits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can reduce how much you pay for installing solar panels by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Lake View

Installing solar panels can have a positive impact on the environment.A question many might be wondering about is how much can they really help protect the environment by switching to solar power anyway? If your family consumes a lot of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar power.Since solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they’re a good trade for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. For those who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Lake View, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar company is the best near me?

In Lake View, Small Tech Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.

What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?

Solar panels can be bad 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 needs 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 usually pay for themselves in about 11.8 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.

How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can generate under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their energy needs.

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.