4 Best Solar Companies in Madison, AL (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Madison based on:
- Customer review scores
- Service area for Madison, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Madison homeowner saves $930/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Madison
Hoping to obtain energy freedom in Madison? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since you can take advantage of a lot of perks when you switch to solar power. Since energy bills are getting higher and higher each year, many homeowners are considering investing in solar to save money on electricity for their homes.
In this article, we’ll tell you about the top Madison solar installers so you can find the best one for your home’s solar energy needs.To help you figure out if solar panels are a good idea for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Madison by clicking the button below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Madison
SolStar Power
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Southern Solar Systems, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Solar Technology Alabama
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
ACE, LLC SOLAR
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Madison
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Madison 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 Madison
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 Madison
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you will first need to pay to install your system.The installation cost is just one important factor you should consider when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- The type of solar panels you can afford: This is dependent on how much you’re willing to invest upfront.
- How much power your household needs: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from installing solar panels.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $12,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, and the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much electricity your solar panels can make.
Although a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you a considerable amount in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the size of your house and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Madison
Although installing solar panels is typically a large investment, it can save you a considerable amount of money over time because of lower utility bills and government incentives.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially stack the ITC with other local incentives. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Madison.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Madison
One reason so many homeowners consider installing solar panels is to help lower their environmental impact.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Madison, though. According to the EPA, electricity production is the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels. Installing solar panels and switching to renewable energy can help put a dent in that number in a city like Madison that generates a sizable amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.Once you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by about 20 pounds every year. If you care about the environment, you’ll no doubt recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Madison, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
In Madison, SolStar Power is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it’s a sustainable source of energy, and it can provide a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don’t produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels aren’t always aesthetically pleasing.
Is it worth installing solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but truthfully, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.
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.