4 Best Solar Companies in Mountain Brook, AL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Mountain Brook based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Mountain Brook, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Mountain Brook homeowner saves $1,803/year with solar panels
Updated October 25, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Mountain Brook
On the hunt for the top solar companies in Mountain Brook? Installing a solar panel system is an exciting project that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. You may have to spend a decent amount of money upfront for solar panels, but the switch will save you money on your utility bills over time. In fact, you can expect to save about $21,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can change significantly according to your home’s framework and your overall energy usage.To get a sense of what it might cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from 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 Mountain Brook
Small Tech Solar
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Clear Pricing Policy - Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Residential Panels - Battery Storage
- Consultation
Eagle Solar & Light
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
- Consultation
- Solar Roof Assessment
- Solar Panel Upgrades
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Residential Panels
- Commercial Panels
Solar Technology Alabama
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Commercial Panels
- Battery Storage
- Residential Panels
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Mountain Brook
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Mountain Brook 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 Mountain Brook
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 Mountain Brook
We understand that for lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar depends on installation costs.Some key factors that influence the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time include:
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also save you more money over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently 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. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $21,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
- The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop doesn’t see much direct sunlight, your solar system won’t be able to make as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on electric bills than a house with a roof that gets plenty of sunlight.
- Energy consumption: Solar may be too pricey an investment for households that don’t need too much energy a month.
Due to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as several solar incentives, they are a solid investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Mountain Brook
Although solar power is typically a big investment, it can save you a lot of money over many years due to reduced utility bills and government incentives.These incentives usually consist of cash rebates, tax benefits and/or performance-based incentives. They can lower how much you end up spending on going solar by 0, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Mountain Brook
One of the most compelling reasons to switch to solar energy is to reduce your dependence on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment.A question many people might have in mind is how much can they really help preserve the environment by switching to solar power anyway? One thing you should keep in mind is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend lots of time commuting to work and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.In Mountain Brook, the average person can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. The great things about solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many Mountain Brook residents have been happy with using solar energy.
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 Mountain Brook, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
The top local solar company in Mountain Brook is Small Tech Solar, with a rating of 4.94 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing 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 buying solar panels?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 10.8 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What is the best type of solar panel?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can’t, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and desired energy output.
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.