10 Best Solar Companies in Tuscaloosa, AL (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 10 in Tuscaloosa based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Tuscaloosa, AL
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Tuscaloosa homeowner saves $1,764/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
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Best Solar Companies in Tuscaloosa
When deciding on the best solar companies, Tuscaloosa homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be too much to get a handle on, but we're here to make making the switch to solar power that much easier. Because Tuscaloosa has a great capacity for solar energy generation, installing solar panels is financially rewarding for many homeowners.
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 Tuscaloosa. Interested in knowing how much it'd cost to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Tuscaloosa solar installer.
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 Tuscaloosa
Small Tech Solar
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Free Quotes - Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Energy storage solutions - Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Solar Reflections Services
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Artistic Solar Films
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Battery Sales & Service
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Alabama Power James H. Miller Generating Plant
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
The Home Depot
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Solar Busters Glass Tinting & Shades
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
Eagle Solar & Light
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Vulcan Solar Power, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
UAB Solar House and Sustainable Community
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Tuscaloosa
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa
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 Tuscaloosa
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will first need to pay to install your system. Some important factors that determine how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time include:
- How much power your household consumes: Households that consume a lot of energy each month may need more solar panels and, as a result, more upfront cost, but will also enjoy more savings over time.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently lets you decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $21,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, before factoring in incentives.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want 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 opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, along with the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much power your solar panels can generate.
Solar is a profitable investment for most homeowners. You can make your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and make use of solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the environment.
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Solar Incentives in Tuscaloosa
One of the great things about installing a solar panel system is receiving federal and potentially state incentives. You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also possibly pair the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. For detailed information about incentives for homeowners in Tuscaloosa, see our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Tuscaloosa
Swapping traditional energy for solar is a profound way to do what you can for a cleaner and more sustainable future. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? Everyone can help protect the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that use lots of energy will have a bigger impact. Though solar panel manufacturing 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 nonrenewable energy. In Tuscaloosa, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. The advantages of solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa, AL Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best near me?
In Tuscaloosa, Alabama Power James H. Miller Generating Plant is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be detrimental 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. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels require a large upfront investment that usually costs at least 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.
How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?
Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how much power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.