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

Average Tuscaloosa homeowner saves $1,764/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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 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 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 Tuscaloosa

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Small Tech Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: http://smalltechsolar.com/
Address: 2534 Mountain Cove, Hoover, AL 35226
Phone: 2058629610
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Solar Reflections Services

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://srstintandgraphics.com/
Address: 2013 Old Montgomery Hwy B, Birmingham, AL 35244
Phone: 2058314159
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

Artistic Solar Films

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: http://artisticsolarfilms.com/
Address: 2260 Rocky Ridge Rd Suite B, Hoover, AL 35216
Phone: 2058238468
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Battery Sales & Service

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.continentalbattery.com/home
Address: 700 University Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 2053201600
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Alabama Power James H. Miller Generating Plant

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Business installations

Website: http://www.alabamapower.com/
Address: 4250 Porter Rd, Quinton, AL 35130
Phone: 2054882598
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.2/5

The Home Depot

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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 Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.homedepot.com/l/Hoover/AL/Birmingham/35244/881
Address: 3670 Galleria Cir, Birmingham, AL 35244
Phone: 2059888141
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Solar Busters Glass Tinting & Shades

  • 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 Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: http://solarbusterstinting.com/
Address: 3893 Belmont Rd, Birmingham, AL 35210
Phone: 2056178230
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.2/5

Eagle Solar & Light

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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 Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://eaglesolarandlight.com/
Address: 4005 2nd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 8009820808
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Vulcan Solar Power, LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations

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

UAB Solar House and Sustainable Community

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://www.uab.edu/sustainability/solar-house-community
Address: 1637 11th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 2059344011

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 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 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.