11 Best Solar Companies in Athens, GA (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Athens based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Athens, GA
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Athens homeowner saves $1,616/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Athens
As a homeowner or business owner in Athens, you may be planning on switching to solar and curious about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a fantastic choice since it comes with a lot of perks. Plus, the solar industry is booming in Athens, giving homeowners access to some of the top solar installers in the country.
To help you comb through the huge amount of Athens solar installers, we've narrowed in on a list of the top ones. To get an idea of how much you might pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Athens by clicking the "get quote" button below.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Athens
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
Average Cost
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Roofing Services
- Energy-Efficiency Audits
Average Cost
Solar SME
- Great warranty coverage
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Some reported communication issues
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Electrical Work
- Community Solar
Average Cost
Creative Solar USA
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Many years of experience
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Community Solar
- Electrical Work
Average Cost
Alternative Energy Southeast
- Pledges 10% of profits to environmental nonprofits
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Excellent workmanship and quality
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Solar Roof Shingles
- EV Chargers
- Electrical Work
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
GA Solar Energy Specialists
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Athens
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Athens 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 Athens
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Georgia 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 Athens
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners care about the costs the most. The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- Your city: This influences the average daily sunlight your roof gets, which helps determine how many panels you need.
- The cost of energy for you: If your local electricity rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Athens, you can save an average of $113 a month on your electricity bills.
- How much energy you use: If your family needs to use a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from going solar.
- Your income and budget: This determines what type of solar panels you can buy.
Even though 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 a number of factors, including the size of your solar panel system and your local electricity rates.
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Adopting a sustainable source of energy can significantly impact both the environment and your monthly expenses. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Athens, GA.
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Solar Incentives in Athens
Although solar power is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a significant amount of money over several years because of smaller energy bills and government incentives. Everyone can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 30% of how much your solar project cost when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some local incentives that stack with the ITC too. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Athens
Installing solar panels can have a meaningful impact on the environment. Something many homeowners might have in mind is how much can they really help the environment by switching to solar power anyway? Everyone can help save the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use lots of energy will have a bigger impact. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good swap for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. The great things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with committing to solar.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Athens, GA Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installation company in Athens?
In Athens, Sunshine Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing requires 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?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 8.8 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, how much you're willing to spend and how much efficiency you're looking for.
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.