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Alabama solar 101: must read before you buy solar panels

Alabama State 17 solar panels available

  • $0.40/W Average gross price of a solar power system as of May 2022
  • 1 years Average system payback period
  • 75 491 / year Average savings from going solar in Alabama
  • 3 ¢ / kWh Levelized cost of solar energy
  • 7.29 kW Recommended system size
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in Alabama

Solar panels in Alabama

Alabama #20 in the US
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There is 1 fulfillment center in Alabama

Phoenix, AL(1 item)0 mi away
Mon-Sun 9 am - 3.30 pm
Pickup in 2 business days
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What our happy customers say

The website UI is really intuitive and I figured out what I want pretty quickly. Went for Canadian Solar panels plus a solaredge inverter. I went to their fulfillment center to grab my order, and they were very quick to bring it out. The staff really made sure to warn me that panels are fragile and I appreciate that. Drove the package home safely, unpacked, all good. Right now we’re in the middle of the installation process, they sent a letter asking how I’m doing and asked for a review. Here I am! The panels are nice and it was a pleasure doing business with you.
Lime
Via Trustpilot
Apr 7, 2022
Fantastic company. Everything went smooth and the shipped was fast. The customer service was great.
Joe M.
Via Trustpilot
Apr 5, 2022
So I’m from LA and everybody’s going solar here so though that I should too. But I was really afraid it would be too much of a hassle. Eventually i went on google and soon found a1store. They got a pretty website and lots of articles on solar, and I flicked through a couple. So I decided to contact them, they were very friendly and we scheduled a call with their engineer. He was very patient with me and explained all the basics that I needed to know.

So i made an order, one of their centers is nearby, so i ordered pickup. I drove there, and they warned me to drive the panels carefully and pack them well for the road. seems like it's a recurring thing that people break their panels on the way home. I was real careful and yeah, I got home safely. Panels are in my garage now. I already found the installer. we have to take care of some papers and then it’s on!
Jerry Burton
Via Trustpilot
Mar 23, 2022
Great selection of high quality solar panels, good pricing, fast shipping, everything arrived in great condition.
Paul
Via Trustpilot
Mar 8, 2022
I ordered some solar panels. The top 4 ones were damaged during delivery (A1 had emailed me in advance what to check for before I took delivery which I followed even though the truck driver was pushing not to inspect them as thouroughly) and A1 replaced them in a timely manner and kept me informed. The price on the panels were some of the best on the internet (delivered). I would buy from them again.
Robert Broughton
Via Google
Nov 27, 2021
I ordered some solar panels but during delivery, the top 4 were broken by the shipping department.

A1 replaced them and kept me informed when the replacements would be in. I would buy from them again.
Robert Broughton
Via Trustpilot
Nov 27, 2021

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Solar laws, incentives and rebates in Alabama you need to know

Save 26% of your PV system cost with Federal Solar Tax Credit

The main solar incentive that works across all United States is the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) program. By applying to this program, all Americans can deduct 26% of the total cost of their installation from the income tax. The PV system cost doesn’t amount to only how much you’ve spent on your solar panels, but includes the shipping and installation as well. To claim the ITC, complete all the necessary forms and submit them when filing your taxes. It makes sense to hurry up: in 2023 the Tax credit decreases to 22% and after that it’s 10% for commercial systems only.

Discuss the possibility of Net Metering with your electric supplier

Alabama is one of the three states in the USA without a net metering policy. You have to discuss the possibility and conditions of net metering with your electric supplier directly. For example, Alabama Power pays for excess energy if the customer is on Rate PAE (Purchase of Alternative Energy). However, its customers are subject to monthly Power’s fee. An owner of a solar system pays $5.41 for 1 kW of power. For a 5kW system, which is the average size of a solar installation in the USA, it amounts to $27 a month, $325 a year and over $8,000 in 25 years, which is the guaranteed lifespan of solar panels. Overall, it makes the payback period for solar in Alabama much longer. Everybody is unhappy about the fee and actively protests against it, as AP reports, so hopefully in the future solar laws in Alabama change and the Alabama Power fee will be cancelled.

Energy Efficient Mortgages can help you to go solar faster

The Energy Efficient Mortgages (EEM) program allows you to quickly get more money for energy upgrades for your home or for a new property with preinstalled upgrades. These loans are insured through Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Veterans Affairs (VA) programs.

If you qualify for an FHA loan, you do for the EEM program. Usually the energy package that can be added to a standard FHA loan amounts to:

– the cost of upgrades based on the home energy assessment; or



– the lesser of 5% of:

  • the Adjusted Value;
  • 115 percent of the median area price of a Single Family dwelling; or
  • 150 percent of the national conforming mortgage limit.

Solar systems, of course, qualify as energy-efficient upgrades, so your loan can be increased by the amount your system costs. Again, the cost of a PV system doesn’t amount to panels only, but includes accessories, shipment and installation as well. Read more about the FHA program and apply here.

EEMs through the Veterans Affairs program are available for military personnel, reservists and veterans. The exact loan amount depends on your status and credit history. Check the guide on how to apply for the VA loan here.

    Get a property tax abatement with a solar system in Alabama

    Property taxes for solar system owners in Alabama are lower. The abatement of tax is based on the value of the system. The property has to be assessed and evaluated every year. The abatement is granted by your local authorities (municipality, county) for 10 years and then can be extended for 10 years with an official approval. This program is to expire in 2023, but there is a chance the officials will prolong this Alabama solar incentive further. To get the abatement you have to apply to your county or municipality officials and they will schedule and perform cost/benefit analysis. Find the guidelines, forms and all the additional information about the program here – renewable energy projects fall into Chapter 9B type of abatement.

    Get a permit to install your solar panels in Alabama

    Generally, you would need a solar permit to build your own solar system in Alabama. The requirements may vary from city to city. Here’s, for example, the guide on permits in the Town of Alabama. Usually, it’s your installer who handles most of the work, including the steps of obtaining the permit, so you can rely on them to learn all the details about getting the papers. Don’t forget that your county or municipality can impose fees. After all papers are submitted, it is legal to install solar panels on your house in Alabama.

    Solar panels help Alabamans survive tornadoes

    Alabama ranks fifth in the list of states with the highest number of hurricanes. On average 82 tornadoes hit Alabama annually, according to the National Weather Service. Besides, some meteorologists say that hurricanes started hitting Alabama more and more often recently. On June 19, 2021, a tornado damaged at least 50 houses in the southern part of the state near the border with Florida, Guardian reports. It appears that the winds reached the 85 mph speed. Solar panels withstand natural disasters very well, and a tornado in Alabama wouldn’t scare them. Tornadoes usually have the speed of 40-100 mph, but all panels are tested to survive 140 mph winds. Some models from REC or Canadian Solar are especially durable and are made to work in harsh conditions. High resistance to all sorts of natural disasters make solar a good choice in Alabama.

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