Solar energy‘s ascent shows no signs of slowing across Michigan. Last year alone saw over 15,000 new solar installations statewide as homeowners and business owners transition to clean, cost-saving PV systems.
Propelling this growth are mounting economic motivations. Between federal tax credits slashing upfront costs and rapidly declining solar equipment prices, the consumer case strengthens by the year. Innovations on both the panel efficiency and battery storage fronts further expand solar energy‘s money-saving potentials.
Yet to fully capitalize on solar‘s ballooning cost competitiveness, partnering with the right installation provider proves paramount. As this guide will illustrate, Michigan enjoys no shortage of qualified, ethical solar contractors ready to deliver value. But in a sea of options, identifying the state‘s truly exemplary solar outfitters requires care.
That‘s why we‘re highlighting ten of Michigan‘s highest caliber solar companies below. We extensively evaluate each firm on criteria like experience, equipment quality, pricing models and service supports. This allows Michigan readers to handpick the perfect solar installer for transforming their households.
Surging Solar Energy Adoption Across Michigan
Before profiling our top ten solar picks, let‘s examine the macro trends spurring stunning industry growth statewide:
Data via SEIA
- Over the past five years, Michigan registered explosive 932% solar energy growth as installation volumes lept from 1,444 systems in 2016 to over 15K by 2021
- The state added the 3rd highest total solar capacity nationwide last year, trailing only Texas and Florida
- Rooftop residential solar saw massive expansion over this timeframe, but commercial system adoption grew even faster at 978%
- Michigan currently ranks 18th nationally for cumulative solar energy outputs, but is poised for continued rapid solar infrastructure scaling
Several interwoven factors explain solar‘s meteoric Michigan emergence:
Improving Economics: Between federal tax credits, utility rebates and tumbling solar equipment costs, consumer payback timeframes shorten drastically – now under 7 years for most systems.
Expanded Incentives: Policy moves like 2021‘s distribution generation program overhaul spur solar expansions through fee reductions. Municipalsolarize group buy initiatives further improve access through discounts.
Strong Retail Net Metering: Michigan maintains full retail rate net metering allowing solar producers remuneration for unused power sunk back into the grid. This energizes adoption by letting households capitalize on excess solar unit production.
Improving Storage Solutions: As home battery options like the Tesla Powerwall mature, self-supply solar capabilities strengthen. Storage-backed solar allows tapping your own bountiful solar reserves 24/7 for energy security.
With economics spurring adoption and supportive policies fortifying growth trajectories, Michigan solar appears poised for immense continued expansion. That makes selecting the right installation partner more important than ever.
Below we profile ten outstanding in-state solar firms up to this vital task. We highlight specialties ranging from custom architectural solar integrations to community purchase programs improving affordability. Read on to discover Michigan‘s premier options for unlocking solar savings on your home.
1. Michigan Solar Power: Complete Clean Energy Services Statewide
Experience: 35 Years Leading Michigan‘s Solar Charge
Service Region: Available Statewide
Expertise: Residential, Commercial and Municipal Solar
Storied solar provider Michigan Solar Power merits top billing through holistic in-state capabilities nurtured over 35+ years. Having overseen 5,000+ installations to date, few match the breadth of this solar veteran‘s expertise.
The numbers validate such commanding experience. Michigan Solar Power (MSP) pilots projects averaging 9.2kW residential and 221 kW commercial – sizable system scales cementing seasoned proficiencies. Whether tailoring solutions from Detroit suburbs to rural Ishpeming outposts, this long-tenured firm delivers.
But for most homeowners, MSP‘s breadth of solar supports seals the deal. The company facilitates access to incentives like 26% federal tax credits while furnishing $0 down financing options. Licensed electricians handle complete turnkey installations using quality SunPower, REC or QCell panels. And ongoing maintenance contracts give customers performance peace of mind for decades post-project.
For these reasons and more, Michigan Solar Power remains a pillar of statewide solar excellence entering its fourth decade.
Popular Equipment Packages
- SunPower Equinox®: Premium efficiency & durability
- REC Alpha Series: Industry-best panel guarantees
- QCell Q.Peak DUO blades: Optimized cold-weather productivity
Service Spotlight: MSP provides complete A-to-Z supports from initial solar education through system maintenance. Their free online solar assessment tool allows households to estimate system sizes, outputs and bill savings.
2. Strawberry Solar: Guiding Consumers Through Home Solar Journeys
Experience: 13 Years Simplifying Solar Complexity
Service Region: Available Statewide
Expertise: Navigating Homeowners Through the Solar Transition
Strawberry Solar distinguishes itself by demystifying the transition to home solar generation. Using decades of residential installation experience spanning 500+ Michigan projects, Strawberry excels at solar matchmaking. Their consultative Power Guide process helps households determine ideal system architectures and funding mechanisms for actualizing solar dreams.
At Strawberry Solar, customer education and support defines the process. After assessing rooftop solar viability through satellite imagery and on-site evaluations, the Strawberry team presents personalized solar roadmaps. Power Guide findings detail anticipated system sizes, expected outputs by month/year and bill savings. This allows homeowners to make informed solar decisions suited to site realities and budgets.
Strawberry stands out by reinforcing guidance with robust equipment and workmanship assurances. The company trains crews to meticulous standards for defect-free mounting using proven SolarWorld or Hyundai panels. Strawberry Solar simplifies transitions to home solar by blending educational resources with installation expertise.
Popular Equipment Packages
- SolarWorld Sunmodule Series: Premium efficiency & shade tolerance
- Hyundai HiS Series: Class-leading 25-year equipment warranty
- Enphase Microinverters: Module-level monitoring for performance insights
Service Spotlight: Strawberry Solar‘s Home Solar 101 workshop offers free solar education covering financing, incentives, contractor vetting and more.
3. Homeland Solar: Bringing Solar Within Community Reach
Experience: 10+ Years Expanding Access
Service Region: Available Statewide
Expertise: Community Solar + Battery Backup Integration
Homeland Solar lives up to its name by striving to democratize solar access through group purchasing models. By coordinating community solarize campaigns, the certified B Corporation qualified installer leverages bulk equipment buys to deliver discounted pricing around 20% below average market rates. Referral rewards further incentivize solar sharing so whole neighborhoods reap savings.
But Homeland doesn‘t just deliver value. The firm‘s 10-years of contracting experience manifests through meticulous project implementation. Using premium Solaria, REC and QCell modules for efficiency and longevity, Homeland‘s crews demonstrate attention to detail when integrating panels. They also specialize in embedding backup batteries from leading producers like Sonnen and Tesla for energy resilience during grid outages.
For homeowners around Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids or elsewhere seeking solar savings through collective action, Homeland Solar empowers communities. Their group purchasing models combined with conscientious installations make going solar attainable across Michigan.
Service Spotlight: Homeland furnishes a bulk equipment cost analysis tool allowing neighborhoods to estimate potential shared solar savings.
Solar Energy Delivers a Bright Future for Michigan
Michigan solar shines brightly thanks to an abundance of contracting talent. As this sampling of elite in-state firms shows, myriad specialties exist from community purchase initiatives to custom commercial solutions. Finding the ideal solar provider hinges on matching needs to expertise.
Yet for all residents, the motivating factors driving adoption share commonalities. Whether seeking energy autonomy through battery-backed systems or chasing savings via discounted group buys, solar power furnishes control and affordability. With adequate sunlight resources across even Michigan‘s upper reaches, the potential for household solar remains vast.
The coming decade seems sure to realize such promise. As equipment expenses decline further and battery technologies mature, solar economics will only improve. Policy supports like net metering also help support continued growth at scale.
For Michigan households ready to capitalize on solar energy‘s bright future, reputable local installers stand at the ready. Use the resources below to connect with top solar providers for pricing quotes and project assessments. Then look forward to achieving energy cost savings and climate progress through solar.
Compare Michigan‘s Premier Solar Installation Companies
| Company | Years in Business | Area Served | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Solar Power | 35 Years | Statewide | Solar design, engineering, installation, maintenance/repair,consulting |
| Strawberry Solar | 13 Years | Statewide | Solar installations, maintenance, battery integration, solar education |
| Homeland Solar | 10+ Years | Statewide | Community solar programs, solar system integration, battery storage |
Request Quotes from Michigan‘s Top-Ranked Providers
Take the first step toward slashing your energy costs by connecting with these exceptional local solar companies today:
More Michigan Solar Resources
Michigan Solar Energy Industries Association – Trade association advancing solar through advocacy, research and education
Go Solar Michigan – Grassroots group providing community organizing aids and tools
Michigan Energy Options – Michigan clean energy installer maintaining solar news & policy database
