ADT Solar was the most popular solar company among respondents in Michigan, according to our 2024 survey. Get a quote on your own solar system installation today.
Michigan experiences long, cold and snowy winters, but going solar is still a great option for homeowners in the state. Whether you live in Detroit, Grand Rapids or the Upper Peninsula, statewide solar incentive programs and a rapidly growing clean energy industry mean that there’s never been a better time to switch your home to solar power.
We at the MarketWatch Guides Team have ranked the top solar installation companies in Michigan so you can make a confident switch to renewable energy. We’ve researched each company on our list, rating all of them according to our detailed solar methodology. To support our research, we’ve spoken with industry experts and company representatives, conducted polls and combed through each provider’s website to get the most accurate, updated information.
Compare Michigan Solar Companies
Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
$24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE |
Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
$24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE |
What to Look For in a Solar Company
Cost and financing options, trustworthiness and services offered are the top three considerations when you’re looking for a solar company:
The easiest way to learn how much your solar system will cost is to get a quote from a solar installer. However, we’ve conducted polls, spoken with company representatives and read customer reviews to get a cost estimate for most of the providers we review so you know what to expect. You’ll also want to consider financing: The most common payment options are cash purchases and loans. You may have to research your cost if you want to enter into a solar lease or PPA program.
Factors like age of a solar company, customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and the BBB, and sustainability disclosures determine a provider’s trustworthiness. We considered these variables when rating the companies on our list.
In our 2023 poll of 1,000 homeowners who use solar power, 66% of respondents purchased a solar battery, and 44% of respondents purchased an EV charger with their solar installation. If you’re interested in adding solar products or services, including energy efficiency audits, solar roofing and more, you’ll have to be more selective when choosing a solar installer.
Top 4 Solar Companies in Michigan of 2023
- SunPower: Most experienced
- Blue Raven Solar: Our pick for financing
- Palmetto Solar: Our pick for protection plans
- SunNova: Our pick for zero-down solar
Our Recommendation
Blue Raven is our overall top pick for Michigan homeowners who want to switch to solar power. But if you’re looking for extra protection for your solar array, we recommend Palmetto Solar. Blue Raven Solar and SunNova both offer flexible financing options, like lease-to-own and $0 down payment programs.
All of the providers on our list are reputable installers, and the best solar company for you will depend on your solar goals and needs. We recommend connecting with a solar expert to get a free quote on your solar panel system.
Compare Michigan Solar Companies
According to our 2023 survey of homeowners with solar, the average cost of going solar is between $15,000 and $20,000. Here is how the top providers in Michigan stack up:
Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
$24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE |
Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
---|---|---|---|---|
$24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | ||
$20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
N/A | N/A | GET QUOTE |
*Pricing is based on responses to two surveys we conducted in 2023 of 2,000 total homeowners with 8 kilowatt (kW) solar systems as well as pricing information obtained directly from SunPower, Tesla, Palmetto and local providers. Your cost may vary.
Benefits of Going Solar in Michigan
Saving money, helping the environment and achieving energy independence are the top three benefits of going solar in Michigan.
- Save money: Most homeowners with solar will save thousands of dollars in electric bills over the lifespan of their panels. But Michigan also has solar incentives. The Distributed Generation Program and a solar property tax exemption make the solar switch more attractive to residents. Plus, all U.S. residents are eligible for a federal solar tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of their solar power system.
- Reduce your environmental impact: Solar panels generate clean energy powered by the sun instead of relying on fossil fuels and other non-renewable energy sources. This keeps your home running while reducing your carbon footprint.
- Achieve energy independence: Most solar panel systems are connected to the utility grid, meaning they aren’t technically 100% energy independent. But a solar panel system, especially one with a backup solar battery, lets you rely less on the energy grid and gives you peace of mind that you’ll still have power in the case of a blackout. This is especially meaningful in Michigan, which can experience severe winter weather and dangerously low temperatures.
Michigan Solar Incentives
Michigan residents are eligible for several federal, state and local incentives that can save them thousands of dollars when switching to solar energy.
Federal Incentives
All U.S. homeowners are eligible for the Federal Solar Tax Credit when they install solar. This incentive offers a federal tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of your solar system components. This can reduce how much you owe in federal taxes by several thousand dollars.
This credit decreases to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034 before it expires in 2035 unless Congress renews it.
State-wide Incentives
Michigan has several state-wide incentives that can save you money when you install a solar energy system:
Incentive | Savings | Explanation |
Distributed Generation Program | Up to the full cost of your monthly energy bill | Michigan replaced its net metering program with its Distributed Generation Program in 2018. Through this program, you can still sell your excess solar energy to the grid, but you’ll receive less than the retail rate for electricity. |
Alternative Energy Property Tax Exemption | Full value of property taxes you’d pay for your solar system | Homeowners in Michigan are exempt from property taxes on their alternative energy systems (including solar systems). |
Michigan Saves | Save on interest rates for your solar financing | Michigan Saves is a loan program that helps make alternative energy and energy efficiency technology more accessible by offering favorable interest rates through its financial partners. |
Local Incentives
Customers of Lansing Board of Water & Light (LBWL) in Michigan are eligible for a rebate on their photovoltaic system worth up to $2,000. You can learn more on LBWL’s website.
Although there are no other local incentives in Michigan, many utility companies in the state, like Great Lakes Energy, offer energy-efficiency rebates and community solar programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in Michigan
Yes, solar is worth it for most homeowners in Michigan, thanks in part to generous state and federal solar incentives. However, your roof size, orientation and shade level affect how much you’ll save when going solar, and making the switch isn’t worth it for everyone. We recommend speaking with a solar expert before you commit to an installation.
Although Michigan does not have a state tax credit for switching to solar, Michiganders are still eligible for the federal solar tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of their equipment.
Our top pick among solar panel companies in Michigan is SunPower. However, we also highly recommend Palmetto Solar, Blue Raven Solar and SunNova. There are also plenty of smaller, locally based solar companies to choose from in the state, like The Green Panel and Michigan Solar Solutions.
The top benefits of going solar in Michigan are saving on utility bills, achieving energy independence and reducing carbon emissions.