6 Best Solar Companies in Michigan (2025 Reviews)

Why We Chose Palmetto Solar

We chose Palmetto Solar primarily because of its lease option, which is a good alternative to Blue Raven’s financing option if you can’t make a loan work. Palmetto offers a buyout option after year 5, which means you can enjoy the upfront perks of a lease, including no down payment requirements and instant savings, as well as the benefits of owning your system, including long-term savings.

Palmetto also has a solid reputation in the solar industry and scores well when it comes to company reputation in our ratings. It uses NABCEP-certified installers, is an SEIA member and has over a decade of experience, so I think it’s a company you can trust. Palmetto also supports the solar industry through charitable donations to organizations like Solar Sisters, which helps bring solar energy to developing countries.

While I think Palmetto is a solid option if you know you want or need to go with a solar lease, there are some downsides to consider carefully before choosing. First, it outsources all installation labor, which I think leads to an increased risk of miscommunication and issues getting support for your system after it’s up and running. It’s also lacking a bit when it comes to its services, so it may not be the best option if you want a lot of opportunities to customize your system.

What I Like About Palmetto Solar

I’m a huge fan of Palmetto’s lease option, which lets you buy out of the lease and into panel ownership after 5 years. I really wish other companies would start offering things like this, as it provides greater accessibility to solar but still gives people the option to own their systems and see higher solar savings over time.

I’m also happy with Palmetto’s warranty coverage, which includes a roof leak warranty. Most installers don’t offer a roof leak warranty, but this kind of coverage is so beneficial in places like Michigan, where annual precipitation is above average and some parts near Lake Michigan see 4 times the national average amount of snowfall, which can increase the risk of roof leaks.

What I Don’t Like About Palmetto Solar

I generally prefer companies that handle all of the installation labor in-house because I think it leads to a better customer experience and eliminates third parties from the equation that don’t have their own reputation on the line. Palmetto outsources installation to third-party companies, so it loses some points in our ratings accordingly.

Palmetto’s workmanship warranty is also shorter than the industry average, so the protection you get for your system isn’t as good as it would be from most other providers. I think this is even more of a downside because of the outsourced labor, which increases the risk of issues popping up in the first place.

Palmetto Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Palmetto doesn’t have an installation timeline on its site, but I expect it to sit somewhere between 6 and 8 weeks, which is the average. The actual installation should only take a day or two, but the planning and permitting phases can take quite a while. The 6 to 8 weeks is average in the industry.

The process Palmetto follows is  very similar to what you’d see from other installers. You’ll first have a consultation, which involves a representative inspecting your home, reviewing your energy demands and discussing options with you. Then the design team will design a system to meet those needs. Once you approve the design, Palmetto will take care of all permits before having a third-party company install your system. Finally, Palmetto will schedule final inspections before activating your system.

Palmetto Solar Standard Services & Financing 

17/25

Palmetto scores well below average in our company ratings when it comes to standard services and the financing options it accepts.

It loses some points because it outsources installation to third-party partners, which I personally am not a fan of. Introducing another company can lead to miscommunication and pointed fingers in the case of a warranty claim, so I usually recommend installers that tackle everything in-house.

Palmetto also doesn’t install solar batteries, which is a strange choice, in my opinion. I will say that batteries are more of a luxury item in Michigan due to the state’s outstanding net metering policy. Batteries won’t save you any additional money over time because you can effectively use your utility company as a battery under the 1-to-1 net metering program. Batteries would let you maintain power through outages, though, so I still deducted points from Palmetto for not offering them. Additionally, many states are downgrading or discontinuing their net metering programs in the wake of California rolling out the much less beneficial NEM 3.0 policy, so I suspect that batteries will be more beneficial and more of a necessity in Michigan in the future.

Palmetto provides customers with access to the Palmetto App, which lets you monitor your solar production and energy consumption in live time. You can use that information to keep an eye out for system damages, and if you get repairs underway more quickly, you could protect your long-term savings a bit better. The app also lets you make payments on your loan or lease, so it has more functionality than most other companies offer through third-party apps.

Cost and Financing Options

Palmetto might be lacking a bit when it comes to its standard services, but it scores well in our ratings in terms of the financing options it accepts: cash purchases, loans and a plan similar to PPAs called LIghtReach.

Cash purchases are the best options, in my opinion. They lead to the highest long-term savings — an average of over $36,000 in Michigan — and they let you take the ITC, which holds an average potential value of over $7,600 in your area. Cash purchases lead to immediate panel ownership, too, so they’re the least likely to complicate the sale of your home. The only downside is that you’ll have to pay for your system upfront, which is unrealistic for many homeowners.

Solar loans are the next best options. They’re far more accessible because you only have to pay a small down payment — and sometimes nothing at all — upfront, and you can still take the ITC. The only drawback is that you’ll have to pay interest on the loan, which will reduce your savings by around $5,000, on average.

Solar leases and PPAs are the most accessible options because they require no money down and lead to savings in the first month, but I generally don’t recommend them for a few reasons. First, they lead to the lowest long-term savings — an average of between $4,000 and $5,000 in most cases. Second, they don’t let you take advantage of the ITC, so you miss out on an average potential value of around $7,600. Leases and PPAs can also complicate the sale of your home if the buyer doesn’t want to assume the agreement, and you could be on the hook for hefty cancellation fees.

I will say that Palmetto’s PPA option is one that I would recommend in many cases. If you can’t make a cash purchase or a solar loan work, going with Palmetto’s LightReach program gives you the opportunity to buy out of the agreement after 5 years. That means you can get the benefit of putting no money down and seeing immediate savings, but you still get the opportunity to own your panels and see substantial long-term savings.

Palmetto Solar Extra Services Offered 

2/5

Palmetto Solar also loses quite a few points in our ratings when it comes to the add-on services it offers.

First, it doesn’t handle roof repair or replacement. Before confirming it’s a good idea to install panels, your professional will need to confirm your roof is in good condition first. If it’s not, I’d recommend choosing an installer that can handle roof work, too. Not only is it more convenient to hire just a single company, but you’ll have just one entity to hold responsible if there’s a problem, as opposed to having to get one of the two different companies to take responsibility if you split the work. I’d personally rather have 1 provider do everything.

Palmetto also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades, which is a shame in Michigan, given the extreme weather and the above-average electricity prices. Efficiency boosts like new insulation, air sealing, new windows and doors, smart electrical panels and upgraded heating equipment would be more beneficial in Michigan than in most other states, so I do prefer solar installers that can offer other perks to help you get the most out of your system.

Palmetto does install EV chargers, which I think is one of the more important add-on services to look for in Michigan. The state is 17th in the country in terms of EV adoption, so many solar customers will already benefit from an at-home charger. Michigan also has a goal to get 2 million additional ZEVs on the road by 2035, which it plans to achieve by offering incentives, so I think more and more customers will benefit from at-home charging in the near future. I’m happy to see Palmetto staying ahead of the curve by installing them now.

Finally, Palmetto offers professional monitoring for its systems, which takes the burden of monitoring your system’s production off of you and puts it on professionals. You should see immediate notifications about panel damage or inefficiencies, which should help protect your solar savings in the long run.

Palmetto Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Installing solar panels on your home is one of the best things you can do for the environment since you’re trading fossil fuels for a renewable energy source. While going solar is going to have a net positive impact on global warming and pollution, there’s still strain being put on the environment through solar panel manufacturing. That’s why I assess installers and the brands they work with for sustainability.

Palmetto makes charitable donations to Solar Sisters, which helps bring solar to developing countries, as well as to local conservation projects. It has also completed tens of thousands of installations, which means its overall impact on the environment via helping homeowners go solar is astounding.

Palmetto installs panels from QCells and REC, both of which tie for the most sustainable options in our solar panel brand reviews. They both use recycled materials during manufacturing, they have recycling programs for panels at the end of their lifespans and neither company has a history of forced labor, child labor, unfair pay, unsafe working conditions or racism in the workplace, so they’re both considered some of the most sustainable panel brands.

Palmetto Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

17.9/25

Palmetto scores reasonably well when it comes to its equipment reliability and warranty coverage, although the system durability and longevity aren’t as impressive as what you’d see from a top competitor, like Blue Raven. I look at 18 panel specifications and pricing details when comparing panel brands, but I think there are 3 that are especially important for solar customers in Michigan. Those include the panel efficiency, the panel degradation rate and the max snow load rating.

Panel efficiency is a measurement of how much of the available sunlight a panel can convert into electricity for your home. I recommend panels with higher efficiency ratings in Michigan not only because of the relative lack of sunlight but also because electricity is more expensive in the area than in most states. A higher efficiency rating will offset more of your utility bills and save you more money over time. I specifically recommend looking for panels with efficiency ratings of 22% or higher. Both QCells and REC meet that standard, with ratings of 22.5% and 22.6%, respectively.

Panel degradation is important in Michigan for a similar reason: the slower your panels lose their starting efficiency, the more of your electric bills they’ll offset over time, and the more savings you’ll see in the long run. Most tier-1 panel brands guarantee a loss of no more than 15% over 25 years. QCells guarantees a loss of no more than 8.42%, and REC is one of the industry leaders in terms of degradation, guaranteeing a loss of no more than 8% after 25 years.

The max snow load rating is important in Michigan because panels with a higher rating can withstand more snow accumulation without sustaining damage. Michigan sees above-average snowfall, with totals sitting several times higher than the national average around Lake Michigan. The average snow load rating among tier-1 panels is 5,870 Pascals (Pa). QCells panels are the industry leader in this regard, with a rating of 8,100 Pa, and REC is tied for second-best with a rating of 7,000 Pa.

Warranties and Guarantees

More important than panel specifications, though, are the warranties that guarantee them. I consider 4 types of solar warranties when comparing solar installers.

The equipment warranty protects you from damages caused by manufacturer defects, which can be expensive to repair or even require total panel replacement. Most manufacturers guarantee your system will be defect-free for 25 years. Both the QCells and REC panels from Palmetto meet that standard.

The performance warranty is what guarantees your panels won’t lose more than a specified amount of efficiency over the warranty period. As I mentioned above, the standard is no more than 15% after 25 years. QCells and REC are some of the best solar panels in the industry for degradation, both guaranteeing under 10% efficiency loss over 25 years. Palmetto also offers an additional guarantee for your system as a whole if you opt into Palmetto Protect. You get a guarantee that your system will generate at least 95% of what the company estimates for your system, which is a great way to ensure your system will offset your electric bills and provide you with savings.

The labor warranty protects you from damages caused by a faulty installation, so they’re helpful for weeding out less qualified installation companies. The standard labor warranty is 12 years. Unfortunately, Palmetto falls a bit short here by only offering a 10-year warranty. Panels typically pay for themselves in around 10 years in Michigan, so I’d really love to see a little longer on the labor warranty to more or less guarantee net savings from your panels.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties. These protect you specifically from water damage caused by leaks through the roof penetrations made to install your panels. These are more beneficial in Michigan than in most other states due to the above-average snowfall. Most installers don’t offer these at all, so I’m happy to see Palmetto guaranteeing roof penetrations for 5 years.

Palmetto Solar Company Reputation 

21.5/25

Palmetto might not have the best spread of products and services available, but it does have a good reputation in the local solar industry, which suggests that you’ll have a positive experience, despite the company outsourcing your installation labor to an outside partner.

Palmetto was founded in 2010, so it has nearly 15 years of experience behind it. I prefer to recommend installers with at least a decade of experience, as these players have proven that they have what it takes to be successful in such a competitive industry. It also suggests future longevity, which means it’s likely to continue serving customers and keep your warranty coverage intact. I see too many new companies going out of business and voiding warranties in the process to be comfortable recommending installers that are new to the industry.

Palmetto is also one of few companies in the state that holds SEIA membership. Membership requires paying annual dues, so the financial commitment to solar is another way the company establishes its longevity in the industry.

Palmetto uses third-party installers, but it only hires installers that are NABCEP certified. NABCEP certification means that an installer has received more specialized training than the State of Michigan requires from solar companies. It suggests that you’re getting a true professional working on your home, which should reduce the risk of issues and damages.

Palmetto also maintains above-average customer ratings, and while they’re far from perfect, they do suggest you’ll have a positive experience, as most other customers have. It has an A+ score and a 3.24-star rating on the BBB and a 3.7-star rating on TrustPilot. I should note that it only has 5-star reviews on TrustPilot, but the total score is scaled down to 3.7 due to a lack of reviews. In any case, these ratings suggest that most customers are pleased with the service they receive from Palmetto.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I also make it a point to read through a few dozen customer reviews to see what the company is specifically doing well and where it could improve, based on customer impressions. Positive reviews for Palmetto mention professional and communicative representatives, system performance meeting expectations and honesty on the part of salespeople rather than misrepresented facts about incentives and savings. Negative reviews mention some delays in the activation process, some delayed responses to warranty claims and some instances of what appear to be misleading marketing and sales practices.

Many of the positive and negative reviews seem to contradict each other, so I think it’s fair to say that your experience will depend on your local branch, your sales representative and the third-party installer assigned to your solar project. Most of the reviews are positive, though, so I think there’s a good chance you’ll be pleased with the service.

I’ll include 1 positive and 1 negative review below to give you an idea of what to expect.

“Working with Palmetto staff has been easy from our first conversations to switching on our panels. They provided answers to our questions, researching answers they weren’t 100 percent on. Husband was VERY skeptical about solar, but the [rep] did her best to address each issue. She managed to leave him without further concerns! Rather than financing, we received a significant discount for paying cash, so we have no experience working with the financial folks. I would highly recommend paying cash to maximize savings. Install was easy and without issues. We became operational a few weeks after installation was complete. We’ve been operational almost six months and are happy with performance and monthly electric bill savings. Note, there are still electric charges for maintaining an account and ‘delivery.’ I’m happy we took the leap of faith to go solar and [that] our decision involved Palmetto.” — Cheryl L. via BBB

“Palmetto Solar deceives customers. If there was an option to do zero stars, I would. A Palmetto employee knocked at our door 2 years ago and sold solar panels for the house we live in. 2 ways the employee from Palmetto deceived us: 1. They said our electric bill monthly payments would go down to zero. They lied. I still get [bills] from our provider for $50 a month. 2. One of the questions I asked was if the loan was transferable if the house sold, and it is not. Now I sold the house, and the vendor Palmetto works with will not transfer the loan to the buyers. I am stuck with these expensive solar panels at my house and now I can’t sell my house.” — Amauri T. via BBB

Palmetto Solar Customer Service 

8/10

Finally, I assign a customer service score based on the reviews I read through, as well as a secret shopper call I make to each provider. I deducted a few points from Palmetto because there are some problems that some customers bring up that don’t appear to be one-off issues. Some of the most serious issues, in my opinion, include slow or no responses to warranty claims and some instances of misleading sales practices. These problems give solar a bad name, and, of course, can lead to a poor customer experience for you.

My secret shopper call to Palmetto went smoothly, though. The representative was friendly and informative, and they were upfront about the differences between the company’s loan option, cash purchase option and LIghtReach energy plan. I didn’t feel pressured to schedule a consultation, and the experience overall was a positive one. If that service continued throughout the installation process, I’d be pleased.

Why We Chose Windfree Solar

Windfree Solar is the company I’d personally choose in Michigan if I wanted to support a smaller, local business. It’s based in Illinois and services the surrounding area, including Michigan. As a smaller company, it provides outstanding customer service and a more hands-on approach than you’d get from national or regional installers, like Blue Raven and Palmetto.

Windfree maintains outstanding customer reviews, including a 4.6-star rating on Google Reviews. Most customers are thrilled with the service, communication and professionalism they receive, so I’d specifically recommend this installer if you’re worried about getting poor service or an installer that doesn’t have much experience.

There are some pretty significant drawbacks to going with Windfree, though. It doesn’t offer any add-on services, so it’s really only a good option if you know you want more of a bare-bones system that includes just panels or panels and batteries. It also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so its services are less accessible than what you’d see from most competitors.

What I Like About Windfree Solar

Windfree Solar covers all of the core services I look for in an installer, including in-house panel installations, solar battery options and access to self-monitoring apps to keep track of your system and identify dips in production. The company also offers high-quality solar panel brands, including REC and QCells, which are 2 of the top brands I’d recommend in Michigan.

Windfree has been servicing customers since 2009, so it has 15 years of experience and success behind it. Companies with so much experience that still maintain stellar customer ratings really set themselves apart from the competition and all but guarantee that you’ll get a professional installation and high-quality post-installation service and peace of mind.

What I Don’t Like About Windfree Solar

I think the biggest drawback to going solar with Windfree is that it doesn’t offer any add-on services. It tackles panel and battery installations, but you’ll have to choose a different provider if you want to couple your base system with energy efficiency upgrades, EV chargers, professional system monitoring or roof repairs or replacements.

Windfree also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so it’s not as accessible as competitors that do. I don’t recommend leases or PPAs to most people, but they do help make solar more affordable upfront with $0 down requirements, so it’s kind of a shame that Windfree doesn’t accept them.

Windfree Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Windfree Solar doesn’t mention anywhere on its site how long its installations typically take from consultation to panel activation, but I’d expect it to be between 6 and 8 weeks, which is standard in the industry. The installation itself typically takes just a day or 2.

The installation process is detailed on the site, though, and it’s a similar process to what most other companies follow. You’ll first have a property inspection and assessment done to confirm your home is a good fit for solar. The company will then design a system that meets your energy demands and send it to you for approval. If you approve it, the reps will pull permits and then complete the installation using in-house technicians once they’re approved. Finally, the company will schedule final inspections and then activate your system.

Windfree Solar Standard Services & Financing

20/25

Windfree Solar tackles all of the basics I look for from installers, but it loses some points in our ratings when it comes to the financing options it makes available to customers.

Windfree gets full marks in our rankings for using in-house installers. I prefer companies that don’t outsource to third parties because I feel bringing in another company opens the door for miscommunication and a higher risk of problems that the installer doesn’t take responsibility for. I personally went with an installer that used in-house technicians, and I’d recommend company like Windfree that does the same.

Windfree also gets points in our ratings because it installs batteries. I’ll be honest and say that I don’t recommend solar batteries in Michigan because the net metering policy in the state means they don’t provide any financial benefit. They can provide power through blackouts, but I don’t think they’re worth the investment for that reason alone. However, I do like to see companies offering batteries in the state because net metering policies are on the decline across the country, so installers who tackle batteries now will be more relevant in the future when the policy inevitably gets downgraded or disappears entirely.

Finally, Windfree’s systems include access to a solar monitoring app that lets you track your system’s production to identify problems early. This could help boost your savings over the long haul if you use the information to get repairs underway as quickly as possible.

Cost and Financing Options

Windfree Solar doesn’t post cost information anywhere on its website, but I expect a system from the company would total somewhere around the state average — about $17,738 if you can take the entire ITC. Upfront prices and savings will depend largely on how you pay for your system, though, so it’s worth reviewing the options that Windfree makes available to customers.

I strongly suggest paying in cash if possible. This is the least realistic option for most customers because you need to have an average of over $25,000 saved up to go this route. However, it will yield the highest savings possible — an average of $36,143 — and it lets you take advantage of the ITC, which holds an average potential value of around $7,600 in Michigan. Paying in cash also means that you’ll own your system outright, so you won’t run into any issues if you sell your home.

A cash loan is another great option that Windfree accepts. Loans are accessible to more homeowners because you don’t have to pay the entire system cost upfront. Instead, you pay just a small down payment and then finance the rest. Unfortunately, that does mean the interest will cut into your solar savings, reducing them by an average of around $5,000. Loans still let you take the ITC, though, and they lead to panel ownership, so they shouldn’t complicate the sale of your home in the future.

I usually don’t recommend leases or PPAs because they prevent you from taking advantage of the ITC, and they deliver the lowest savings of the financing options — an average of just $4,000 to $5,000 in most cases. These options can also cause issues when you go to sell your home. I typically don’t recommend leases or PPAs for these reasons. However, I did still deduct points from Windfree Solar in our ratings because these financing options do make solar more accessible since they don’t require any money down and usually lead to immediate savings.

Windfree Solar Extra Services Offered 

0/5

Unfortunately, Windfree Solar doesn’t offer any add-on services, which means it’s only a good option if you know you want a basic installation.

First off, it doesn’t offer any roofing services, including repairs or replacements, so if you need any kind of roof work done before it’s safe to install solar panels, you’ll have to find a standalone roofer to tackle the work for you. I personally would prefer to have a single company do the roof and the panel installation so that I had a single company to hold responsible in case any issues popped up. I also think it would be more convenient to coordinate with a single provider rather than juggle a roofer and a solar installer, but you’d have to do just that with Windfree.

The company also doesn’t offer any energy efficiency upgrades. Some installers can help you get more value from your panels by coupling them with insulation upgrades, new windows and doors, solar carports, air sealing, heating system upgrades and more. Electricity is more expensive in Michigan than it is in most other states, too, so efficiency upgrades would be particularly welcome in the area.

One of the biggest downsides, in my opinion, is that Windfree doesn’t offer EV chargers. As I mentioned earlier, Michigan ranks quite high in terms of EV adoption, and the expected perks and rebates to incentivize EV and ZEV adoption in the coming years should only make them more popular. That means more solar customers will benefit from at-home charging stations. I’d even recommend installing one now even if you don’t currently have a ZEV, as you can apply the ITC to it to effectively save 30% on the cost, and prepare for the future of the local auto industry at the same time.

Finally, Windfree doesn’t offer professional monitoring services for its systems. You do get access to the self-monitoring app, but it’s always more convenient to leave the monitoring work to a professional than to have to keep track of system production yourself.

Windfree Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

I always do an assessment of the installer and the brands it works with to see how seriously they take sustainability. Going solar is going to have a major positive impact on the environment, but you can get even more benefit from your investment by choosing a sustainable installer and panel brand.

Windfree doesn’t appear to make any charitable donations, nor does it publish sustainability reports to showcase its own sustainability efforts. It makes a difference in that it helps homeowners go solar and reduce their carbon footprint, but there’s little else to showcase in terms of company sustainability.

The company installs panels from a few tier-1 panel brands, including REC, QCells, Jinko and LONGi. I assessed these manufacturers based on sustainability, and REC and QCells are the most sustainable options. They use recycled materials in the manufacturing process, they have recycling programs to help keep old panels out of landfills and neither has a history of unsustainable business practices, like unfair pay or unsafe working conditions. LONGi scores a bit lower because it doesn’t use recycled materials in production, and Jinko scores even lower because it doesn’t make use of recycled materials and was also cited for using forced labor.

Windfree Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

10.9/25

Windfree scores well below average when it comes to equipment quality and reliability, not because its equipment isn’t durable enough to serve you well in Michigan but rather because its warranty coverage isn’t ideal. I assess panel brands based on many different criteria, and I think 3, in particular, are worth prioritizing in Michigan: panel efficiency, panel degradation rate and max snow load rating.

The panel efficiency is a measurement of how much of the sunlight that hits your panel it will be able to convert to usable electricity for your home. As you might imagine, higher efficiency ratings mean greater levels of energy production, which, in turn, means more of your electric bills will be offset. This is important in Michigan because electricity is about 18% more expensive per kWh than the national average, which means every additional kWh you offset, you save more money than you would elsewhere in the country. I recommend panel brands with efficiency ratings of 22% or higher for Michigan residents. All of the brands Windfree Solar installs meet that standard, with LONGi being the best option with a rating of 23.3%.

The degradation rate of a panel tells you how quickly the panels will lose efficiency. Panels with a high starting efficiency are great, but if the degradation rate is high, you won’t save as much as you would if the degradation was slower, even if the beginning efficiency was a bit lower. Most tier-1 panels guarantee no more than 15%  of the beginning efficiency will be lost over 25 years, with lower degradation being better for long-term savings, especially in Michigan, where electricity prices are above average. All of the brands Windfree Solar offers have rates under 15%, with REC being the best at just 8% over 25 years. Jinko and LONGi have faster degradation rates, but they do guarantee their performance for 30 years as opposed to the industry standard of 25 years.

The max snow load of a panel tells you how much force your panels can withstand from accumulating snow, which is a crucial consideration in Michigan. This specification is particularly important in areas around Lake Michigan that see lake-effect snowfall, as annual snowfall can sit 4 times higher than the national average. The average snow load rating among tier-1 panel brands is 5,870 Pascals (Pa). LONGi and Jinko panels from Windfree Solar fall just below that at 5,400 Pa. QCells and REC are the industry leaders with ratings of 8,100 and 7,000 Pa, respectively.

Warranties and Guarantees

Panel specifications are important considerations, but what I find even more important are the warranty coverages that guarantee long-term performance. I look at 4 types of warranties to get a complete picture of how well protected your investment is.

First, I look at the equipment warranty, which protects you from manufacturer defects. Most tier-1 panels provide an equipment warranty that lasts for 25 years. You could get that if you choose REC or QCells panels from Windfree, but Jinko and LONGi panels only come with a 12-year equipment warranty.

Second, I look at the performance warranty. This is what guarantees that your panels won’t lose more efficiency than what’s specified in the degradation rate. Most tier-1 panels lose between 8% and 15% of their efficiency over a period of 25 years. Regardless of the brand you choose with Windfree, you get a performance warranty that’s in line with the industry average. REC is the best of the bunch, though, as its panels only lose 8% efficiency over 25 years for maximum long-term savings.

Third, I look at the labor warranty, which guarantees that the installation process won’t cause damage to your home or equipment. The average labor warranty lasts for 12 years, and unfortunately, Windfree doesn’t offer a labor warranty at all. This is uncommon in the solar industry, and it’s a big reason why the company scored so poorly in terms of equipment durability and reliability. I’d really love to see some kind of guarantee from Windfree Solar that its installation labor is as reliable as its panel brands.

Finally, I look for roof leak warranties. These specifically protect you from out-of-pocket costs related to water damage that results from roof leaks after going solar. These are particularly beneficial warranties to get in Michigan because annual precipitation sits well above the national average, which means roof leaks are a greater risk. Most companies don’t offer roof leak warranties, and unfortunately, Windfree Solar is one provider that doesn’t.

Windfree Solar Company Reputation

18.5/25

Windfree Solar may not have the greatest warranty coverage or selection of service offerings, but it does have an outstanding reputation in the local solar industry, especially when it comes to customer reviews and satisfaction.

It scores full points in our ratings when it comes to company history, as it has been around for 15 years. Companies with longevity are more likely to stick around in the future because they’ve already proven that they have what it takes to succeed and adapt to a rapidly changing industry. Newer companies often go out of business just a few years after opening their doors when they find that they can’t keep up with the immense amount of competition. They typically void your warranty coverage when that happens, so I think it’s always safer to go with an installer with a long company history, like Windfree.

I also look to see if companies maintain SEIA membership, which requires a financial investment into the local solar industry. In many cases, this can help establish a provider as a solidified part of the industry. Windfree isn’t an SEIA member, but I do think that the 15 years of experience is enough to suggest that the company is here to stay.

Another area where Windfree loses points in our ratings is when it comes to NABCEP certification. I prefer to recommend companies with NABCEP-certified technicians because they receive specialized training beyond what the state requires. Certification usually means you’re going to get a more professional installation that’s less prone to problems, so it’s kind of a shame that Windfree Solar doesn’t ensure its techs are certified.

The primary reason I think Windfree is a good company to consider for your solar needs is the customer service it provides. It seems like it’s able to focus more on individual customers than many competitors because it’s a smaller company with in-house representatives and technicians. It doesn’t have a customer score on the BBB’s website or TrustPilot, but it does have a 4.6-star rating on Google Reviews, which is well above the industry average. In my opinion, a company with high customer ratings often makes up for other shortcomings, like not being NABCEP certified or not offering above-average warranty coverage because I feel that customers would complain about related issues if there were any.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I don’t just rely on total review ratings, though. I read through a few dozen customer reviews and take note of issues that seem to lead to a pattern of complaints, as well as areas where the company appears to excel. Most of the positive reviews for Windfree mention things like good communication throughout the entire solar conversion process, honest salespeople and technicians system performance meeting expectations for production and savings. Negative reviews mention delays in response times to warranty claims and some issues with slow installation timelines. Given that the majority of the reviews are positive, though, the issues mentioned in negative reviews don’t appear to stem from a pattern of errors.

I’ll include 2 reviews below to paint a picture of the best and worst you could get from Windfree.

“Spent weeks looking into solar companies when I narrowed it down to a few to meet with. After speaking with Bill Laseilo at Windfree, I got the best feeling from our conversations. Helped they also had the best price. Bill was easy to talk to and wasn’t pushy in any manner. He was there through the whole process along with the project manager, Erik. They even gave an option to pay a little more to have the conduit piped through my attic instead of on the outside of the roof, which is a huge eyesore that you don’t realize with other companies until after they do the job. The expectations were set and he didn’t play games to make it seem like it would get done faster than it would actually take to get the paperwork signed. They used an actual electrician that also has great reviews on Google. The installers were friendly and professional. There were some minor issues after the install, but Windfree and the electric contractor took care of things quickly.  Would recommend.” — Craig T. via Google Reviews

“I wish I could have as good [of an] experience as everybody else here. While the installation was fine, it took them a month to provide me a link to install the app. And now, the app and the battery they installed are not working as intended. It’s been two months, and all I can get from them is ‘someone is looking into this.’ So my advice would be to not use them if you plan to have a battery on top of your solar panels. And keep your fingers crossed everything goes smoothly. They clearly have follow-up issues.” — Aurelien S. via Google Reviews

Windfree Solar Customer Service 

10/10

Lastly, we rank solar companies based on their overall customer service. I come up with this score based on the dozens of reviews I read through, as well as my experience speaking with the company as a secret shopper. The reviews I read were mostly positive, which leads me to believe that you’re more likely to be pleased with the company and its services than disappointed. There have been some issues with slow responses to issues after installation, but there are so few complaints that I don’t feel this is a pattern of behavior and rather more of a one-off issue.

I also called Windfree to get a sense of how they treat customers from the get-go. The representative was extremely friendly and was willing to answer questions about battery back-ups and solar incentives in Michigan. They seemed to know what they were talking about, and they didn’t seem pushy when it came to getting me to schedule an in-person consultation.

Why We Chose Stellar Solar

Stellar Solar is a small company local to Michigan, so it’s another provider that I recommend if you want to support a local business or ensure you get a hands-on approach to solar conversion. While I think that’s a big deal on its own, Stellar Solar also offers some of the best system customization options, including ground mount solar, solar batteries, EV charging and roofing services. The company gives you more options than most to get the system you want or need for your home.

I also loved that Stellar Solar exclusively installs Maxeon panels. These are the highest-performing panels in the industry and have the highest efficiency rating and the slowest degradation rates, meaning they’re ideal in areas like Michigan that see below-average amounts of sunlight and have above-average energy costs. I personally have Maxeon panels on my home, and I recommend them to most homeowners.

While I think Stellar Solar is a good option overall, it’s not a perfect company. It doesn’t offer a roof leak warranty, which is a shame in an area like Michigan that sees above-average precipitation and rainfall and puts panels at an increased risk of leaking. It also doesn’t have NABCEP-certified solar installers on its team, and while I love Maxeon panels, I would prefer to see additional brands available to provide more options for homeowners looking to optimize for low cost or some other metric.

What I Like About Stellar Solar

Stellar Solar accepts all of the primary financing options and offers all of the core services I look for in a solar installer. It also offers a nice variety of add-on options, including a full suite of roofing services that should give you a smooth transition to solar, even if your roof needs work beforehand.

I also love how much experience Stellar Solar has behind it. It was founded in 1998, which means it has more than the decade of experience I typically look for in installers. Companies with a long history of success like Stellar Solar are more likely to remain in business and keep your warranty intact, as they’ve proven that they have the experience and wherewithal to succeed in such a competitive industry.

What I Don’t Like About Stellar Solar

Stellar Solar doesn’t use NABCEP-certified installers, which I usually look for to confirm that an installer is highly-trained and qualified. It also doesn’t have customer reviews posted on most of the traditional sites I look at, including Google Reviews, the BBB and TrustPilot. I had to go to other sites that I don’t normally use to see what customers thought about their experiences. The lack of reviews is strange, although I don’t think it’s a negative reflection on the company. It more just makes it challenging to gauge what kind of customer service you can expect.

Stellar Solar Installation Process and Timeline

Stellar Solar doesn’t have any information on its website about how long its installations typically take, but I’d guess that you’d have between 6 and 8 weeks from the initial consultation until the day your system is installed and active.

Stellar Solar also doesn’t provide details about its installation process, but most companies follow a similar procedure, so I expect your experience with Stellar would be the same. You’ll start with an in-person consultation and property assessment to make sure solar is a good fit for your home. The tech will review your electricity consumption, shading on your roof and more to gauge what size system you’ll need. The company will then design the system, pull permits for the installation and then install everything according to the design. Finally, your rep will schedule any necessary final inspections before activating your panels.

Stellar Solar Standard Services & Financing 

25/25

Stellar Solar is one of very few small, local companies that gets perfect scores in our ratings for its standard services and financing options.

It uses in-house installers, which I’m a fan of for quality and consistency across installations. In-house installers also reduce the risk of miscommunication and finger-pointing in case anything goes wrong. Companies that outsource to third parties aren’t necessarily bad, but I prefer a company that uses in-house technicians because I feel it leads to a better overall customer experience.

Stellar Solar installs Tesla Powerwalls and Enphase solar batteries alongside its panels. I think having batteries as options is a good thing because they allow you to maintain power during outages, and they could become much more relevant in the near future if the net metering policy declines in Michigan like it has in many other states. Speaking of net metering, though, Michigan residents currently have the benefit of 1-to-1 net metering, which helps maximize solar savings without the need for a solar battery. I’d recommend against batteries in Michigan for now unless that policy changes in the near future.

Stellar Solar’s installations all come with free access to a solar monitoring app, which allows you to track system performance in real time, as well as get information about your electricity consumption and overproduction. You can use this information to identify issues with your panels that could necessitate repairs, so it’s an important tool to have at your disposal if you want to maximize long-term savings.

Cost and Financing Options

I’m even more surprised that Stellar Solar accepts most of the major financing options, as most local companies don’t entertain leases or PPAs. The option you choose will change the course of your solar savings journey, so it’s important to understand how they each affect your upfront costs and savings over time before deciding.

A cash purchase is what I recommend if you can make it work, as it yields the highest savings over time — net savings of $36,143, on average — and it lets you take advantage of the ITC, which provides an average potential value of over $7,600 in Michigan. The only downside to a cash purchase is that you’ll need to have the entirety of the system cost saved up upfront. In Michigan, that means around $25,340, which is unrealistic for many homeowners.

A solar loan is more reasonable because you just need a small down payment to get started. You will, of course, have to pay interest on the loan, which will cut into your net savings by around $5,000, but you should still save over $31,000 after your panels pay for themselves. Loans still let you take the ITC, and they’re usually easy to transfer to new owners if you sell your home.

Stellar Solar also accepts solar leases, which are like rental agreements for panels, but you get to use the power they generate for free throughout the lease term. I don’t recommend leases to most homeowners because the net savings usually only add up to around $5,000, they don’t let you take the ITC and they can be more challenging or expensive to transfer or terminate if you move. However, they come with the benefit of not requiring any money down, so they help keep solar accessible. That’s why I’m happy to see Stellar accepting them even though I don’t recommend them.

Stellar Solar Extra Services Offered 

4/5

Stellar Solar also has one of the best aggregate scores in our ratings in terms of the add-on products and services available.

First, it tackles both rooftop and ground mount solar, so if you’re concerned about roof leaks, which are an issue in Michigan due to the above-average snowfall, Stellar Solar might suit you well if you have space for a ground-mount system.

Speaking of roofs, Stellar is also one of the only local installers in Michigan to offer roof repair and replacement alongside panel installation. Before you go solar, your installer will need to inspect your roof to ensure it’s in good enough condition to make solar make sense. If not, you’ll have to get roof work done beforehand. If I needed roof work before going solar, I’d personally prefer a single company that could tackle everything at once. This would remove the need to vet and hire a separate roofer and coordinate with both parties, and it would leave a single entity responsible in case anything went wrong.

The one add-on service that Stellar Solar doesn’t offer is energy efficiency upgrades. Some installers can couple your system with new insulation, windows and doors, air sealing and other efficiency upgrades to help reduce your consumption and get the most savings possible out of your panels. Stellar doesn’t have any of these services available, which is a shame, especially since they’d go further in a place like Michigan than in most other states given the above-average electricity rates.

I’m pleased to see that Stellar Solar installs EV chargers. As I mentioned before, Michigan has a goal to get 2 million ZEVs on the road by 2035, and I expect that it will create new incentives to help push toward that goal. That means at-home charging will become more and more valuable, and companies like Stellar that install chargers will become more and more relevant.

Finally, Stellar Solar offers professional monitoring services for all of its systems. Professional monitoring means experts will track your system performance remotely to look for unexpected dips in production and performance. They can keep track of problems and recommend repairs to get your system back up and running more quickly to help you maintain solar savings. You’ll still get access to the monitoring app, but having professionals do the work for you makes things easier and more convenient.

Stellar Solar Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

For anyone looking to reduce their carbon footprint and their negative impact on the environment, going solar should typically be the first place to turn. Installing panels on your home should instantly reduce your carbon emissions and could even make your home carbon-negative if your panels overproduce and export clean energy for other homeowners to use. You can maximize the positive impact you have when going solar by choosing an installer and an equipment brand that take their own sustainability efforts.

Stellar Solar doesn’t appear to go above and beyond in this regard, as it doesn’t make mention of charitable donations to solar-forward organizations, nor does it detail its own efforts to remain sustainable. Its impact comes primarily from the number of installations it has completed to help other people reduce their carbon footprints.

I also review solar panel brands, and the Maxeon panels that Stellar Solar installs tie for first place with a few other brands for the most sustainable options available. Maxeon uses recycled materials in production, has an end-of-life (EoL) recycling program for used panels and doesn’t have a history of unsustainable business practices, like forced labor or unsafe working conditions.

Stellar Solar Equipment Quality & Reliability 

19/25

Going solar in Michigan is likely going to cost you around $25,340. That number could come down to around $17,738 or lower after incentives, but this is still quite expensive, so you’ll want to ensure the equipment you’re buying will continue to serve you for many years to come. That’s why I evaluate panel brands that each installer offers and look at the warranty coverage you get with your system. I look at 18 metrics to score panel brands, but I think efficiency ratings, degradation rates and max snow load ratings are the 3 most important factors to consider when choosing panels in Michigan.

The efficiency rating tells you what percentage of the sunlight your panels will be able to collect and convert into usable energy for your home. The higher the efficiency rating is, the more power your panels will produce, and the more of your energy bills you’ll be able to offset. High efficiency ratings are crucial in Michigan, not only because every kWh you offset is more money saved than it would be in most other states due to above-average electricity rates, but also because the state sees below-average amounts of sunlight in the first place. I recommend panels that hit 22% efficiency, and Maxeon panels from Stellar Solar are the industry leader when it comes to efficiency, with ratings of 24.2%.

The panel degradation rate tells you how quickly the panels will lose that efficiency, as all panels do degrade over time in real-world conditions. The faster your panels lose efficiency, the less money you’ll save on future electric bills. Degradation rate is crucial to consider in Michigan because of the low-sun conditions and the above-average per-kWh rates. Slower degradation rates will mean you can offset your high energy bills for longer. Most tier-1 panels guarantee no more than a 15% loss of efficiency over 25 years. Maxeon is the industry leader when it comes to degradation, too, as it guarantees your panels won’t lose more than 8% in that time.

The max snow load rating tells you how much force your panels can stand up to from accumulating snow. This is an important factor no matter where you live in Michigan, but it’s especially important for customers who see lake-effect snowstorms and heavy accumulation through the winter. The average snow load rating for tier-1 panels is 5,870 Pascals (Pa), and Maxeon falls just below that at 5,400 Pa.

Warranties and Guarantees

I also think it’s crucial to look at the warranty coverage you get with your system, as this determines what guarantees you’ll have to ensure long-term performance and savings. I look at 4 types of warranty coverage: equipment warranty, performance warranty, labor warranty and roof leak warranty.

Equipment warranties guarantee that you won’t run into any major issues caused by manufacturer defects. The standard equipment warranty lasts for 25 years, and the Maxeon panels you get from Stellar Solar go above and beyond with a 40-year warranty.

Performance warranties are what guarantee your panels’ minimal efficiency loss, so they help maintain long-term savings on utility bills. Most tier-1 panels include a 25-year performance warranty that guarantees a loss of between 8% and 15%, with lower percentages being superior for savings over time. Maxeon has the best coverage in the industry, with an 8% loss over 25 years and a warranty that lasts for 40 years, more than 1.5 times the industry average.

Labor warranties are what protect you from faulty installations, something that lead to panel or property damage shortly after the installation is complete. Companies that offer robust labor warranties put more faith in their services and usually end up being better options overall. The standard labor warranty in the solar industry is 12 years. Stellar Solar doesn’t offer a labor warranty itself, but it is a Maxeon Master Dealer, so you get 40 years of protection for the labor, as well. This is the best in the industry and should instill maximum confidence that you’re getting a professional and safe installation.

Finally, roof leak warranties protect you specifically from leaks through the roof penetrations and related water damage. Roof leaks are more of a risk in Michigan because of the heavy snowfall, so protection against related damages would be outstanding. Unfortunately, like most installers, Stellar Solar doesn’t offer any roof leak warranty.

Stellar Solar Company Reputation 

18.5/25

Stellar Solar scores reasonably well in our ratings when it comes to its reputation in the local solar industry. First off, it has over 25 years of experience. This is impressive in any industry but especially the solar industry, where regulations change rapidly and competition is fierce. Companies that can maintain a level of success for more than a decade are more likely to stick around and keep your warranty coverage intact, so I try to recommend companies with at least 10 years of experience.

I also look for SEIA membership to confirm that a company is likely to stick around, as membership requires a financial investment into the solar industry. Stellar Solar isn’t an SEIA member, but I believe its 25+ years of experience more or less make up for that.

One thing I’m not terribly pleased with is that Stellar Solar doesn’t note that its installation technicians are NABCEP-certified. Installers who are certified go through specialized training and are less likely to make mistakes when installing your equipment. I think, especially when you’re spending tens of thousands of dollars on an upgrade for your home, knowing that the person doing the work is highly qualified is a major plus.

Finally, I look at each company’s customer reviews to see what real-world customers think about the service. Unfortunately, Stellar Solar doesn’t have any reviews posted on the BBB, TrustPilot or Google Reviews, which is strange. There are hundreds of reviews on other third-party sites, though, most of which are positive. I suspect based on those reviews that you’re likely to have a positive experience from start to finish if you choose Stellar Solar.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I always read through the specific reviews in addition to looking at aggregate scores because sometimes the complaints, while warranted, don’t identify what I’d consider red flags to avoid. For example, a company that uses aggressive tactics like door-to-door sales can garner negative reviews for being annoying or pushy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have a bad experience if you choose that provider. Most of the positive reviews for Stellar Solar mention good communication, professional installers and performance living up to expectations and estimations. Negative reviews are few and far between, but they mention hidden fees for services after transferring the system to a new owner, as well as some one-off issues with performance.

Stellar Solar Customer Service 

10/10

The last portion of our company review process involves a look at the customer service you’re likely to receive from the provider. I read through a few dozen customer reviews to gauge how well the company handles customer service before, during and after installation, and I also call the company as a secret shopper to see what the initial customer service experience is like.

As I mentioned above, most of the reviews for Stellar Solar are positive. Customers mention savings in line with what they expected based on company estimates, professional representatives, courteous installation technicians and good communication throughout the process. I think these reviews touch on a lot of the positive things I look for in a solar installer, and they give me the confidence I need to feel comfortable recommending the installer.

I also called Stellar Solar as a secret shopper and had a pleasant conversation with the representative, who was friendly and knowledgeable about the company’s process. They were honest about solar batteries not being a necessity, although they did recommend them. They also explained how the ITC worked without misrepresenting it as a rebate, which I was particularly pleased with.

Why We Chose Michigan Solar Solutions

Michigan Solar Solutions, as the name implies, is a small company based in Michigan. It’s a great option, in my opinion, if you’re looking to support a local business or if you want the kind of high-quality, hands-on customer service you can often only get from smaller, local companies. It has outstanding customer ratings, including a 4.8-star customer rating on Google Reviews and a perfect 5-star rating on the BBB. These stellar reviews are exceedingly rare in the solar industry, and I believe it’s indicative of truly outstanding customer service.

I’m also a fan of Michigan Solar Solutions’ add on options. It has some of the standard things I look for, like EV chargers, but it also offers some energy efficiency upgrades and a special bidirectional EV charger from Ford that’s a unique take on EV chargers and backup batteries.

While I think Michigan Solar Solutions is a great company overall, there are some downsides to consider before choosing it. For one, you don’t get a roof leak warranty, and roof leaks come with an increased risk in Michigan due to the above-average annual snowfall. Michigan Solar Solutions also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs, so there aren’t any no-money-down options for accessible solar. 

What I Like About Michigan Solar Solutions

I think the most attractive thing about Michigan Solar Solutions is the outstanding customer service you’ll get from the provider. The company has a higher percentage of positive reviews — only around 4% are negative on Google Reviews — than most competitors, which suggests that you’ll be pleased with the service you receive. That means a lot in a state with over 85 installers, where competition is fierce and many companies cut corners to maximize profits.

I’m also happy to report that Michigan Solar Solutions uses in-house installers that are NABCEP-certified. That all but guarantees you’ll have a professional and problem-free system installation to set you up for decades of savings.

What I Don’t Like About Michigan Solar Solutions

I think the biggest drawback to Michigan Solar Solutions is the lack of warranty coverage. It only offers a 3-year workmanship warranty, which is a quarter of the industry average. It also doesn’t provide a roof leak warranty, which is standard but still disappointing, especially since the risk of roof leaks is high in Michigan due to the heavy snowfall.

Michigan Solar Solutions Installation Process and Timeline

Michigan Solar Solutions doesn’t provide an estimated timeline for its installations on its website, but based on the lack of customer reviews complaining about delays, I would expect the standard 6 to 8 weeks from the initial consultation to the day your panels are producing power for your home.

The process the company follows is pretty standard. You’ll start with an initial inspection, and then the company will design a system to meet your energy needs. Once you sign off on the design, a representative will pull all necessary permits to legalize the installation. The actual installation should take just a day or two, and you’ll have in-house installers from Michigan Solar Solutions working on your property. Finally, the company will schedule any inspections necessary before connecting your system to the grid and turning it on.

Michigan Solar Solutions Standard Services & Financing 

20/25

Michigan Solar Solutions tackles all of the core services I look for in a solar installer. First off, it gets full points in our ratings for using in-house installation technicians. I should note that the company’s site mentions that most of the installations are handled by its in-house techs, so there’s a chance a portion of the work will go to a third party. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but I do think it opens the door for miscommunication and spotty customer service. As such, I’m happy that most of the work is done by in-house technicians.

Michigan Solar Solutions installs solar batteries, which I don’t recommend for most Michigan homeowners but am still happy to see being offered as a core service. Michigan currently has 1-to-1 net metering, which means you won’t benefit financially from installing solar batteries. They do still let you maintain power through outages, which is a nice perk, but in my opinion, they aren’t worth the money. Net metering policies are in decline across the country, and there’s a chance that batteries will be a necessity to see long-term savings in Michigan in the future, so I’m still happy to see Michigan Solar Solutions offering them to customers.

Finally, all of Michigan Solar Solutions’ installations include access to a mobile app that lets you monitor your system. You can look out for dips in performance, which could indicate that you need a repair. Staying on top of those issues means you could protect yourself from a loss of solar savings if your panels underperform for any reason.

Cost and Financing Options

Michigan Solar Solutions doesn’t publish cost information for its systems and services, so I’d guess that you’d pay around the average price of $25,340 before incentives or $17,738 after the ITC.

Michigan Solar Solutions accepts cash purchases and solar loans, and I’d recommend the former for most customers. Paying cash is the least accessible option because you’ll have to pay the entire system price upfront. If you have the funds to do that, though, you’ll see the highest savings possible — an average of over $36,100.

A solar loan is far more accessible because you just need a small down payment saved up. Both options let you take the ITC, but loans come with the downside of having to pay interest, which reduces your savings by an average of $5,000.

These options are both preferable to leases and PPAs, in my opinion, but I still deducted points from Michigan Solar Solutions in our ratings for not offering them because they help make solar more widely accessible. They don’t require any money down most of the time, and you typically see immediate savings as opposed to having to wait the average 10 years for the other options to pay for themselves. Leases and PPAs also don’t let you take the ITC, and they only lead to savings of between $4,000 and $5,000, in most cases. Still, I do like to see them as options because they make solar available to more people.

Michigan Solar Solutions Extra Services Offered 

3/5

Michigan Solar Solutions also scores pretty well when it comes to the add-on services it offers.

It loses a few points because it doesn’t handle roof work. As I mentioned before, I would personally prefer to have a single company responsible for my roof and the panels installed over it because then I have one entity to hold responsible if there’s a leak or some other damage. If you get roof work done first by a standalone roofer, they may blame the solar company for damage to the roof, and the solar provider may blame them, leaving you to pay for repairs out-of-pocket. Of course, there’s no guarantee a single company won’t also leave you with issues, but I think the risk is lower.

Michigan Solar Solutions offers some energy efficiency upgrades, too, including electrical panel upgrades. These can help reduce your consumption, which will help you get the most value out of your solar array. Plus, electricity in Michigan is more expensive than it is in most other states, so efficiency upgrades are more valuable in your area than they would be in most other states.

I’m also pleased to note that this provider installs EV chargers. Michigan is making moves to get 2 million ZEVs on the road in the state by 2035, so more and more customers will need at-home charging in the coming years. Michigan Solar Solutions installs standard EV chargers, as well as bidirectional chargers that work with Ford EVs to allow you to use your EV as a battery backup for your home. This is a unique option that I’ve only seen from one other company — SunRun — and one that I think helps legitimize having a backup battery option in a state like Michigan, where standalone batteries offer minimal financial return.

Finally, Michigan Solar Solutions offers professional system monitoring, so while you’ll be able to monitor your system and your consumption yourself via the app, the responsibility of identifying issues won’t be on your shoulders. This just makes life a bit more convenient for you and provides greater peace of mind that your system will continue to function for many years without issues.

Michigan Solar Solutions Environmental Impact & Sustainability Practices 

7.5/10

Going solar will instantly reduce your carbon footprint and may even make your home carbon-neutral or carbon-negative, so it’s one of the best things you can do as a homeowner in terms of sustainability. I also think it’s important to go one step further and choose an installer and an equipment manufacturer that practice sustainability, as well.

Michigan Solar Solutions doesn’t publish sustainability reports, but it does partner with the Michigan chapter of the Sierra Club, which aims to help keep the environment clean and healthy. It also installs panels from Panasonic and Jinko, and in my assessment of these brands, I found that Panasonic is a reasonably sustainable brand for solar panels. It uses recycled materials to manufacture panels, it has a recycling program available to keep panels out of landfills and it doesn’t have a history of unethical and socially unsustainable business practices, like forced labor or unfair wages. Jinko scores much lower in our solar panel rankings because it was recently cited for using forced labor.

Michigan Solar Solutions Equipment Quality & Reliability 

15.8/25

Unfortunately, Michigan Solar Solutions doesn’t score very well in our section on equipment quality and reliability. I think at least 1 of the panel brands it offers is a solid one, but it lacks some of the warranty coverages I typically look for for long-term system protection and guaranteed performance.

I compare panel brands based on 18 metrics, and I think 3 are especially worthwhile considerations before going solar in Michigan: the panel efficiency, the degradation rate and the max snow load rating.

A panel’s efficiency rating tells you how efficient it is at capturing available sunlight and converting it into electricity for your home. As you can probably imagine, panels with a higher efficiency rating are more likely to be able to offset your rate of consumption, and that means more savings on your utility bills over time. This is particularly important in Michigan because panels with higher efficiency ratings will make better use of the below-average amount of sunlight the state sees, and it will also save more, given the above-average cost of electricity in the state. I recommend panels with an efficiency rating of 22% or higher. Panasonic panels from Michigan Solar Solutions fall just below this at 21.2%, and Jinko panels from the provider are above that mark at 23.23%.

The degradation rate is also important to think about because faster degradation means that starting efficiency isn’t worth as much over the long haul. Ideally, you want a high max efficiency as well as a slow degradation rate to maximize your savings over many years. Most tier-1 panels guarantee your equipment won’t lose more than 15% efficiency over 25 years. Both brands from Michigan Solar Solutions fall under that mark, with Jinko at 10.6% and Panasonic at an industry-leading 8%.

Michigan homeowners see above-average snowfall, and those around Lake Michigan can see 4 to 5 times the national average amount of snow per year. The max snow load rating of a panel is a good indication of how resilient your panels will be to accumulating snow. The average snow load rating among tier-1 panel brands is 5,870 Pascals (Pa). Panasonic and Jinko panels from Michigan Solar Solutions have ratings of 7,000 and 5,400 Pa, respectively.

Warranties and Guarantees

I think warranty coverage is even more important than individual panel specifications because it guarantees a certain level of performance from your installed system. I look at 4 types of warranty coverage to determine how well protected your installer keeps your system.

First, I look at equipment warranties. These technically come from the panel manufacturer, but they get passed to you through your installer. Most panel manufacturers include a guarantee for 25 years that your equipment won’t fail due to manufacturer defects. Panasonic panels meet that standard, but Jinko falls short with just a 12-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Second, I look at performance warranties, sometimes called production warranties. These guarantee that your panels won’t lose efficiency faster than the specified degradation rate on the panel spec sheet. Most panel brands include a performance warranty that guarantees no more than a 15% loss of efficiency over 25 years. Jinko has a rate of 10.6% in that timeframe, and Panasonic is an industry leader, guaranteeing no more than an 8% loss of efficiency over 25 years. Longer performance at a higher efficiency rate is going to mean greater offset and savings on your electric bills, so even a small difference in efficiency loss can be a big deal.

Third, I consider labor warranties, also called workmanship warranties. These protect you from system and property damage caused by poor installation technique, so it’s a good way to insulate yourself from an inexperienced or unprofessional installer. The average workmanship warranty lasts for 12 years, and this is one area where Michigan Solar Solutions falls short, as it only offers a 3-year workmanship warranty.

Finally, I consider whether the installer offers a roof leak warranty. Roof leaks are one of the most common issues solar customers face, and coverage is especially helpful in places like Michigan that see above-average annual precipitation and have a higher-than-normal risk of a leaking roof. Most companies don’t offer roof leak protection, and unfortunately, Michigan Solar Solutions doesn’t have it as a part of its warranty lineup.

Michigan Solar Solutions Company Reputation 

22.5/25

I’m pleased to note that Michigan Solar Solutions scores much better in our ratings when it comes to its reputation in the local solar market, especially because I feel reputation is a solid indicator of what your overall experience with an installer will be like.

The company has been in business since 2007, meaning it has over 15 years of experience behind it. The solar industry is a highly competitive one, and a challenging one to be successful in due to constantly changing perceptions and regulations. Companies that are just a few years old are more likely to go out of business and take your warranty coverage with them, so I prefer to recommend well-established companies, like Michigan Solar Solutions, that have a decade of experience or more.

Another good indication that a company is likely to stick around is if it maintains SEIA membership, which requires a financial investment into the local solar industry. Michigan Solar Solutions isn’t a member, but I do think the 15+ years of experience speak for themselves when it comes to company longevity.

I mentioned earlier that this provider uses in-house installers to complete the majority of the installation work, but what I didn’t mention is that its technicians are NABCEP certified. This means they go through solar-specific training that’s above and beyond what the State of Michigan requires. I think NABCEP certification is another good sign that your installation will be done properly and won’t leave you with problems down the road.

Finally, I looked at customer review scores for Michigan Solar Solutions on sites like the BBB, TrustPilot and Google Reviews to see how customers feel about the company’s services. It has an A+ score and a 5-star customer rating on the BBB and a 4.8-star review on Google. These are well above the industry average and, in my opinion, all but guarantee that you’ll have a pleasant experience from the initial consultation through the installation and beyond.

Consumer Reviews and Testimonials

I also like to read through customer reviews to gauge a company’s specific strengths and shortcomings. I read a few dozen reviews for Michigan Solar Solutions, and it seems clear that the provider does everything it can to keep its customers happy. Positive reviews mention highly professional representatives, courteous installation teams and, most importantly, systems that match expectations and prove that the company’s initial estimates for power production and bill offset were accurate. Negative reviews suggest that there have been some isolated issues with response times related to warranty claims, and there have been some problems that seem to stem from solar sales companies outsourcing to Michigan Solar Solutions, which I can’t fault the actual company for. All in all, I’d be comfortable going solar with this provider, as I don’t feel the negative reviews suggest a pattern of problems.

I’ll include a positive and negative review below to give you a sense of what to expect from this provider.

“Super friendly crew installed my new solar system today. [The reps did] a very tidy job installing the 2 new electrical boxes and running the conduit. And [they completed] a fine solar panel install on the roof. Tony listened patiently to me on the location adjustment I wanted to make on some of my panels. He advised me to contact the MSS designer for any field adjustments. Amy was very friendly on the phone and messaged Bryan H who called me right back. Bryan checked the layout and created a new drawing and verified the adjustment was within scope. Mark H himself brought out better sized clamps for the racks based on the profile of my standing seams. No holes in my shiny new metal roof! Once the panels were connected, Devin, Kevin, and Tait verified and showed me how much the system was producing today with a slick app. Just waiting on inspection and DTE. I’M COMPLETELY DELIGHTED with the professionalism of everyone I spoke with from MSS today. Highly recommended, this crew in particular.” — C.A. Hale via Google Reviews

“They installed the system for my house in mid June and it failed the DTE inspection in July, so it has been a couple weeks now. We keep contacting them to fix the issue so we can use the system EVENTUALLY but there has been no response since they collected the full payment from us. It has been difficult to get timely responses from them throughout the project. We are still waiting and waiting…” — Ron D. via Google Reviews

Michigan Solar Solutions Customer Service 

10/10

I read through a few dozen reviews and make a call as a secret shopper to each installer I review to come up with an overall customer service score, and Michigan Solar Solutions knocked this part of our ratings out of the park. Over 90% of the company’s reviews online are overwhelmingly positive, and most customers rave about the customer service and system performance and longevity, which I believe are some of the most crucial things to consider when choosing an installer.

My call to Michigan Solar Solutions also left me with a positive impression of the company. The representative was knowledgeable about the solar conversion process, local incentives and how the net metering policy in Michigan affected the utility of backup battery options. If the customer reviews and my initial call are any indication of how this company will serve you as a customer, I can’t recommend them enough.