5 Best Solar Companies in Benton Harbor, MI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 5 in Benton Harbor based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Benton Harbor, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Benton Harbor homeowner saves $1,532/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Benton Harbor
When choosing between the best solar installers, Benton Harbor homeowners have more choices than ever before, which can be mind-boggling, but we’re here to make adopting solar power that much easier. While solar panels are a sizable investment, you’ll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $18,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary significantly based on your home’s layout and your overall energy usage.Want to know how much you would pay to install solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top Benton Harbor solar installer.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Benton Harbor
Helios Solar LLC
Informative Resources- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Permit Assistance- Panel Installation
- Consultation
Climax Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Financing Assistance
Solar Energy Systems LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Wellspring Solar
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Photon Electric LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Benton Harbor
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Benton Harbor based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Benton Harbor
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Michigan solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Benton Harbor
We get that for most homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on installation costs.A few important factors that affect how much it will cost to install solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- Your energy bills: This will affect how much money you might save. In Benton Harbor, the average resident can save about $1,200 a year on their electricity bills.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $18,000 on your utility bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- How much electricity your home consumes: Homes that need plenty of power each month may need more solar panels and, therefore, more upfront cost, but will also benefit more over time.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you want to decrease your electric bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Benton Harbor homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Benton Harbor
In order to increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government – and even some utility companies – to help make switching to solar power more economical and accessible.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other state and city incentives. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Benton Harbor.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Benton Harbor
One reason so many consider going solar is to help bring down their environmental impact.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Benton Harbor, though. For homeowners and business owners who care about the environment, using solar power is an easy choice, especially since Benton Harbor produces a high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.While solar panel manufacturing releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by significantly lowering the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Benton Harbor, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. As you can see, trading traditional energy for solar has so many other rewards beyond saving money. One of the major ones is that you can help save the Earth too.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Benton Harbor, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar panel installation company in Benton Harbor?
In Benton Harbor, Helios Solar LLC is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to dispose of safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Solar panel manufacturing uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 14.8 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
How long do solar panels last?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency after that time.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.