12 Best Solar Companies in Berlin, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Berlin based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Berlin, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Berlin homeowner saves $1,338/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Berlin
On the hunt for the top solar companies in Berlin? Installing solar panels is an exciting project that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Since Berlin is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're looking into installing solar panels.
To help you sort through the huge variety of Berlin solar installers, we've come up with a list of the top ones. Continue reading to see our picks for the top solar companies in the city, or get connected with a highly rated solar company near you right away by clicking the button below.
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 Berlin
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
Average Cost
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Carports
- Electrical Work
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Downriver Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
CRESIT Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Sumpter Solar Services, LLC.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
DTE Energy - River Rouge Power Plant
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Polar Racking
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
A1 Solar Structures
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Berlin
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Berlin 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 Berlin
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 Berlin
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your panels. There are several factors you should take into consideration when trying to determine the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Your current energy bills: Solar panels can greatly reduce, or totally eradicate, your utility bills. In Berlin, you can save an average of $84 a month.
- Incentives: Those who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their overall solar costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $16,000 on your utility bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- How much power your household needs: If your household regularly uses a lot of energy, you'll see more savings from switching to solar.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
Because of the cost of solar panels being lower than before as well as various solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for most homeowners.
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Use the calculator below to find out how much adopting solar power could help the Earth and your bank account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Berlin, MI.
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Solar Incentives in Berlin
There are many good reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them consists of some government incentives that can help save you some money. Regardless of what state you live in, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which will let you claim 30% of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives that stack with the ITC too. In our article on solar incentives, you can read about the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Berlin
Lots of people want to do their part to help save the environment, which in many cases is the main reason they're interested in installing solar panels. You may be trying to figure out — how much does making the switch help the environment anyway? The more power you use, the better off the planet will be if you switch to solar since you won't have to rely on traditional energy sources as much. Once you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by about 100 pounds every year. The advantages of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with using solar energy.
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 Berlin, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Berlin is Forest City Solar Solutions, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are a few of the advantages and disadvantages of adopting solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's environmentally friendly, and it provides a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 11.8 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the faster your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
How long do solar panels last?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of. What this means is their energy production will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.