3 Best Solar Companies in Big Rapids, MI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Big Rapids based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Big Rapids, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Big Rapids homeowner saves $1,744/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Big Rapids
Looking to go solar but trying to figure out which solar company would be the best one for you? Although it can be hard to find a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many great perks. Because solar panels generate their own electrical power, they can vastly bring down your electricity bill each month, if not entirely eliminate it. In fact, you could be looking at about $21,000 of savings over 20 years.
There are so many installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you narrow down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Big Rapids.Want to see how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a top-rated Big Rapids 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 Big Rapids
Tiger Solar
Informative Resources- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Agathon Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Consultation
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
CBS Solar
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
- Financing Assistance
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Big Rapids
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Big Rapids 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 Big Rapids
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 Big Rapids
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you will need to pay to set up your system.There are a few factors you should consider when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, including:
- Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, and how your roof is set up, affects affect how much power your solar panels can make.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar system this year can save 0 of their solar installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $21,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years excluding incentives.
- How much you spend on energy: If your local electricity rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Big Rapids, you can save an average of $1,254 a month on your electricity bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can make your own electricity instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping preserve the Earth.
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Solar Incentives in Big Rapids
If you’re thinking about switching to solar power, various government incentives and solar rebates can greatly reduce your project costs and expedite the return on your investment.You qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar panel system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for near you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Big Rapids
One of the best reasons to adopt solar energy is to reduce your reliance on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are damaging for the environment.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? Going solar is a sustainable choice for the environment, due to the fact that the greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the nation is from burning fossil fuels for electricity, heat, and transportation – all of which can be powered by solar instead.Since solar panels don’t release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good swap for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll most likely get that there are many benefits of adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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 Big Rapids, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel installer in Big Rapids?
In Big Rapids, Tiger Solar is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
Are solar panels actually good for the environment?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 13.0 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
How efficient is a solar panel system?
Usually, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, which means they can convert that percentage of the sun’s energy into usable electricity.
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.