14 Best Solar Companies in Chikaming, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Chikaming based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Chikaming, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Chikaming homeowner saves $1,360/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Chikaming
Choosing the right solar panel installation company for your house is a huge decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Chikaming. Since Chikaming is a city with great potential for solar power, it's no wonder you're looking into installing solar panels.
In this article, we'll help you find the best companies in your area. Interested in knowing 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 Chikaming solar installer.
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 Chikaming
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
Hightec Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
GLE Solar Energy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Briter Products, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Crossroads Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Solar By Mike Johnson
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Future Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
DECLARE YOUR OWN ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Greentech Renewables Midwest
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Chikaming
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Chikaming 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 Chikaming
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 Chikaming
Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but before you can take advantage of this you must first pay to install your panels. The cost and possible savings vary depending on some important factors such as:
- The amount of sunlight your rooftop gets: Due to Chikaming's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electric bills.
- Your power bills: This will affect how much money you might save. In Chikaming, the average homeowner can save about $1,000 a year on their electricity bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to decrease your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can take advantage of. Plus, you can save about $16,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, not including incentives.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to reduce your energy bills, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Chikaming homeowners.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
For an idea of both how much you could save and impact the environment by installing a solar panel system, you can give the calculator below a try. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Chikaming, MI.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.
Solar Incentives in Chikaming
If you're planning on making the switch to solar power, various government incentives and state programs can immensely reduce the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment. On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level benefits, which in the majority of cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. For more information about local incentives, check out our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Chikaming
Making the switch to solar power is a good way to do what you can for a greener future. Something many people might be asking themselves is how much can they really help save the environment by switching to solar power anyway? In a city like Chikaming where energy use is rather high, making the switch to solar power is a good plan for households who are worried about the state of the planet. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. If you care about the environment, you'll likely recognize that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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 Chikaming, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
In Chikaming, SunRise Solar Attic Fans is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your house.
What are the best and worst things about solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it's a sustainable source of energy, and it gives you a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels can be an eyesore.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 11.6 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
What are the different types of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, how much you're willing to spend and how much energy generation you want.
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.