15 Best Solar Companies in Columbia, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Columbia based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Columbia, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Columbia homeowner saves $1,812/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia
If you're a homeowner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Columbia, it can be hard to narrow down which installer to go with. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar power is often a great choice. Because solar panels generate their own power, they can greatly bring down your electricity bill each month, if not totally eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $22,000 of savings over 20 years.
If you're thinking about going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Columbia and compare quotes. That's why we took the time and put together a list of the best solar companies so you don't have to. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the top Columbia solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 Columbia
The Green Panel
-
Free Quotes - Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Tailored solutions - Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
Harvest Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Sesame Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Rustic Resource Enterprises Inc
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
The University of Michigan Solar Car Team
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Solar Mounts LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Absolute Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Sumpter Solar Services, LLC.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
NovaTerra Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Mid-America Solar, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Stoneacre Energy Solutions (SESPOWER INC)
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Sol Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Srinergy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
First Solar PGT2
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Columbia
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Columbia 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 Columbia
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 Columbia
For lots of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar panels boils down to the cost. Some important things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Your income and budget: This guides what model of solar panels you can buy.
- Your home's power bills: Based on the fairly high monthly energy bills in Columbia, you could save about $1,400 a year with solar.
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, plus your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can make.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. Additionally, not including incentives, you can save about $22,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
Because of solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a sound investment for most homeowners.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
To see how much you can impact the environment and your wallet by switching to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Columbia, 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 Columbia
Although a solar power system is typically a large investment, it can save you much money over time because of lower energy bills and government incentives. In addition to the federal solar investment tax credit, there are also some state- and city-level benefits, which in most cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. You can find out about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia
A lot of people want to do what they can to help the environment, which in many cases is the main reason for installing solar panels. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? The more energy you use, the better off the planet will be from you switching to solar as you won't have to use as much nonrenewable energy. While solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used traditional energy. In Columbia, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year with solar panels. If you care about the environment, you'll most likely recognize that there are many advantages to 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 Columbia, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
In Columbia, Sesame Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your electricity bills, it's environmentally friendly, and it can give you a decent 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 aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 8.7 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the faster your solar panel system will pay for itself.
How efficient is a solar panel system?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need fewer of them for your home's energy needs.
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.