14 Best Solar Companies in Columbia, MI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 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
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Columbia
If you’re looking for the best solar companies in Columbia, going through so many options can be demanding, but it can pay off since adopting solar energy can offer so many fantastic perks. Plus, forward-thinking government support gave rise to surging numbers of solar companies, setting the groundwork for a clean, bright and fruitful future in the state.
If you want to start making use of the great amount of benefits of solar, we can help you narrow down your options to find the Columbia solar installer that’s right for you.To help you figure out if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Columbia 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Columbia
The Green Panel
Free Quotes- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Financing Assistance- Tesla Powerwall
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Solar Carports
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Financing Assistance
- Skilled Repairs
Harvest Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
Rustic Resource Enterprises Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
Absolute Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
NovaTerra Energy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
Sumpter Solar Services, LLC.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
Sol Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Stoneacre Energy Solutions (SESPOWER INC)
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Skilled Repairs
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Srinergy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Solar Carports
- Financing Assistance
Mid-America Solar, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Solar Carports
Spark Building Solutions
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Water Winter Solar Installers Co
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
- Consultation
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- System Decommissioning
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Skilled Repairs
CRESIT Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
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
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs the most.Some key factors that determine the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- The cost of electricity in your area: If your local power rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Columbia, you can save an average of $1,254 a month on your electricity bills.
- How much power your household needs: If your home uses a lot of energy, you'll benefit more from installing solar panels.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what kind of solar panels you can get.
- Your home's orientation toward the sun: This, plus how your roof is set up, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can make.
So are solar panels worth it? Whether you hope to lower your electric bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Columbia homeowners.
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To see how much you can help the environment and your wallet by making the switch to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Columbia, MI.
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Solar Incentives in Columbia
Although a solar power system is typically a large investment, it can save you a considerable amount of money over the lifespan of your solar panels due to lower utility bills and government incentives.State and city solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Columbia
Lots of people want to do what they can to help save the planet, which often is the main reason for installing a solar system.But you may be wondering – how much exactly can you help the planet by making the switch to solar? The more power your family uses, the better off the planet will be when you switch to solar as you won’t need to use as much nonrenewable energy.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they’re a good trade for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The advantages of solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners 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
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Columbia, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Columbia?
In Columbia, The Green Panel is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.60 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your roof.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they’re made. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle 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 installing solar panels?
Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 12.5 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can put up solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing it in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners switching to solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
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.