15 Best Solar Companies in Forest, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Forest based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Forest, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Forest homeowner saves $1,495/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Forest
When deciding on the best solar panel companies, Forest homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to take in, but we're here to make adopting solar energy easier. On average, your family can save $18,000 over 20 years by using solar power. And because solar panels have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be much higher than that overall.
In this article, we'll help you narrow in on the top companies in your area. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Forest 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 Forest
Michigan Solar Solutions
-
Free Quotes - Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Home installations - Expert panel installation
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
The Green Panel
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Strawberry Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
North Coast Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Fast Solar Company
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
Oak Electric Service, Inc.
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
Water Winter Solar Installers Co
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Orange Cell Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Ease Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Solar On Inc
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Solutions of America Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
The Solar RAQ
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
Solar Energy Detroit
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
Srinergy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- End-to-end services
Solar Source
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Forest
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Forest 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 Forest
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 Forest
Even though solar panels can help save you money on power bills over time, it's important to know the upfront costs. Some important things that impact how much it will cost and how much you could save include:
- How much you spend on energy: If your local power rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll get a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Forest, you can save an average of $97 a month on your electricity bills.
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- Energy consumption: Installing a solar system may be a high-cost option for households that don't need a lot of energy each month.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $18,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
Thanks to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as various solar incentives, they are a cost-effective investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Forest
Since solar power is better for the environment than fossil fuels, there are several government incentives available to encourage its adoption. You can qualify for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also potentially stack the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Forest
An important reason so many are considering installing solar panels is to help lower their environmental impact. You may be asking yourself — how much does going solar help the planet anyway? As stated by the EPA, electricity generation is the second biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels. Switching to a clean energy source like solar power can help put a dent in that statistic in a city like Forest that generates a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. Since solar energy is renewable and generates electricity without free from carbon dioxide emissions, adding solar panels to your home is one easy step you can take to help protect the planet.
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 Forest, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel company in Forest?
In Forest, North Coast Solar is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
What are the pros and cons of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it lowers your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it can provide a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels require a large upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do solar panels need to be replaced?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.