3 Best Solar Companies in Green Lake, MI (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Green Lake based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Green Lake, MI
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Green Lake homeowner saves $1,614/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Green Lake

Looking for energy freedom in Green Lake? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding project since you can enjoy many perks when you go solar. Solar panels can be expensive, but switching to solar will save you money on your energy bills over time. In fact, you can look forward to saving about $19,000 over 20 years.


In this article, we’ll help you find the best companies in your area.To see how much you might pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Green Lake by clicking the "get quote" button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • 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 Green Lake

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Heritage Sustainable Energy

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: https://heritagesustainable.com/
Address: 121 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: 2319353659
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

CBS Solar

  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://cbssolar.com/
Address: 16880 Front St, Copemish, MI 49625
Phone: 2313782936
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Bear River Electric

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.briverelectric.com/
Address: 352 Creekside Dr, Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: 2313476311

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Green Lake

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Green Lake 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 Green Lake


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 Green Lake

Solar panels are powered by a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you first need to pay to set up your system.The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few key factors such as:

  • average energy usage: The more electricity your home consumes on average and the higher your current electricity bills are, the more money you could save by going solar.
  • Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can noticeably lower, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Green Lake, you can save an average of $1,254 a month.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 0 of your overall installation cost, your state or local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Excluding incentives, you can save an average of $19,000 over the first 20 years with your system, too.
  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you get will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don’t need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.

Due to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as various solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Green Lake

If you’re considering switching to solar power, several government incentives and state programs can immensely reduce the installation costs and speed up the return on your investment.State and city solar incentive programs vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar power, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in Green Lake.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Green Lake

Going solar can have a positive impact on the environment.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Green Lake, though. If your home uses a lot of energy, you can have an even greater impact on the planet by switching to solar power.In fact, if you adopt solar power, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. As you can see, using solar power has so many other benefits beyond saving money. One of the main ones is that you can help save the planet too.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • 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 Green Lake, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar company in Green Lake?

The best local solar company in Green Lake is Heritage Sustainable Energy, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?

Solar panels can be detrimental for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels needs 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 getting solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 14.1 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

What are the different kinds 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, your budget and how much efficiency you're looking for.

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.