4 Best Solar Companies in Houghton Lake, MI (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Houghton Lake based on:

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

Average Houghton Lake homeowner saves $1,810/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 Houghton Lake

If you’re looking for the best solar companies in Houghton Lake, going through all the options can be intimidating, but it can pay off since adopting solar power can offer so many great benefits. Since Houghton Lake is a city where the solar industry is on the rise, it's no wonder you're looking into installing solar panels.


If you’re considering going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Houghton Lake and compare quotes. The great news is we did the hard work and compiled a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier.If you’re ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Houghton Lake solar companies, you can click the button below to learn more.

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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Houghton Lake

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Suntec Wind & Solar, LLC

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • 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 Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: https://suntec-windsolar.com/
Address: 319 S Main St, Standish, MI 48658
Phone: 9897374078
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Heritage Sustainable Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Community Solar Projects
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • 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 Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • 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 Houghton Lake

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

The cost of putting up a solar panel system has dropped significantly over the past few years, but it’s still a substantial investment for most homeowners.There are several factors you should consider when determining costs and your potential savings, including:

  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of installing your solar panel system from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $21,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • The make and model of solar panels you want: Higher-efficiency panels are more expensive, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
  • Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, along with how your roof is set up, affects affect how much power your solar panels can make.
  • How much energy costs for you: If your local energy rates are quite high, there's a better chance you'll end up with a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In Houghton Lake, you can save an average of $1,254 a month on your electricity bills.

Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can produce your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar tax credits and rebates, all while helping protect the environment.

Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}

Use the calculator below to get a sense of how much adopting solar power could impact the Earth and your finances. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Houghton Lake, 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
Why leave {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} on the table? Help the environment and your wallet by switching to solar. SAVE NOW

Electricity rate:
{{ solarcalc.elec_cost/10 }} ¢
Shade:
{{ solarcalc.shade }} %
Time period:
{{ solarcalc.time_period }} years
System size:
{{ solarcalc.system_size }} kW
Additional Incentives:
{{ solarcalc.additional_incentives|currency }}

Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years.

Solar Incentives in Houghton Lake

One of the benefits of installing a solar panel system is receiving incentives from the government.When you install solar panels, you can take advatage of the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lets you lower your tax bill by 0 of the cost of your solar panels. Additionally, there are often some local incentives that you can benefit from to further save. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Houghton Lake

Swapping traditional energy for solar is a great way to do what you can for a more environmentally-friendly future.But how much can installing solar panels actually help the environment? The more energy your family uses, the better off the planet will be if you switch to solar as you won’t need to rely on traditional energy sources as much.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 90 pounds each year. The perks of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many Houghton Lake residents have been happy with using solar energy.

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

Outstanding Local Installer

The Green Panel

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Excellent reputation
  • Great warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Houghton Lake, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar company in Houghton Lake?

The best local solar company in Houghton Lake is Suntec Wind & Solar, LLC, with a rating of 3.00 stars.

What are a few of the pros and cons of adopting solar power?

The main advantages of solar power are that it can lower or, in some cases, 100% erase your electricity bills, raise your home’s value and reduce your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be costly to install, you may not see as many savings if you don’t use a lot of electricity and it doesn’t work for all roof types and locations.

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 12.6 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

What is the best kind of solar panel?

The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels cost less but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other kinds can’t, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout 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.