8 Best Solar Companies in Howard, MI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Howard based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Howard, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Howard homeowner saves $1,607/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Howard
When choosing between the best solar panel installers, Howard homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to take in, but we’re here to make switching to solar energy that much easier. What's especially making many homeowners consider going solar is their high energy bills that keep increasing each year.
To help you navigate through the large number of Howard solar installers, we’ve come up with a list of the top ones.Want to know the cost of installing solar panels on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Howard solar installer.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Howard
Solar Energy Systems LLC
Clear Pricing Policy- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Battery Storage- Panel Installation
- Consultation
- Financing Assistance
Helios Solar LLC
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Climax Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Financing Assistance
Wellspring Solar
- Informative Resources
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Panel Installation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Photon Electric LLC
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Panel Installation
Advanced Solar Distributor LLC.
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Financing Assistance
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Consultation
- Grid-Tied Solar System
Solect Energy, L.L.C.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Grid-Tied Solar System
- Off-Grid Solar Systems
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
Renewable Energy Systems, LLC
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Howard
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Howard 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 Howard
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 Howard
When deciding on a solar company, most homeowners or business owners worry about the costs above all.The installation cost is just one important factor you should take into account when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things such as:
- System size and type: Some models are more pricy than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to buy, the more it'll cost.
- How much electricity your home consumes: Households that need a lot of power each month may require more solar panels and, therefore, be more expensive, but will also save more on their energy bills over time.
- 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. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $19,000 over 20 years with your solar system, too.
- Your current electric bills: Solar panels can greatly decrease, or completely eradicate, your utility bills. In Howard, you can save an average of $1,232 a month.
Thanks to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as various solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for most homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Howard
To increase the adoption of solar power, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar more economical and accessible.On top of the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some state- and city-level incentives, which in almost all cases, stack with the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. Our article on solar incentives has more detailed information on the incentives you can benefit from in Howard.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Howard
There are tons of reasons to make the switch to solar power, like saving on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Howard, though. For those who care about the environment, going solar is a straightforward choice, especially since Howard produces a high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation.If you go solar, your carbon footprint can be reduced by about 90 pounds every year. The benefits of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Howard residents have been happy with making the switch to solar.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Howard, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installer in Howard?
The top local solar company in Howard is Solar Energy Systems LLC, with a rating of 4.80 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?
Making solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main downside of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
Solar panels generally pay for themselves in about 14.2 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In terms of efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof configuration, your budget 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.