16 Best Solar Companies in Kalamazoo, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 in Kalamazoo based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Kalamazoo, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Kalamazoo homeowner saves $1,730/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Kalamazoo
If you're a home or business owner looking to capitalize on the solar incentives in Kalamazoo, it can be hard to narrow down which company to choose. But, the process is worth it since switching to solar power is often a fantastic idea. Though Kalamazoo may not have a reputation for sunshine like Florida, it's a surprisingly hot place for solar growth, so many of the best solar companies in the country have set up shop there to help residents get started with renewable energy.
There are tons of installers to choose from, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Kalamazoo. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
Average Cost
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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
Average Cost
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Carports
- Electrical Work
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Helios Solar LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
New Earth Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Climax Solar
- Recognized Excellence
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Fabius Solar FACTS
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Solar Mounts LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Country Air & Solar Energy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Project Native
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Patriot Solar Group LLC
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Wellspring Solar
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Future Solutions
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Kalamazoo
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Kalamazoo 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 Kalamazoo
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 Kalamazoo
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar company to go with comes down to how much it'll cost. The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into getting solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- The type of solar panels you're thinking of getting: More high-tech panels are more expensive, so that will affect your budget for your solar project.
- Incentives: One thing that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your power bills, which can give you an average of $21,000 of savings over 20 years.
- How much energy your home consumes: Homes that need a lot of energy each month may need more solar panels and, therefore, be more costly, but will also benefit more over time.
- Your household's power bills: With fairly high monthly power bills in Kalamazoo, you could save about $1,300 a year with solar.
Due to solar panels decreasing in cost as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a solid investment for the majority of homeowners.
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Solar Incentives in Kalamazoo
Although solar power is typically a $15,000 to $25,000 investment, it can save you a substantial amount of money over time due to smaller power bills and government incentives. In addition to the federal tax credit incentive, there are also some local incentives, which in almost all cases, can be claimed in addition to the federal incentive, so you get to save even more. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in your area.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Kalamazoo
If you want to add solar panels to your home, one of the primary reasons why may be to lower your carbon footprint. You may be wondering — how much does going solar help the planet anyway? If your home consumes a lot of energy, you can impact the environment even more by switching to solar energy. Once you go solar, your carbon emissions can be cut by about 100 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you'll likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is priceless.
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 Kalamazoo, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best near me?
The highest-rated local solar company in Kalamazoo is Michigan Solar Solutions, M46, Riverdale, Mi 48877, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of solar power?
A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your electricity bills, it's good for the environment, and it can give you a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, there is a high upfront cost and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my house?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also cost more. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, like on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, the layout of your roof 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.