3 Best Solar Companies in Kalkaska, MI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 3 in Kalkaska based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Kalkaska, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Kalkaska homeowner saves $1,696/year with solar panels
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Kalkaska
Looking to go solar but trying to figure out which company would be the best one for your needs? Although it can be hard to settle on a solar company, the effort will pay off because going solar has many fantastic benefits. Because solar panels generate their own power, they can vastly bring down your electricity bill each month, if not entirely eliminate it. In fact, you could be looking at about $20,000 of savings over 20 years.
Here, we’ll give you a list of some of the best solar companies in Kalkaska to make your decision much easier.To get an estimate of how much it might cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.
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 Kalkaska
Heritage Sustainable Energy
Clear Pricing Policy- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Cleaning and Maintenance- Panel Installation
CBS Solar
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Family-Operated Business
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Community Solar Projects
Bear River Electric
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Panel Installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Kalkaska
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Kalkaska 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 Kalkaska
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 Kalkaska
Although solar panels can help save you a good amount of money on energy over time, it’s important to take into consideration the startup costs.The installation cost is just one important factor you should bear in mind when looking into installing solar panels. How much it'll cost and how much you can save depend on things including:
- The kind of solar panels you can purchase: This depends on what your budget is.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 0 of your total 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 $20,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
- Your power bills: This will impact your savings. In Kalkaska, the average resident can save about $1,300 a year on their electricity bills.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, along with your roof configuration, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can make.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you’d like to reduce your electric bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a good investment for many Kalkaska homeowners.
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Adopting clean energy can greatly impact both the environment and your power bills. To see how much, check out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Kalkaska, MI.
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Solar Incentives in Kalkaska
If you’re considering switching to solar energy, a variety of government incentives and subsidies can drastically lower your project costs and speed up the return on your investment.These incentives typically take the form of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can cut how much you pay for installing solar panels by 0, upwards of 50% depending on your location. Our article on solar incentives goes over more information on the incentives you can benefit from in Kalkaska.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Kalkaska
One reason so many consider installing solar panels is to help bring down their environmental impact.Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Kalkaska, though. One thing you should consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend lots of time commuting to work and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions.When you go solar, your carbon footprint can be lowered by about 90 pounds each year. For people who are worried about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for the offset carbon emissions.
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 Kalkaska, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar panel installation company in Kalkaska?
In Kalkaska, Heritage Sustainable Energy is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your roof.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
Making solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after installing solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.4 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, 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 more expensive. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper 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, roof layout and desired energy output.
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.