16 Best Solar Companies in Meridian, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 16 in Meridian based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Meridian, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Meridian homeowner saves $1,574/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Meridian
Choosing the right solar panel installation company for your house is a big decision, but it's one that can save you a lot of money in Meridian. Solar panels aren't just good for the environment — your wallet will benefit too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $19,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
In this article, we'll let you in on the top Meridian solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home's green energy needs. To help you figure out if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Meridian by clicking the button below.
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 Meridian
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
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
Solar Circle
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Absolute Solar
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Michigan Saves
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
5 Lakes Energy
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
NovaTerra Energy
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
TFS Wind & Solar Hybrid Systems
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Mid-America Solar, LLC
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Sol Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
Self Reliant Energy Company
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
EnerFusion
- Family-Operated Business
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Meridian
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Meridian 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 Meridian
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 Meridian
When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners wonder about the costs the most. There are quite a few factors you should consider when trying to determine costs and your potential savings, such as:
- Incentives: Something that can reduce the cost of your solar project is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save a decent amount of money on your energy bills, which can generate an average of $19,000 of savings over 20 years.
- How much sunlight your roof gets: This, and the configuration of your roof, affects affect how much energy your solar panels can produce.
- Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you want 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.
- How much power your home consumes: Households that consume a lot of electricity each month may need more solar panels and, consequently, be more expensive, but will also benefit more over time.
Although a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the angle of your roof and your current power bills.
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Solar Incentives in Meridian
If you're considering making the switch to solar power, several government incentives and state programs can immensely lower the cost of the project and speed up the return on your investment. These incentives usually consist of cash rebates, tax credits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can lower the cost you pay for going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on your location. You can learn about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Meridian
One reason so many people are considering 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 Meridian, though. One thing to consider is your overall carbon footprint. For example, if you spend a lot of time in the car and have an electric vehicle, you can use solar energy for your home to power your EV and therefore help offset your carbon emissions. Although making solar panels releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by considerably reducing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In Meridian, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year with solar panels. For those who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.
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 Meridian, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar panel company in Meridian?
The best local solar company in Meridian is Michigan Solar Solutions, M46, Riverdale, Mi 48877, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals when they're made. 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.
Are solar panels worth it?
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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
When should I put up solar panels?
Although summer is the most common time people install solar panels, the perfect time is actually winter. You can save money since there's not as much demand during the winter months, and it allows you to be up and running with solar for the more expensive power bills you may get during the summer.
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.