11 Best Solar Companies in Portsmouth, MI (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 11 in Portsmouth based on:

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

Average Portsmouth homeowner saves $1,729/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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 Portsmouth

If you're a home or business owner looking to take advantage of the solar incentives in Portsmouth, it can be difficult to narrow down which installer to choose. But, the process is worth it since adopting solar power is typically a good choice. Because Portsmouth has a good capacity for solar power generation, going solar is financially rewarding for many homeowners.

In this article, we'll give you a list of the top Portsmouth solar installers so you can make the best decision for your home's sustainable energy needs. Read on to see our picks for the best solar companies in the city, or get connected with a vetted solar company in your area right away by clicking the button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Portsmouth

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Solar Veteran
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Michigan Solar Solutions

  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Outstanding customer service
  • Pros icon Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Con icon Slightly limited service offerings
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers

Website: https://www.michigansolarsolutions.com/
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

Strawberry Solar

  • Pros icon Outstanding customer service
  • Pros icon Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Pros icon Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Con icon Limited warranty coverage
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Limited brands of solar equipment available

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers

Website: https://www.strawberrysolar.com/
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.5/5

Average Cost

The Green Panel

  • Pros icon Outstanding customer service
  • Pros icon Excellent reputation
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Carports
  • Service icon Electrical Work

Website: https://www.thegreenpanel.com/
Best Social Impact
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Great Lakes Bay Renewable Energy

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://greatlakesbayrenewableenergy.com/
Address: Bay City, MI 48706
Phone: 9892748453
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

USA Sun Solar Power

  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://usasunsolar.org/
Address: Saginaw, MI 48607
Phone: 2312929699
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Midland Solar Applications

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.midlandsolarapplications.com/
Address: Midland, MI 48642
Phone: 9894301204
Outstanding 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 Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

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

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Synergistic Solar Solutions LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://synergisticsolarsolutions.website/index.html
Address: Flint, MI 48504
Phone: 8103387711

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Portsmouth

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth


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 Portsmouth

The cost of installing a solar panel system has decreased greatly in the past few years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. There are quite a few factors you should consider when trying to figure out how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • Your current energy bills: Solar panels can substantially reduce, or entirely eradicate, your utility bills. In Portsmouth, you can save an average of $111 a month.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you receive a tax credit curretnly worth 30% 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 $21,000 over the first 20 years with your solar panels, too.
  • How much sunlight your roof gets: If your rooftop gets limited direct sunlight, your solar panels won't be able to generate as much energy, which will give you lower savings on electricity bills than a roof that gets lots of sunlight.
  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you want to get can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.

So is a solar system worth it? Whether you hope to decrease your electric bills, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Portsmouth homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Portsmouth

To increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make going solar more financially viable and accessible. Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 30% of how much you paid for your solar installation on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. Plus, there may be some local incentives you can benefit from too. In our article on solar incentives, you can see the incentives you qualify for in your area.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Portsmouth

Lots of people want to do what they can to help save the planet, which in many cases is the chief reason they're interested in installing a solar system. A question many people might be thinking about is how much can they really help preserve the environment by switching to solar power anyway? In a city like Portsmouth where energy use is rather high, going solar is a fantastic plan for homeowners who care about the planet. Because solar panels don't release greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere when generating electricity, they're a good substitute for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could be looking at reducing your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The advantages of solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many Portsmouth residents have been happy with committing to solar.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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

EcoWatch's Portsmouth, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best in Portsmouth?

The best local solar company in Portsmouth is Michigan Solar Solutions, M46, Riverdale, Mi 48877, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Solar panels can be detrimental 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. Solar panel manufacturing requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.1 years, but the exact period varies depending on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.