12 Best Solar Companies in Richmond, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Richmond based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Richmond, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Richmond homeowner saves $1,336/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Richmond
Finding the right solar panel installation company for your roof is a big decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Richmond. With high amounts of average daily sunlight in Richmond, the solar industry is doing fairly well. An underrated driver of this has been Michigan's statewide programs that help with residential and commercial solar panel installation.
In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best companies in your area. We advise shopping around for quite a few quotes and comparing them to see which is the best installer for your home. To get free quotes from pre-screened solar installers in Richmond, click the link 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 Richmond
Average Cost
SunPower
-
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
Orange Cell Solar
- Free Quotes
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
Solar On Inc
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
U.S. Renewable Energy Association
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Solutions of America Inc
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
Vac-Met, Inc, A Solar Atmospheres Company
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Source
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Richmond
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Richmond 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 Richmond
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 Richmond
For most homeowners, the decision to invest in solar panels depends the most on the cost. The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some key factors such as:
- Your income and budget: This determines what model of solar panels you can get.
- average energy usage: The more power your home uses on average and the steeper your current power bills are, the more benefits you'll see from switching to solar.
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their installation costs by using the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $16,000 on your energy bills over 20 years not including incentives.
- Your household's power bills: Due to fairly high monthly electricity bills in Richmond, you could save about $1,000 a year with solar.
There are many good benefits of solar despite the upfront cost of installation. It can help the environment and your finances. In addition, it can increase the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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If you're wondering how much you could impact the environment if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Richmond, MI.
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Solar Incentives in Richmond
If you're considering switching to solar power, various government incentives and subsidies can immensely bring down your project costs and expedite the return on your investment. These incentives normally consist of cash rebates, tax credits and/or performance-based incentives. They can reduce the cost of going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% depending on where you live. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in Richmond.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Richmond
There are tons of reasons to make the switch to solar power, like saving on electricity bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint. You may be wondering — how much do solar panels help the environment anyway? The more energy your family uses, the the more the environment will benefit when you switch to solar as you won't need to rely on traditional energy sources as much. Since solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good substitute for traditional energy sources. In fact, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The great things about solar power are plentiful — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with committing to solar.
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 Richmond, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar power company is the best near me?
In Richmond, Strawberry Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your roof.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Making solar panels needs to use chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 11.8 years, but the exact period is influenced by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Solar panel efficiency is the amount of solar energy that is converted into electricity. Most panels today have an efficiency rating between 15 and 20%. If your panels are more efficient, you'll need less of them to meet your home's energy needs.
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.