12 Best Solar Companies in Southfield, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Southfield based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Southfield, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Southfield homeowner saves $1,301/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Southfield
Looking for the top solar companies in Southfield? Installing solar panels is an exciting project that many homeowners find beneficial for their wallets, communities and the planet. Because Southfield has a good capacity for solar energy generation, going solar is financially rewarding for many homeowners.
There are plenty of installers to choose from, but in this article, we'll help you get a handle on all your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Southfield. To help you find 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 Southfield 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 Southfield
Average Cost
SunPower
-
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
EnerSol, Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Home installations
Stellar Solar Michigan
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
Polk Solar
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
ION SOLAR SOLUTIONS
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Energy Detroit
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
Modern Mill Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Southfield
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Southfield 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 Southfield
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 Southfield
The cost of putting up solar panels has decreased significantly in the past few years, but it's still a large investment for most homeowners. Some significant things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:
- Average daily sunlight: Since Southfield doesn't get a lot of average daily sunlight, your solar system may not be able to generate enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much your solar panels can save you on your electricity bills.
- Your current energy bills: Solar panels can substantially decrease, or completely get rid of, your utility bills. In Southfield, you can save an average of $84 a month.
- Incentives: Something that can save you money on your solar project 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 money on your power bills, which can give you an average of $15,000 of savings over 20 years.
- The type of solar panels you want: Higher-efficiency panels have higher prices, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
Solar is a rewarding investment for most homeowners. You can generate your own energy instead of paying for it from a utility company and benefit from solar incentives and rebates, all while helping preserve the environment.
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To see how much you can help the environment and your wallet by making the switch to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Southfield, MI.
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Solar Incentives in Southfield
Since solar power is better for the environment than traditional energy sources, there are several government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch. Local solar incentives vary by location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for home solar power systems, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to see what incentives are available to you.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Southfield
Lots of people want to do their part for the planet, which in many cases is the main reason for installing solar panels. You may be trying to figure out — how much do solar panels help the planet anyway? Everyone can help protect the planet by switching to solar energy, but homes that use a lot of energy will have an even bigger impact. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll most likely recognize that there are many good things about adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help protect the environment, which some would argue is more valuable.
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 Southfield, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the most reputable solar installation company in Southfield?
In Southfield, Strawberry Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.
What is the negative environmental impact of making 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.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 12.1 years, but your solar payback period will vary depending on your utility costs. The more your typical energy bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
Despite summer being the most common time people install solar panels, the best 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 higher 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.