13 Best Solar Companies in Summit, MI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Summit based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Summit, MI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Summit homeowner saves $1,803/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Summit
As a homeowner in Summit, you may be planning on switching to solar and curious about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a fantastic idea since it has many benefits. While solar is a great investment, you'll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could look forward to saving about $21,000 over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary a lot depending on your home's configuration and your household energy requirements. If you're ready to start receiving free, no-obligation quotes from the best Summit solar installers, you can click the button below to learn more.
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 Summit
Average Cost
SunPower
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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
Harvest Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Sesame Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Rustic Resource Enterprises Inc
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Patriot Solar Group LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
EnerFusion
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
EnerFusion
- Family-Operated Business
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Solar Mounts LLC
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Summit
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Summit 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 Summit
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 Summit
For a lot of homeowners, whether or not to invest in a solar energy system comes down to the cost. The overall price and potential savings vary depending on some important factors 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's equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your energy bills, which can lead to an average of $21,000 of savings over 20 years.
- The cost of electricity in your area: If your local energy rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll see a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Summit, you can save an average of $115 a month on your electricity bills.
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Summit uses a decent amount of, and as a result may save on their energy bills.
- The kind of solar panels you're thinking of getting: More high-tech panels are more expensive, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
So is a solar panel system worth it? Whether you want to decrease your electricity costs, carbon emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Summit homeowners.
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Adopting green energy can greatly impact both the environment and your utility bills. To see how much, use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Summit, MI.
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Solar Incentives in Summit
Adopting solar power has lots of wonderful benefits. Not only can it help protect the planet, but you can also save some money on your installation with various government incentives. You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your a solar system. You can also potentially use the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. For comprehensive information about incentives for homeowners in Summit, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Summit
Many want to do their part to help save the environment, which for many is the primary reason they're interested in installing solar panels. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Summit, though. According to the EPA, electricity production is the second greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity is produced by burning fossil fuels. Switching to a clean energy source like solar power can help put a dent in that statistic in a city like Summit that accounts for a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Although making solar panels emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have produced if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Summit, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year with solar panels. If you care about the environment, you'll likely get that there are many good things about adopting solar power other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve 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 Summit, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the best solar installer in Summit?
The top local solar company in Summit is Michigan Solar Solutions, M46, Riverdale, Mi 48877, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
Are solar panels really good for the environment?
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 8.7 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
When is the best time of year to install solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners contracting installers, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
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.