14 Best Solar Companies in Van Buren, MI (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 14 in Van Buren based on:

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

Average Van Buren homeowner saves $1,314/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 Van Buren

Are you looking for energy freedom in Van Buren? Installing solar panels can be a rewarding home project since you can take advantage of a lot of benefits when you go solar. Though Van Buren may not have a reputation for sunshine like Florida, it's a surprisingly hot place for solar growth, so several of the best solar companies in the country have opened up there to help residents adopt renewable energy.

There are lots of installers to choose from, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Van Buren. To get an estimate of what it might cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.

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 Van Buren

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

Sumpter Solar Services, LLC.

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://sumptersolarservices.com/
Address: Belleville, MI 48111
Phone: 7345127508
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

solarypsi

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.solarypsi.org/
Address: Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Phone: 7344831520
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Green Solar PAO

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://greensolarpao.com/
Address: Ypsilanti, MI 48197
Phone: 2312514724
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Greentech Renewables Detroit

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.greentechrenewables.com/location/detroit-mi
Address: Canton, MI 48187
Phone: 7343357510
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

The University of Michigan Solar Car Team

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.solarcar.engin.umich.edu/
Address: Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Phone: 7347642257
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

White Tail Solar

  • 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 Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://www.whitetailsolar.com/contact/
Address: Milan, MI 48160
Phone: 5178194059
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Sur Energy Systems

  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.sur.biz/
Address: Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: 7349139944
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Downriver Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions

Website: https://www.downriversolar.com/
Address: Trenton, MI 48183
Phone: 7347671661

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Van Buren

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Van Buren 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 Van Buren


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 Van Buren

When choosing a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all. Some significant things that influence the upfront cost and potential savings over time include:

  • The model of solar panels you can buy: This is dependent on how much you're willing to invest upfront.
  • Your current power bills: Solar panels can noticeably decrease, or totally eradicate, your utility bills. In Van Buren, you can save an average of $84 a month.
  • Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who purchase and install a solar system this year can save 30% of their solar 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.
  • Average daily sunlight: Since Van Buren doesn't get a lot of average daily sunlight, your solar system may not be able to produce enough energy to power your whole home, which affects how much you can save on your energy bills.

Thanks to solar panels now being cheaper than ever as well as several solar incentives, they are a worthwhile investment for the majority of homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Van Buren

There are many good reasons why adopting solar power is beneficial. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money. When you install a solar panel system, you can claim the federal tax credit, or ITC. This credit currently lowers your tax bill by 30% of the cost of your solar panels. In addition, there are often some state and city incentives that you can use to further save. For detailed information about local incentives, see our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Van Buren

There are many reasons to make the switch to solar energy, like saving on utility bills and helping to reduce your carbon footprint. But how much can switching to solar actually affect the environment? The more energy you use, the the more the environment will benefit if you switch to solar since you won't need to rely on traditional energy sources as much. Because solar panels don't release CO2 emissions into the atmosphere when creating electricity, they're a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The advantages of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with making the switch 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 Van Buren, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar installation company is the best near me?

In Van Buren, Strawberry Solar is the top local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.

What are the pros and cons of going solar?

A few of the biggest pros are that it lets you spend less on your power bills, it's eco-friendly, and it provides a decent return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't work as well when there's limited direct sunlight, they cost a lot upfront and solar panels aren't always aesthetically pleasing.

Is it worth installing solar panels on my home?

Solar panels need a considerable upfront investment that costs over ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a collection of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What is the best kind of solar panel?

There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by the layout of your roof, your budget and how much energy generation you want.

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.