13 Best Solar Companies in Grand Rapids, WI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Grand Rapids based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Grand Rapids, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Grand Rapids homeowner saves $1,466/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Grand Rapids
Looking to go solar but still deciding on which company would be best for you? Although it can be difficult to settle on a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many fantastic perks. Though Grand Rapids may not have a reputation for sunshine like Florida, it's a surprisingly hot place for solar growth, so many of the best solar companies in the nation have set up shop there to help residents switch over to renewable energy.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary substantially depending on your home's layout and your household energy needs. To get an idea of how much it could cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Grand Rapids
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
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
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
Photovoltaic Systems, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
- Recognized Excellence
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Northwind Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Independent Solar Systems
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Olson Solar Energy
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Constitution State Solar Co
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Home installations
Taylor Electric Cooperative
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
ALL SKY ENERGY, LLC.
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
U.S. Solar Mounts Corp
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Grand Rapids
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Wisconsin 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 Grand Rapids
Although solar panels can help save you a decent chunk of change on utility bills over time, it's necessary to know the upfront costs. Some key factors that dictate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you want can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
- How much energy costs for you: The typical household in Grand Rapids shells out around $1,400 a year on energy alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit currently allows you to reduce your taxes by 30% of the project cost. Your state and city may also have incentives and rebates that you can benefit from. Additionally, you can save about $17,000 over 20 years on your utility bills, without incentives.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Grand Rapids uses a decent amount of, and as a result may save on their energy bills.
There are many great benefits of solar despite the initial cost of installation. It can help the environment and your wallet. Additionally, it can raise the value of your home, leading to even more benefits if you want to sell your home later.
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Solar Incentives in Grand Rapids
In an effort to increase solar panel installation and usage, federal and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make going solar more economical and accessible. Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you claim 30% of how much your solar project cost when you file taxes, lowering the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some local incentives you can benefit from too. In our article on solar incentives, you can find out about the incentives you qualify for in Grand Rapids.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Grand Rapids
A lot of people want to do what they can for the environment, which for many is the primary motivation to install a solar system. But you may be wondering — how much exactly can you help by going solar? The more energy you use, the the more the environment will benefit when you switch to solar since you won't need to use as much nonrenewable energy. Even though solar panel production releases carbon dioxide emissions, the panels make up for it by significantly decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used traditional energy. In Grand Rapids, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 100 pounds a year with solar panels. If you want to do what you can for the environment, you'll likely recognize that there are many advantages to adopting solar power other than just saving money on bills. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is invaluable.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Grand Rapids, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar company is the best in Grand Rapids?
The highest-rated local solar company in Grand Rapids is Greenlink Energy Solutions, with a rating of 5.00 stars.
What is the negative environmental impact of solar panels?
Producing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
Are solar panels worth it?
Solar panels need a large upfront investment that usually costs at least ten thousand dollars, but whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What is the efficiency of solar panels?
Usually, solar panels are about 15 to 25% efficient, meaning they can convert that percentage of the energy from the sun into usable electricity.
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.