Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A new solar energy system will provide you with a renewable power source that will pay for itself in time. Making the switch to solar power helps cut your utility bills and shrink your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a reputable installation company first. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the best and most dependable solar installation providers in Highland.
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Michigan law has a de facto licensing requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. In other words, the law doesn't explicitly require solar installers to be licensed, but workers dealing with electrical wiring jobs do need a license. Solar thermal systems must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor.
Check TrustPilot, Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a provider's integrity and customer service. Stay away from providers with few or mainly poor reviews.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the option that best fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment. A performance warranty guarantees a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Going solar can help reduce your electric bills over time. When considering the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.
In Highland, solar panels cost an average of $4,060 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 6.2 kilowatts. The typical Highland homeowner spends $17,556 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information reflecting your desired system's capacity, size, required preliminary work, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Appliances
Washing Machine: $25 - $50
WiFi Enabled Thermostat: $50 - $100
Room Air Conditioner: $20
Dehumidifier: $20
Pool Pump: $350
Refrigetor/Freezer Recyclilng: $50
Room Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier Recycling: $15
Heating & Cooling
Split System Central AC: $50 - $500
Air Source Heat Pump: $150 - $250
Ground Source Heat Pump: $200 - $300
Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $350
ECM Motor: $50
Thermostat: $10 - $100
Central AC Tune-Up: $50
Windows & Insulation
Roof Insulation: $50 - $200
Wall Insulation: $50 - $125
Crawlspace Insulation: $10 - $50
Rim Joist Insulation: $20 - $50
Window Replacement: $15/window
Patio Door Replacement: $40/door
Lighting
Varies
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Highland can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Of course. The grid in Highland already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will decrease significantly after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Highland, the average amount someone can save is $1,050 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system when your payback period is done.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your state or utility offers net metering, you can send the solar energy you don't use to your provider. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
Yes, solar panels will still be able to generate energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system can keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider and look for a solar system that includes a battery backup.
Regarding taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. As for insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
