10 Best Solar Companies in Southgate, MI

How To Choose a Solar Company

Putting solar panels on your roof could cut your electricity payments while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint through renewable energy use. Key considerations when looking at local solar installers are as follows.

Check Licensing

Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This ensures 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, there's no explicit requirement for solar installers to have a license, but workers dealing with electrical wiring jobs do need a license. Solar thermal systems must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor.

Read Customer Reviews

Check consumer review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. The quotes should describe all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty addresses any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor alignment, or poor wiring), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees show that a company is confident in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Installing solar panels can help reduce your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, be sure to consider these factors.

• Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for the full cost of solar systems until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can result in significant savings for solar buyers.
• Look into utility rebates: Some energy providers may provide additional rebates to motivate homeowners to adopt solar power. Check the qualification rules and rebate amounts offered by your local electric provider to determine the possible savings.
• Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels outright or spread out payments over time with loans or leases. Be sure to confirm key details like fees, payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), and what ownership means when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Southgate

The cost of home solar panels in Southgate will depend on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system will cost $4,060 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in Southgate are 6.1 kilowatts, and the typical Southgate homeowners spends $17,379 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer leasing their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.