Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Every year, more Whitmore Lake homeowners turn to rooftop solar panels to add value to their property and provide a dependable source of power. Solar power can reduce your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and created a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation providers in Whitmore Lake.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
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:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. Michigan law has a de facto licensing requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. In other words, while solar contractors technically don't need a license by the letter of the law, workers dealing with electrical wiring jobs do need a license. Solar thermal systems must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see customer feedback about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from three to five providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the best value.
High-quality solar installations should include robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues like poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The output warranty ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Be sure to consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The average Whitmore Lake homeowner will spend around $17,500 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Whitmore Lake cost approximately $4,060 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 6.2 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor, and will account for your system's panel type, size, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, raise your property values, and save money. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Whitmore Lake can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Whitmore Lake amount to $1,005.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Whitmore Lake with moderate sunlight, the period could last 17.4 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. A majority of solar contractors in the Whitmore Lake area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
Although solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, a contractor might recommend other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
The best type of residential solar panel will depend on your specific needs and goals. Generally, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Whitmore Lake. However, if you're looking at a more frugal option, then you could thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When selecting a solar company, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
