Best 5 Solar Companies in Battle Creek, MI

With Battle Creek's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses aiming to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this urban jungle, you might feel swamped searching for an exceptional installer. Discover Battle Creek's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has screened dozens of solar contractors near Battle Creek, keeping in mind the following criteria:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Battle Creek solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Certifications and credentials: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Battle Creek community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with energy storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the electrical grid for your safety and well-being.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Battle Creek Homeowners?

Governments and utilities often reward homeowners for switching to solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Battle Creek

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Consider each of these aspects in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

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. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Battle Creek

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies include these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Most Battle Creek homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $20,300 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Battle Creek

Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar loans. We advise paying with cash or using a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Battle Creek.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy