Best 5 Solar Companies in Chesterfield, MI

With Chesterfield's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a perfect area for families and businesses aiming to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $830 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional installation team can help you select the best panels to maximize your savings. In this guide, we'll show you Chesterfield's best solar companies and offer advice for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Chesterfield solar companies, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Chesterfield solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Chesterfield community for a decade or longer.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home functioning through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
• Lowered energy bills: You can skip 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 credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Chesterfield Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Chesterfield

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

Licensing and Training

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. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most prestigious are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Chesterfield

The style of solar panels you choose determines how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not every solar company offers these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.

Most Chesterfield homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $20,300 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Chesterfield

Choosing the ideal financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, leases, and cash payments. We recommend paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best 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 have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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