Best 5 Solar Companies in Farmington Hills, MI

Farmington Hills homeowners are privileged to live in plentiful sunlight, both to enjoy and harness as energy. Many are hiring top solar companies to get panels on their roofs. 332 homes in the area already employ a solar photovoltaic or water heating system. Expert installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to embrace the solar trend with confidence. Discover Farmington Hills' best solar companies and learn crucial decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Farmington Hills solar providers, using the following criteria to determine the best:

• Professional licensure and experience: Each provider 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 Farmington Hills community for over 15 years.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Farmington Hills solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers 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 satisfaction.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, decreasing your regular electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Farmington Hills Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Farmington Hills

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while shopping for a solar specialist.

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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Farmington Hills

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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.

If you're a resident of Farmington Hills and are considering getting a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could expect to pay about $20,300 for materials and labor. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Farmington Hills

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, cash payments and solar loans. We suggest making a cash payment 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 solid 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 spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We suggest working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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