Best 5 Solar Companies in Kalamazoo, MI

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Kalamazoo

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Consider each of these factors in your service provider search.

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 for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Kalamazoo

The style of solar panels you purchase determines how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Kalamazoo

Choosing the optimal financing plan will influence your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, cash payments, loans, and leases. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a home or auto loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like 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 recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and get 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 Kalamazoo.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. City and state governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, rebates, and financing programs that could save you more money.