Best 5 Solar Companies in Lansing, MI

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lansing

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

Licensing and Training

Michigan law has a de facto licensing requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. In other words, there's no explicit requirement for solar installers to have a license, 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), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Lansing

Your solar modules' type will affect how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

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

Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Lansing. This table lists more specific pricing information for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Lansing

Solar companies use 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 recommend 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 minimize 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 let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each provider you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A team member can help you determine the optimal option for your pocketbook.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment 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.