Best 4 Solar Companies in Muskegon, MI

With Muskegon's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses looking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel burnt out searching for the right contractor. On this page, we'll showcase Muskegon's best solar companies and provide insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Muskegon solar installers, using the following criteria to choose the finest:

• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Muskegon solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Professional licenses 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 been a part of the Muskegon community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Lower utility costs: Producing some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on your power company for your safety and well-being.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Muskegon Homeowners?

Michigan's public agencies and power companies offer a range of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Muskegon

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately operate. 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. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Muskegon

Your solar modules' model will influence how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you'd like to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar contractors offer these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's important for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Muskegon

Solar companies offer 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, solar loans and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar 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 recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent 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 Muskegon.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential 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