Best 5 Solar Companies in Pontiac, MI

Pontiac homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to generate energy and heat their water. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel swamped searching for an excellent contractor. On this page, we'll show you Pontiac's leading solar installers and provide valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar installers near Pontiac, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Pontiac solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from reliable, innovative manufacturers.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Pontiac community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on your power company for your safety and well-being.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels allow you to 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.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Pontiac Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Pontiac

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

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. Solar providers can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Pontiac

Your solar modules' model will influence how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies offer these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.

A majority of Pontiac homeowners opt for solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $20,300 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Pontiac

Choosing the correct financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in particular circumstances. We recommend working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments 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