Best 5 Solar Companies in Redford, MI

Redford residents are purposeful about preserving its natural resources and living sustainably. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. Solar providers take a personalized and educational approach, helping homeowners understand the underlying technology and tailor it to their preferences. On this page, we'll show you Redford's top solar providers and give insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Redford solar providers, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and maximize its performance.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Redford solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies 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 satisfaction.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Redford community for a decade or longer.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Smaller power bills: Producing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your surplus energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to lower your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Redford Homeowners?

Michigan's public agencies and power companies offer a number of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Redford

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and cost-efficient solar array. Here are some key items to remember while searching for a solar installer.

Licensing and Training

Michigan law has a de facto licensing requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. In other words, while solar contractors technically don't need a license by the letter of the law, workers dealing with electrical wiring jobs do need a license. Solar thermal systems must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Redford

The style of solar panels you choose determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.

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

If you're a resident of Redford and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $20,300 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Redford

There are numerous ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand 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. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each company you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the most suitable option for your pocketbook.

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

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

Sources

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