Best 5 Solar Companies in Saginaw, MI

With Saginaw's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this concrete jungle, you might feel overwhelmed searching for a top-notch contractor. Discover Saginaw's top-rated solar companies and learn crucial decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has screened dozens of solar contractors near Saginaw, focusing on the following criteria:

• Service offerings and warranties: Solar companies should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each provider 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 Saginaw community for over 15 years.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Saginaw solar installers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems work through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Saginaw Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Saginaw

The more thorough your provider search is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately perform. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while searching for a solar company.

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

Cost of Solar Panels in Saginaw

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company provides these add-ons, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Saginaw

Choosing the optimal financing solution will influence your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements, and cash payments. Though it involves 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 next best 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 let you rent 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 installer you're evaluating about the payment options it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your budget.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own financing plans and rebates 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