Best 5 Solar Companies in Shelby, MI

With Shelby's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for families and businesses seeking to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar companies. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel swamped searching for the right company. Discover Shelby's best solar companies and learn vital decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Shelby solar companies.

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Shelby community for over 15 years.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Shelby solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Reduced energy costs: Producing some or all of your own energy will spend less on electricity 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.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home running through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Shelby Homeowners?

Michigan homeowners who go solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, rebates and special financing. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Shelby

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled 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, 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 companies can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected 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 Shelby

Your photovoltaic panels' type will affect how much electricity 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 system add-ons, 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 includes these add-ons, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Shelby

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), cash payments, leases, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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 car 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) enables you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each company you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.

Sources

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