Best 5 Solar Companies in Waterford, MI

With Waterford's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. 300 homes in the area already utilize a solar PV or water heating system. Expert installers will therefore have the precise experience you need to join the solar bandwagon with confidence. Discover Waterford's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed a multitude of Waterford solar companies, using the following criteria to select the finest:

• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and improve its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers 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 provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Waterford community for more than a decade.
• Customer reviews and feedback: Most Waterford solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio demonstrates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the premium cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Photovoltaic solar panel systems with battery backups and storage systems function through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to decrease your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Waterford Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Waterford

The purchase price and performance of solar panels often rely on which company mounted them. Here are some key items to consider while shopping 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. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The top 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 Waterford

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.

If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more effective and user-friendly. Not every solar company provides these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Waterford

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include leases, cash payments, loans, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). 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. Similar to 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) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each business you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the most suitable option for your budget.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities 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