Best 5 Solar Companies in Westland, MI

Westland homeowners are increasingly using solar panels to produce their electricity and heat their water. 337 homes in the area already utilize a solar PV or water heating system. Skilled installers will therefore have the exact experience you need to embrace the solar trend with confidence. Discover Westland's top-rated solar companies and learn important decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar companies near Westland, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Westland community for a decade or longer.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should utilize their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Westland solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your monthly electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• 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 the grid for your safety and comfort.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Westland Homeowners?

The state of Michigan offers a variety of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Here is a breakdown of eligible solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Westland

The price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the provider that mounted them. 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, 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 providers can also obtain accreditations from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the NABCEP. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Westland

Your photovoltaic panels' model will influence how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. 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 electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Westland

There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, cash payments, and loans. We recommend making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for contractors that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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