Best 5 Solar Companies in Ypsilanti, MI

Ypsilanti homeowners are committed to protecting the environment and embracing sustainability. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar installers for their homes. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel swamped searching for an excellent installer. In this guide, we'll show you Ypsilanti's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to determine the best Ypsilanti solar companies.

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The top solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor 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 Ypsilanti community for a decade or longer.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors 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.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Ypsilanti solar companies have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• 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.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the expensive 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 for credits on your bill.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is the universe's most abundant clean energy source, meaning you can minimize or conquer your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
• Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Ypsilanti Homeowners?

Michigan homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for tax credits, special financing, rebates and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Ypsilanti

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar array. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while searching for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

Michigan law has a de facto licensing requirement for solar photovoltaic installers. In other words, there's no explicit requirement for solar installers to have a license, but workers dealing with electrical wiring jobs do need a license. Solar thermal systems must be installed by a licensed mechanical contractor. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Ypsilanti

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 provide a lower price point but produce less power. 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'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors offer these optional components, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

You can expect to pay about $20,300 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Ypsilanti. Check the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Ypsilanti solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Ypsilanti

Choosing the optimal financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements, and leases. Though it requires 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 second most effective 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 allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in specific circumstances. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, 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