Choosing the right solar installer in Michigan can feel overwhelming. There are so many questions to answer before making the decision you can spend hours researching. That’s why we’ve simplified it for you.
Our guide highlights Michigan’s top-rated solar companies, combining Solar Power Systems expert insights with feedback from locals who’ve made the switch.
No need to surf the web looking for information crumbs to have the big picture. Years in business, reviews from real customers, online reputation, panel brands, warranty, social media overview, and more – we have it all. The hard work is done to help you make the right decision.
We prioritize companies committed to long-term service and reliability. Here’s our list of Michigan’s most trusted solar installers:
Solar Construction LLC review 300 Woolley Dr, Marshall, Minnesota 49068, United States
Solar Construction LLC review 300 Woolley Dr, Marshall, Minnesota 49068, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar Construction read more…
The Green Panel review 8273 Grand River Ave, Suite #160, Brighton, MI 48114
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, The Green read more…
Michigan Solar Solutions review 11780 NW Monroe Rd, Riverdale MI, 48877
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Michigan Solar read more…
Michigan Solar Solutions review 11780 NW Monroe Street - M46, Riverdale MI, 48877
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Michigan Solar read more…
Michigan Solar Solutions review 6143 28th SE, Grand Rapids MI, 49546
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Michigan Solar read more…
State Electric Company review 15045 Dixie Highway, Groveland Corners, MI 48442, United States of America
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, State Electric read more…
Solar King review 4522 Racewood Drive, Commerce Charter Township MI, 48382
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Solar King read more…
Michigan Solar Solutions review 50202 Dennis Court, Wixom MI, 48393
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Michigan Solar read more…
North Coast Solar review 7524 E Atherton, Davison, 48423, MI, US
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, North Coast read more…
Michigan Solar Solutions review 3260 Old Farm Lane Commerce Twp., MI 48390
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Michigan Solar read more…
Blue Raven Solar review 43155 Main St, Novi MI, 48375
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Blue Raven read more…
Oak Electric review 5492 Dixie Hwy Suite 1 & 2 Waterford, MI 48329
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Oak Electric read more…
Helios Solar LLC review 248 West Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo MI, 49007
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Helios Solar read more…
Spark Building Energy Solutions review 32401 W Eight Mile Rd, Livonia, 48152, MI, US
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Spark Building read more…
Allen Brothers Inc. review 2691, Leach Rd., Rochester, Minnesota 48309, United States
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, Allen Brothers read more…
Stellar Solar Michigan review 26700 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, 48067, MI, US
Stellar Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 2 states. With a read more…
Stellar Solar Michigan review 26700 Woodward Ave, Royal Oak, 48067, MI, US
Stellar Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 2 states. With a read more…
Strawberry Solar review 4444 2nd Ave Detroit, MI 48201
Strawberry Solar is rewarded with our Expert Choice badge, serving an exclusive area of fewer than 1 state. With a read more…
GreenLancer review 500 Woodward Ave Suite 2125, Detroit, MI 48226
With an overall third-party rating of 4+ and positive feedback across more than 10 reviews from different platforms, GreenLancer is read more…
Solar Panel Cost in Michigan
If you’re curious about how much solar panels cost in Michigan, you’ll discover that costs have become highly competitive in recent years. As of October 2025, residential solar panels in Michigan cost between $3.06 and $3.94 per watt. The total cost to install solar panels depends greatly on how large a system you need for your home.
Michigan Solar Panel Cost by System Size
| System Size | Cost Before Incentives | Cost After 30% Federal Tax Credit | Monthly Savings (Est.) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $15,296 – $19,650 | $10,707 – $13,755 | $85 – $110 | |
| 6 kW | $18,355 – $23,580 | $12,849 – $16,506 | $102 – $132 | |
| 7 kW | $21,414 – $27,510 | $14,990 – $19,257 | $119 – $154 | |
| 8 kW | $24,473 – $31,440 | $17,131 – $22,008 | $136 – $176 | |
| 10 kW | $30,591 – $39,300 | $21,414 – $27,510 | $170 – $220 | |
| Pricing Disclaimer: The solar panel prices shown are estimates based on data collected from online sources as of October 2025. Actual costs may vary based on your location, system specifications, and installer. | ||||
Most homes in Michigan use between 6 and 8 kilowatts of power; thus, the typical cost of installing solar panels is between $15,000 and $25,000 before any tax credits or rebates. There are a few important things that will affect the ultimate pricing of solar panels in Michigan.
What makes you pay more? The quality of the panels matters. Higher-efficiency types cost more up front but create more electricity. Your roof is important too. A simple installation on a south-facing roof that is easy to get to costs less than a complicated one that needs special tools or structural work. Adding battery storage to keep the electricity on during outages will also raise your overall investment.
Here’s where things get interesting. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit knocks 30% off your solar panel cost right away. Install a $20,000 system, and you’re really paying $14,000 after the tax credit. But there’s a catch—this generous incentive expires December 31, 2025. Anyone thinking about going solar should move quickly to lock in these savings.
Solar Incentives and Rebates in Michigan
Michigan homeowners can tap into several programs that bring down the cost of solar panels considerably. These solar incentives stack together, which means you’re not choosing between them—you can use multiple programs to maximize your savings.
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): This remains your biggest ally when buying residential solar panels. The 30% federal tax credit expires December 31, 2025, following changes made by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in July 2025. Right now, it’s cutting thousands off installation costs for Michigan residents who make the switch to solar, but time is limited to claim this benefit.
- Local Utility Rebates: Some Michigan utility customers can grab an extra $500 per kilowatt installed, up to $2,000 total (or 4 kW, whichever comes first). Lansing residents get this deal through the Lansing Board of Water & Light. Most Michigan solar systems are about 7 kW, so most people who qualify may receive the full $2,000 refund. This causes the price of solar panels to go down a lot.
- Michigan Home Energy Rebates Program: MIHER launched in April 2025. It leverages federal IRA money to help homeowners pay for green energy improvements. This new initiative provides you with another way to save money when you figure out how much it will cost to put up solar panels.
- Financing Options: Michigan Saves Home Improvement Loans offer rates between 4.44% and 7.90% for energy upgrades. These loans give homeowners a way to go solar without draining their savings account upfront. The monthly loan payment often runs less than what you’d save on your electric bill, which means you can start benefiting immediately.
Net Metering and Energy Credits in Michigan
Michigan doesn’t offer traditional net metering anymore. Instead, the state uses a distributed generation program that credits you for excess solar power, though not at the same rate you pay for grid electricity. The Public Service Commission’s “Distributed Generation Program” still gives you credit for surplus energy your panels send back to the grid during sunny days.
Your credits depend on which utility serves your area. DTE Energy customers get 8.5-14¢ per kilowatt-hour for exported power, while Consumers Energy pays 9-16¢/kWh. Those rates fall short of what you’re charged for power you pull from the grid, which changes the economics compared to old-school net metering.
If you were already locked into DTE’s original net metering program, you got grandfathered in for ten years. New customers have to use the DG program, which makes battery storage more attractive financially since you can use more of your solar power directly instead of sending it to the grid for lower credits.
The distributed generation setup works for grid-connected renewable systems up to 550 kW that generate no more than 110% of what you use annually. For residential solar panels, these limits aren’t typically a problem.
Electricity Rates in Michigan
Michigan residents paid 19.3 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2024, up from 17.5 cents in 2021. That’s a 10.3% jump in just three years, and rates aren’t likely to stop climbing. This trend makes the question “are solar panels worth it in Michigan?” easier to answer every year.
Solar panels lock in your electricity costs. You’re generating power at a fixed rate instead of riding the utility’s price roller coaster. As rates keep rising, your savings grow bigger over time. What looks like a decent return on investment today becomes an even better deal five or ten years down the road.
Specific Considerations for Solar Panels in Michigan
Climate and Solar Irradiance
Michigan gets more sunshine than you’d think, with an average of 4.0-4.5 peak sun hours daily, which is more than enough for residential solar panels to perform effectively. Yes, winter brings shorter days and snow cover that can temporarily obscure panels, but modern solar technology handles Michigan’s climate well.
Cloudy days don’t bring a shutdown to your system—panels continue to produce energy when the sky is covered, just at lower levels. Here’s something many people don’t realize: solar panels function more effectively when temperatures are moderate. Michigan’s comparatively cool summers enable your panels to operate at peak efficiency, unlike scorching climates where extreme heat reduces efficiency.
Permitting and Interconnection Process
The permitting rules vary between Michigan municipalities, but most have streamlined them for residential systems. You will need building permits from your local building department and electrical permits for the installation services. Permits aren’t that complicated, but they do require proper documentation and adherence to local codes.
Interconnection with your utility follows the requirements of the state of Michigan Distributed Generation Program. Utilities have application processing times, which helps keep things moving. You’ll need an interconnection agreement in place before you connect your system to the grid. Most Michigan utilities have standardized this process now, making it more consistent than it used to be.
Timeline Expectations for Michigan Solar Installations
Typical Installation Timeframes
Going solar in Michigan takes about 2-4 months from your first consultation to flipping the switch. Here’s how that breaks down:
- Initial design and appraisal: 1-2 weeks for your installer to visit your premises, identify your requirements, and design your system
- Permit applications and approval: 2-4 weeks for local authorities to review and approve the paperwork
- Physical installation: 1-3 days for crews to mount panels and connect everything (the majority of residential jobs just take a day or two)
- Utility interconnection approval: 2-6 weeks post-installation for your utility to evaluate and accept grid connection
Your total timeline depends on how fast permits work their way through your local building authority and how backed up your utility’s interconnection queue is.
Permit Processing Times
Processing times vary greatly depending on where you are in Michigan. Cities that have been doing solar programs for some time now—Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Detroit—typically process permits within a period of 2-3 weeks. Their processes have been streamlined due to familiarity with solar submittals.
Smaller towns or areas where solar hasn’t taken off yet may take 4-6 weeks or even longer. Some lack dedicated staff familiar with solar permitting, which slows things down. On the flip side, various Michigan municipalities have adopted fast-track permitting exclusively for solar projects, recognizing the state’s renewable energy objectives.
Working with installers who know your area’s specific requirements will prevent delays. Experienced local companies know precisely which documentation your building authority requires and how your utility handles interconnections.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in Michigan?
When you weigh how much solar panels cost in Michigan against what they’ll save you over time, the numbers work out favorably for most homeowners. Michigan might not match Arizona’s sunshine, but the combination of available solar incentives, increasing electric costs, and improving technology makes residential solar panels a smart investment.
Typical payback periods in Michigan run 8-12 years. After that, you’re generating essentially free electricity for the rest of your panels’ lifespan, which usually exceeds 25 years. That’s more than a decade of virtually no electric bills beyond minimal connection fees.
The shift from net metering to the Distributed Generation Program did reduce financial benefits somewhat, especially if you’re not adding battery storage. Even so, solar remains worthwhile for most Michigan homeowners. You’re protecting yourself against future rate hikes while cutting your carbon footprint.
Long-term homeowners see the biggest benefits. Solar panels boost property values while delivering energy independence and predictable costs. If you’re planning to stay put for at least several years, the math works in your favor.
The clock’s ticking on the federal tax credit expiring at year-end 2025. Prices for solar panels are currently competitive, and incentives are still strong. People in Michigan don’t have much time to save as much as they can. The difference between a decent solar investment and a terrific one is working with installers that know Michigan’s climate, rules, and utility landscape.
How Much Can Solar Panels Save Me in Michigan?
Finding out how much you can save on solar in Michigan is not a straightforward answer. It depends on several factors, including the solar billing of your utility company, the size of a potential solar system on your roof, and your household’s energy consumption. While most solar installers will try to cover all your electricity needs, the actual savings will depend on your home’s unique conditions. To get a personal estimate of how much you could potentially save by going solar, fill out a simple form on our website, use Google’s Project Sunroof solar savings calculator, or consult with a couple of local solar installation companies for a personalized savings calculation.
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Solar Financing Explained
You can pay for solar panels in a couple of ways:
- Cash
- Installer solar loans
- Personal loans
- Cash-out refinance or HELOC
- Solar Leases or Power Purchase Agreements (PPA)
First, there is a cash purchase, which in most cases provides the best price and long-term savings, but the upfront payment is not always what you can afford. If you want to own your solar panels and don’t have about $15,000 to $20,000 in the bank, you’ll have to choose solar panel financing.
You can consider a personal loan, a home equity line of credit, or a solar loan offered by the solar company. However, keep in mind that these loans come with interest and additional fees. Solar loans often are tied to dealer fees, which can increase the total cost of your solar system by 20% or more in exchange for a lower interest rate. To ensure you get the best possible deal, it is wise to compare the dealer fees and interest rates offered by different installers. This way, you can make an informed decision based on the most favorable terms available.
Some companies offer solar leases or PPAs that require zero upfront cost. But in such case, you don’t own solar panels and you are not eligible for any solar rebates or the federal tax credit. And, because you have to pay the solar company monthly, your total solar savings will be lower. Ask for detailed savings calculations from a solar installer to decide on the best option. In most cases, you will still be paying less for electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Rank Solar Installers
Our main goal is to provide homeowners like you with top-rated solar companies you can trust. Our solar experts analyzed thousands of local and nationwide installers to get to the bottom of who is best in a specific location. The solar company ranking methodology is based on gathering input from homeowner surveys, consulting with industry experts, and extensive research into the solar energy market. Here are the things we believe are the most important to consider when choosing a solar company.
In short, here’s how we pick top installers:
– Company that has been in business for over five years as it indicates stability, reliability, and successful installations.
– Local solar companies over big national ones covering multiple areas as they can provide better personal attention and know more about the solar needs and regulations in their area.
– Companies with hands-on experience and a wealth of projects under their belt are more likely to deliver efficient and timely installations that cater to specific customer needs.
– Companies that handle their own installations instead of outsourcing to subcontractors ensure a higher caliber of work and nurture a culture of excellence and accountability in service.
– Select a company that has a good overall reputation and reviews on sites like SolarReviews, BBB, Google Maps, and Yelp.
– The company is licensed, insured, and holds relevant certifications such as NABCEP certification.
– Companies that offer a wide selection of high-quality solar panels and related products and work with reputable brands.
– Companies that provide flexible financing options such as solar loans, leases, or power purchase agreements.
– Installers that provide substantial workmanship warranties and system performance guarantees.
Read more:
Our Methodology
What Made Us Choose Sources for Expert Score?
How We Classify Solar Installers: What Matters Most?
What to Look for In a Solar Company
To ensure that you partner with a great provider that can meet your needs of going solar, look for the following:
– Make sure the solar installer has industry-standard certifications, such as those from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), indicating that they meet the gold standard in renewable energy installations. Also, verify if they are licensed, bonded, and insured for residential solar projects in your area. If subcontractors are involved, check their credentials as well.
– Prioritize installers with a proven track record in solar installations, ideally with at least 5+ years of experience. Ask about the number of systems they’ve installed and their project portfolio. A competent installer should openly discuss the solar panels, inverters, and batteries they use if they help to take advantage of local solar incentives and rebates, and warranty coverage specifics.
– Your installer should be forthcoming about the installation process and answer any questions you might have, like “How many solar panels will I need? Why?”, “Can you give me a detailed cost breakdown based on my energy consumption?”, “What solar panel brands do you install? Why?”, etc.. They should also be transparent about their use of subcontractors, detailing their roles and how their work will be supervised.
– A preliminary evaluation of your roof’s condition is the groundwork. The installer should advise on necessary repairs to ensure it’s ready for solar panel installation and clarify responsibilities for any potential roof damage during the process. Discuss aesthetic concerns, such as the placement of solar panels around roof vents or the possibility of relocating vents for a more visually appealing setup.
– Check the installer’s reputation through online reviews and testimonials. They should be able to connect you with past customers willing to share their experiences. Personal recommendations from friends or neighbors who’ve gone solar can also be invaluable.
– Solar installation costs can vary widely, so obtaining multiple quotes is advisable. Experienced installers will adjust their offers to your home’s specifics—size, energy needs, etc. For an objective cost comparison, calculate the price per watt of the proposed system, giving you a standardized basis to evaluate different quotes.
Should You Choose a Local Solar Installer or a Big National Company?
Always choose a local solar company over a big national corporation. Small local companies that operate in a distinct local area are better than multi-state and national solar companies and large corporations. It’s the small local companies who get the best reviews on our website, and it’s the national multistate companies who get very poor reviews. Why so, you may ask?
Solar is a local service business, for the most part, and it is extremely difficult to run a solar company and offer good customer service to many locations from a central office.
Local ones have a community connection, they know better the incentives and regulations in the area, and they simply care more about you than large businesses trying to get into your pocket and overprice you. While multi-state solar companies might try to convince you by financial stability and “quality of installations across different locations”, try to choose a local company that meets all your criteria.
What Does a Solar Installation Look Like?
Here’s how a solar system installation will look like once the design for your solar system is approved:
– First, a solar installer should estimate your energy needs, and analyze your annual and monthly electricity consumption, which you can find on utility bills measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Such calculations will help to understand potential savings, payback period, and the system size you need.
– A home energy audit is something every experienced solar company would do to understand the size and output needed.
– Next question on the list: are your house’s roof conditions good enough for installation? A solar installer should carefully inspect the roof and ensure its conditions and orientation are good to go, how and where to better place solar panels and wire the system.
– Next, they will design the system and show you how it’s going to look.
You will usually need a permit to install solar panels from your local authorities, and the solar provider should handle all the paperwork.
– The entire process might take up to 3 months depending on the state and local regulations, while the system installation is usually up to 3 days (might take longer depending on roof conditions and system complexity).
– The installation crew should always clean up and remove any debris, leaving your house in good condition.
– When the system is installed, it should be checked and approved by local municipality inspection.
– If you’re connecting your system to the grid, it has to be wired to your local utility system. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company, which will also want to inspect your system to ensure it’s following utility guidelines. Some installers may help you with this step, so always ask. Once you have all the permits, your system will be up and running, powering your home with solar.
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