Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
High-quality solar panel installation in Okemos, Michigan, requires choosing a solar installer that is properly certified, skilled and experienced. To help you find the right team, we’ve compiled a list of the leading solar panel companies in Okemos.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet the installers you're considering and collect quotes from multiple companies to find the one that meets your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Okemos or pick a leading national brand.
Even though solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy enables Okemos homeowners to save an average of $1,200 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians vary. Take the time to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Look for Okemos solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and similar sites. Make sure the company has a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when selecting a solar company.
Reading through previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Places with varied sunshine levels, including rainy or cloudy areas like Okemos, can still use solar power. The primary reasons to switch to solar power are:
Based on our survey conducted in October 2023, the typical national cost of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is impacted by your shading, area, labor costs, roof orientation, system size and sunlight availability. Choosing extras such as animal guards, solar trackers or batteries will raise the overall cost.
According to statistics from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) the mean cost to install solar panels in Okemos is $17,543.
Putting in solar panels requires considerable spending upfront, but you can recoup those costs through major reductions in your energy bills down the road.
In Okemos, you can plan to save money after switching fully to solar. However, it takes time to recoup the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage affect how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Adopting solar not only saves money but also reduces your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions achievable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
Homeowners in Okemos can enjoy several solar incentives. Certain are available statewide for all Michigan residents, and others are determined by your utility company, city and municipality.
Accessible solar incentives to Michigan homeowners, per DSIRE, include:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Loan Program Michigan Saves - Home Energy Loan Program | $30,000 |
Rebate Program Energy Optimization (Electric) - Residential Efficiency Program | Appliance Recycling Refrigerator: $50 Chest Freezer: $50 Window Air Conditioners: $15 Dehumidifier: $15 HVAC WiFi Thermostat: $75 ECM Blower Motor: $200 Central Air Conditioning: 150 - $500 Central Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $500 Mini/Multi-Split Air-Source Heat Pump: $250 - $750 HVAC Combo Bonus: $100 bonus Smart HVAC Combo Bonus: $150 bonus Tune-Up Central Air Conditioner or Air-Sourse Heat Pump: $50 Ground-Source Heat Pump: $500 - $750 Efficient Circulation Pump: $100 Heat Pump Water Heater: $500 Pool Pump: $250 Pipe Wrap Insulation: $0.80/ft. ($8 max) ENERGY STAR Products LED Bulbs: In-store savings vary by retailer LED Downlight Kits: In-store savings vary by retailer Outdoor LED Fixtures: $5 Ceiling Fan: $10 Advanced Power Strip: $5 Room Air Conditioner: $10 Air Purifier: $10 Dehumidifier: $15 Clothes Washer: $20 Refrigerator: $20 Chest Freezer or Upright Freezer: $15 Television: $10 - $20 Personal Computer: $10 Occupancy Sensor: $5 Wifi-Enabled Thermostat: $75 Income Qualified Services Free Product Kit: May include energy-saving items, such as LED lights and a smart power strip |
Rebate Program Consumers Energy (Electric) - Residential Energy Efficiency Program | Appliances Washing Machine: $25 - $50 WiFi Enabled Thermostat: $50 - $100 Room Air Conditioner: $20 Dehumidifier: $20 Pool Pump: $350 Refrigetor/Freezer Recyclilng: $50 Room Air Conditioner/Dehumidifier Recycling: $15 Heating & Cooling Split System Central AC: $50 - $500 Air Source Heat Pump: $150 - $250 Ground Source Heat Pump: $200 - $300 Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump: $350 ECM Motor: $50 Thermostat: $10 - $100 Central AC Tune-Up: $50 Windows & Insulation Roof Insulation: $50 - $200 Wall Insulation: $50 - $125 Crawlspace Insulation: $10 - $50 Rim Joist Insulation: $20 - $50 Window Replacement: $15/window Patio Door Replacement: $40/door Lighting Varies |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
The size of your system depends on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a bigger setup. If the system isn’t large enough, it may not produce enough energy to power your entire house.
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to apply for the required permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
Many solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is particularly beneficial when you want to avoid power loss in a storm. Installing battery storage may increase the installation cost.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in design, efficiency and life expectancy. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
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