Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Calumet, Michigan. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A locally-owned and operated solar installer based in Houghton, serving the entire Keweenaw Peninsula, including Calumet. They are known for personalized service, expertise in handling the unique Upper Michigan climate and snow loads, and a strong focus on both grid-tied and off-grid battery backup systems.
A leading Upper Peninsula solar energy company headquartered in Marquette. They have a strong regional presence and are a certified installer for major equipment manufacturers. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and design to financing assistance and long-term maintenance.
While based further south, this Michigan-focused installer is a key partner for UPPCO (the local utility for parts of the UP) and actively serves customers across the Upper Peninsula. They are recognized for their robust design capabilities and knowledge of state and federal incentives.
** The home solar market in Calumet, Michigan, is characterized by a small but highly specialized and robust group of regional providers. Due to the city's remote location in the Upper Peninsula and its harsh winter climate, the market is not saturated with national installers. Instead, it is served by a few established, reputable Michigan-based companies from Houghton, Marquette, and the Lower Peninsula that have specific expertise in designing systems for heavy snow loads, long winters, and off-grid needs. Competition is moderate but quality is generally high, as the companies that operate here have proven their ability to handle the local challenges. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, but the value is in the local expertise regarding incentives like the federal investment tax credit (ITC) and navigating interconnection with UPPCO. Customers benefit from highly personalized service and installers with deep knowledge of extreme-weather durability.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Calumet regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Calumet, Michigan.
Solar panels are very effective in Calumet. They generate electricity from daylight, not heat, and cold temperatures can actually improve panel efficiency. Snow typically melts quickly off dark, angled panels, and our long summer days provide excellent production. Importantly, Michigan's net metering policy allows you to bank excess summer credits to offset your higher winter usage with the utility.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Calumet, gross costs range from $18,000 to $28,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, you may qualify for a $2,000 rebate from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and a property tax exemption, making the final net cost significantly lower.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the Calumet Village office or Houghton County Building Department. While Michigan has a solar rights law preventing unreasonable restrictions, local ordinances may govern setback requirements or aesthetic considerations for historic districts. A reputable local installer will handle this permitting process and ensure compliance with all Village and County codes.
Choose a provider with extensive local experience in the U.P. climate. Look for licensed, insured, and NABCEP-certified installers. Ask for references from nearby projects and verify they handle all local permitting, interconnection with UPPCO (Upper Peninsula Power Company), and snow/load engineering for your roof. Local companies understand the specific challenges and logistics of installing in our region.
Under UPPCO's net metering program, your solar system sends excess power to the grid, spinning your meter backward and earning you a kilowatt-hour (kWh) credit. These credits are used to offset power you draw at night or in winter. Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety. To have power during outages, you must install a dedicated solar battery backup system, which is a wise consideration given our region's weather.