Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Dearborn, Michigan. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading, locally-owned and operated solar installer in Michigan with a strong focus on both residential and commercial projects. They are known for their in-house expertise, comprehensive service from design to maintenance, and deep knowledge of Michigan-specific incentives and utility policies (like DTE Energy).
Strawberry Solar has built a strong reputation across Michigan for its customer-centric approach and high-quality installations. They offer extensive financing options and are recognized for their educational process, helping homeowners understand every aspect of their solar investment.
A well-established, family-owned contractor based in the Detroit area with a dedicated solar division. They combine traditional roofing and construction expertise with solar technology, offering an integrated approach that is beneficial for homes needing roof work alongside solar installation.
** The home solar market in Dearborn is **moderately competitive and service-rich**, primarily served by established regional players from the wider Metro Detroit area rather than national giants. The market dynamics are heavily influenced by the local utility, DTE Energy, and its specific net metering programs and rates. The **average quality of providers is high**, as the Michigan climate and regulatory environment require experienced, knowledgeable installers. **Competition Level:** Moderate. A handful of dominant, reputable regional installers compete for projects, leading to good options for consumers but not an overwhelming number of choices. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Michigan before incentives ranges from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt**. For a typical 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$22,400 to $28,000**. The final net cost after applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and any other local incentives can be significantly lower, often in the $15,000 - $20,000 range. Financing through loans and leases is widely available, making $0-down options common.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Dearborn regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Dearborn, Michigan.
For a typical Dearborn home, a solar panel system costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Michigan homeowners can combine the 30% federal tax credit with DTE Energy's solar rebate program, which currently offers a one-time payment per installed watt, significantly lowering your net cost. Additionally, Michigan offers a property tax exemption, so your home's assessed value won't increase due to the solar installation.
While Michigan has fewer peak sun hours than sunnier states, modern panels are efficient and still produce significant energy on cloudy days. Dearborn's seasonal variation means you'll generate the most power in the sunny summer, which helps offset higher air conditioning costs, and less in the winter. Importantly, snow usually slides off angled panels quickly, and the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency, helping to balance production throughout the year.
Installing solar in Dearborn requires a building and electrical permit from the City of Dearborn's Building & Safety Department. The most critical step is interconnection approval from DTE Energy. Your installer should handle this entire process, which includes submitting an application to DTE, having the system inspected by the city, and finally receiving "Permission to Operate" from DTE to safely connect your system to the grid for net metering.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have extensive experience with DTE Energy's specific interconnection and net metering process. Look for established Michigan-based companies with strong local references and warranties. It's essential to get multiple detailed quotes that clarify how they will manage local permitting, DTE paperwork, and how system production estimates account for our local weather patterns and roof angles.
DTE's net metering program credits you for excess solar energy sent to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month with an annual "true-up" settlement. This effectively uses the grid as a battery, offsetting your usage at night and in winter. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems shut off during a power outage for safety; to have power during an outage, you must install a dedicated solar battery backup system, which is an increasingly popular addition in Dearborn.