Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ferndale, Michigan. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A top-tier, locally-owned and operated SunPower Master Dealer. They are known for installing the highest-efficiency solar panels on the market, backed by a comprehensive 25-year warranty. Their strength lies in a full-service approach, from custom design and financing to installation and maintenance.
A well-established, Ferndale-adjacent contractor specializing exclusively in residential and commercial solar. They are highly rated for their customer service, custom system design, and expertise in both grid-tied and battery backup solutions. They are certified installers for leading brands like LG and Tesla.
A reputable, family-owned solar installer based in Clarkston that serves the entire metro Detroit area, including Ferndale. They are praised for their transparent pricing, educational approach with clients, and high-quality workmanship. They offer a wide range of services from installation to maintenance.
** The home solar market in Ferndale, Michigan, is mature and competitive, characterized by a mix of a few highly specialized local installers and larger regional companies that service the area. The overall quality of providers is high, with many holding certifications from manufacturers like SunPower, Tesla, and LG. Ferndale residents are generally environmentally conscious, driving a steady demand for solar, though the market is not as saturated as in sunnier states. The competition level is moderate, which benefits consumers by providing several quality options without the overwhelming choice found in more mature solar markets. Pricing is typical for the Midwest, with an average residential system (before incentives) ranging from **$15,000 to $30,000**, depending on system size and equipment. The key factor for Michigan homeowners is not just cost savings but also energy independence and backup power, making companies with expertise in battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall) particularly valuable. Providers in this area are generally well-versed in local incentives, DTE Energy's net metering program, and the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ferndale regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ferndale, Michigan.
Ferndale's four distinct seasons impact solar production, with long summer days yielding high output and shorter, cloudier winter days producing less. Snow cover can temporarily reduce generation, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding and cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Annually, Michigan receives enough sunlight to make solar viable, with systems designed to produce excess energy in summer to offset lower winter production through net metering with DTE Energy.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Ferndale ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you can claim a 30% federal tax credit, and Michigan has no state-level property tax increase for the added home value from solar. Local installers typically offer financing options like loans and leases, and DTE Energy's net metering program provides bill credits for surplus energy sent to the grid, improving the payback period.
Installing solar in Ferndale requires a building permit from the City of Ferndale's Building Department, ensuring your roof structure and electrical plan meet local codes. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. You must also comply with interconnection rules from DTE Energy, which governs how your system connects to the grid for net metering. There are no restrictive local ordinances against solar panels, but guidelines exist for historic districts.
Look for Michigan-based, licensed electrical contractors with specific experience installing solar in Oakland County. Check for certifications like NABCEP, read local reviews on platforms like Google and Nextdoor, and ask for references from recent Ferndale installations. A reputable provider will offer a detailed site assessment, explain Ferndale-specific factors like DTE interconnection, and provide a clear production estimate and warranty without high-pressure sales tactics.
Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a DTE outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup system. For backup power, you would need to invest in a battery like a Tesla Powerwall. For net metering, DTE credits you for excess power sent to the grid, rolling over credits monthly with an annual "true-up" settlement, effectively using the grid as a seasonal battery to balance summer overproduction with winter needs.