Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Highland, Michigan. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading, locally-owned and operated solar installer specializing in both grid-tied and off-grid systems. They are known for their deep expertise in Michigan's unique climate and their focus on high-quality components. They handle the entire process from design and permitting to installation and maintenance.
A well-established Michigan company known for its strong customer service and comprehensive educational approach. They offer a wide range of financing options and are experts in navigating state and federal incentives. They provide energy efficiency assessments to ensure the solar system is optimally sized.
A dedicated residential solar installer focusing on custom-designed systems for maximum efficiency and return on investment. They have strong partnerships with top-tier manufacturers and offer robust warranties. Their services include ongoing maintenance and repair to ensure long-term system performance.
** The home solar market in Highland, Michigan, is characterized by a moderate level of competition, primarily from established regional installers rather than national corporations. This benefits consumers, as these local companies possess specific expertise in dealing with Michigan's climate, snowfall, and the net metering policies of the local utility, DTE Energy. The average quality of providers is high, with several companies holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Typical pricing for a residential solar system in the Highland area ranges from **$15,000 to $35,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (typically 6kW to 12kW for an average home). The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. Michigan's solar adoption is growing, driven by rising electricity rates from DTE and increased consumer awareness of renewable energy benefits and available financing options, including loans and leases.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Highland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Highland, Michigan.
For a typical Highland home, a solar panel system costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives, with the final price depending on your energy usage and roof specifics. Crucially, Michigan homeowners are exempt from state sales tax on solar equipment, and you can benefit from the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, DTE Energy customers in Highland can participate in net metering, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Solar panels are very effective in Michigan's climate; they generate power from daylight, not just direct sun, and perform well in cold temperatures. Snow will temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and their dark surfaces accelerate melting. Importantly, Highland's long summer days provide abundant production, which offsets lower winter generation, leading to a strong annual average.
Installing solar in Highland requires a building permit from the Highland Township Building Department to ensure structural and electrical safety. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. The most critical regulation is interconnection approval from DTE Energy, which is mandatory to connect your system to the grid and participate in their net metering program.
Look for Michigan-based installers with extensive experience in the local climate and with DTE's interconnection process. Verify they are licensed, insured, and have positive reviews on trusted sites. Ask for references from recent installations in Oakland County and compare detailed proposals that include system performance estimates specific to Highland's weather patterns.
In Highland, the full process typically takes 2 to 4 months. This timeline includes system design, securing the Highland Township permit, DTE interconnection approval, scheduling the installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and finally the final inspection and "Permission to Operate" from DTE. Seasonal weather can cause minor delays, so planning in spring or fall is often ideal.