Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Ithaca, Michigan. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar and battery storage, known for its strong manufacturer partnerships and flexible financing options, including leases, PPAs, and loans. Their local Michigan teams are well-versed in state-specific incentives and provide comprehensive service from design to maintenance.
A highly-rated Michigan-based company that specializes in custom residential solar installations. Crew Solar is praised for its customer service, expert design consultations, and high-quality workmanship. They operate out of Clare, MI, making them a strong regional provider for the Ithaca area.
A reputable, local Michigan contractor focused on both residential and commercial solar. They offer a full suite of services, including system design, installation, and maintenance. Their smaller scale often allows for highly personalized service and attention to detail.
** The home solar market in Ithaca, Michigan, is characteristic of a rural Midwestern community. The competition is moderate, with no major installers physically based within the city limits. The market is dominated by a few key player types: large national providers (like Sunrun) with extensive marketing and financing resources, and skilled regional installers from nearby hubs like Clare, Mt. Pleasant, and Lansing who service the broader Central Michigan area. The average quality of providers available to Ithaca residents is high, as the companies that successfully operate regionally tend to have strong reputations, proper certifications (including NABCEP-certified installers), and are adept at navigating both federal and Michigan-specific programs like the DTE Energy rebates and net metering policies. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Ithaca is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) and any state incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$25,000 to $35,000 for a typical 10 kW system**. The prevalence of financing and leasing options has made solar increasingly accessible to homeowners in the area without significant upfront capital.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Ithaca regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Ithaca, Michigan.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Ithaca, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. Crucially, Michigan homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit, and you may also be eligible for net metering through Consumers Energy, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid. While there is no statewide solar rebate, always check with your local Gratiot County or Ithaca utility for any current local promotions.
Solar panels are surprisingly effective in cold, sunny winter weather and will still generate power on cloudy days, albeit at a reduced rate. Snow will temporarily halt production, but panels are installed at an angle, so snow typically slides off relatively quickly. The key is that Michigan's long summer days provide abundant sunlight, allowing your system to generate significant annual credits through net metering to offset lower winter production.
Installing solar in Ithaca requires a building permit from the City of Ithaca or Gratiot County building department, depending on your location. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. You must also submit an interconnection application to Consumers Energy to connect your system to the grid. There are no restrictive solar-specific ordinances in Ithaca, but always verify your homeowner's association (HOA) rules, as Michigan law limits HOAs' ability to ban solar but they can regulate placement.
Look for Michigan-based or regional installers with proven experience in mid-Michigan's climate. Essential checks include verifying they are licensed and insured in Michigan, reviewing their portfolio of local installations, and reading customer reviews. Ask for local references in Gratiot County and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate specific to Ithaca's weather patterns. A reputable provider will handle all local permitting and interconnection paperwork.
No. Michigan offers a specific property tax exemption for residential renewable energy systems, including solar panels. This means the added value from your solar installation will not increase your annual property tax assessment. This is a significant benefit for Ithaca homeowners, protecting your investment and ensuring your energy savings are not offset by higher taxes.