Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Oak Park, Michigan. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Strawberry Solar is a leading Michigan-based solar installer known for its strong local presence and customer-centric approach. They handle the entire process in-house, from design and permitting to installation and maintenance, and are particularly noted for their expertise with Michigan's unique climate and utility policies, including DTE Energy.
The Green Panel has built a strong reputation in Southeast Michigan for high-quality installations and robust customer service. They offer comprehensive services, including energy efficiency assessments to maximize the benefit of the solar system. They are well-versed in local incentives and financing.
**IMPORTANT CONTEXT:** PowerHome Solar, which rebranded as Pink Energy, was a major national player with a significant local presence in Oak Park. However, the company ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy in 2022 following widespread issues with installations and a class-action lawsuit. They are included here as a cautionary example and because they represent a significant portion of the existing installed base in the area. Homeowners with existing systems may need to seek third-party providers for maintenance and repair.
** The home solar market in Oak Park, Michigan, is characterized by moderate competition, primarily from reputable regional installers based in the broader Metro Detroit area rather than a high density of local, Oak Park-only companies. The market is heavily influenced by the local utility, DTE Energy, and its net metering program, which credible installers are proficient in navigating. **Average Quality:** The quality is bifurcated. There are several highly-rated, established companies (like Strawberry Solar and The Green Panel) known for quality workmanship. However, the legacy of the Pink Energy collapse has left a segment of the market with poorly installed or now-unsupported systems, underscoring the critical importance for consumers to vet a company's longevity, licensing, and post-installation service reputation thoroughly. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While not oversaturated, there are enough qualified providers to offer consumers choice. Competition is based on reputation, service quality, and financing expertise rather than just price. **Typical Pricing:** As a general guide, the average cost for a residential solar system in Michigan before incentives ranges from **$15,000 to $25,000**. The final price is highly dependent on system size, panel quality, and roof complexity. The 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) significantly reduces the net cost, and reputable installers will provide clear explanations of this and any available local rebates.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Oak Park regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Oak Park, Michigan.
For a typical Oak Park home, a solar panel system costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy use. Crucially, Michigan homeowners are exempt from state sales tax on solar equipment, and you can benefit from the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, DTE Energy customers in Oak Park can enroll in net metering, crediting you for excess power sent back to the grid.
Modern solar panels are quite effective in diffuse light and will still produce energy on cloudy Oak Park days, though at a reduced rate. Snow can temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and their dark surfaces help melt it quickly. Importantly, Michigan's long summer days provide excellent production, and your annual system is sized to account for seasonal variations to meet your yearly energy goals.
Installing solar in Oak Park requires a building permit from the City's Building Department to ensure structural and electrical code compliance. As a DTE Energy service area, your installer will also handle the interconnection application to connect your system to the grid. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting process, which is typically straightforward in Oak Park for standard roof-mounted systems.
Look for Michigan-based installers with extensive experience in Oakland County and specific knowledge of DTE's interconnection process. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by organizations like NABCEP. Always request multiple quotes, check reviews on local platforms, and ask for references from recent installations in nearby communities like Royal Oak or Ferndale to gauge their work quality and customer service.
No. Michigan offers a property tax abatement for residential renewable energy systems. This means the added value from your solar installation will not increase your annual property tax assessment in Oak Park. This is a significant state-level benefit that protects your investment and enhances the long-term financial return of going solar.