Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Royal Oak, Michigan. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading Michigan-based solar installer known for its personalized service, expert knowledge of state and local incentives, and high-quality installations. They focus on a customer-first approach and handle the entire process from design to permitting and installation.
A reputable, family-owned solar contractor serving Southeast Michigan. They are praised for their transparent pricing, professional crews, and strong focus on customer education and energy efficiency.
A national leader in residential solar with a significant local presence. Sunrun is a strong option for homeowners interested in a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with minimal upfront cost, backed by comprehensive national warranties and monitoring.
** The home solar market in Royal Oak, Michigan, is mature and competitive, characterized by a mix of highly-regarded local installers and large national providers. The overall quality of service is high, with companies well-versed in Michigan's specific climate considerations, DTE Energy's interconnection policies, and available incentives like the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners have multiple reputable options, which drives competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Michigan ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 to $28,000**. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, the net investment would be roughly **$14,000 to $19,600**. It is critical to get multiple quotes, as pricing, equipment quality, and financing terms can vary significantly between providers. **Key Local Factor:** Providers serving Royal Oak must have expertise in navigating DTE Energy's net metering program and interconnection process, a area where established local companies often have a distinct advantage.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Royal Oak regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Royal Oak, Michigan.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Royal Oak, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $28,000. Crucially, you can reduce this by 30% with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Additionally, DTE Energy offers a rebate program for customers who install solar, and Michigan has a property tax abatement ensuring your home's assessed value won't increase due to the solar installation, protecting you from a higher tax bill.
While Michigan has fewer peak sun hours than sunnier states, modern solar panels are efficient in cold, clear weather and even produce energy on cloudy days. Royal Oak's snowy winters can temporarily reduce output if panels are covered, but snow usually slides off angled panels quickly. The long summer days provide excellent production, and your system will be sized to generate enough annual energy to offset your usage across all seasons.
Installing solar in Royal Oak requires an electrical permit and a building permit from the Royal Oak Building Department. The process involves submitting your system plans for review to ensure compliance with the Michigan Residential Code and the National Electrical Code (NEC). A reputable local installer will typically manage this entire permitting process on your behalf, which is a significant advantage of choosing an experienced provider familiar with the city's requirements.
Look for a Michigan-licensed electrical contractor with extensive local installation experience in Oakland County. Verify they are certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and ask for references from recent Royal Oak projects. A trustworthy provider will offer a detailed site assessment, explain how DTE's net metering program works, and handle all local permitting and interconnection paperwork without pressuring you.
DTE's net metering program credits you for excess solar energy sent to the grid, rolling over kilowatt-hour credits month-to-month with an annual "true-up" settlement. This effectively uses the grid as a battery. Importantly, standard grid-tied systems shut off during a power outage for safety reasons unless you have a dedicated solar battery backup system. Given Royal Oak's occasional severe weather, many homeowners pair solar with a battery to maintain power during outages.