Blue Raven Solar

- Max. panel efficiency
- Varies
- Panel warranty
- 25 years
- Payment options
- Cash, loan, lease, PPA
- Year founded
- 2014



Based on local customer satisfaction ratings, Blue Raven Solar is the best solar company in Michigan. Project Solar stands out for offering the best value, and Freedom Forever is our pick for customer service.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on customer ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.
| Company | Customer rating | Our pick for | Pro install | Max. panel efficiency | Panel warranty | Payment option | In-house financing | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Blue Raven Solar | Get Started | 4.0
294 reviews
294 reviews
| Top overall | Varies | 25 years | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | Yes | 2014 | |
![]() Project Solar | Learn More | 4.5
86 reviews
86 reviews
| Value | 20.9% | 25 years | Cash, loan | No | 2016 | |
![]() Freedom Forever | Learn More | 4.1
358 reviews
358 reviews
| Customer service | Varies | 25 years | Cash, loan, lease | Loan, PPA, lease | 2011 |
If you've been thinking about switching to solar power but feel overwhelmed by the options, you're not alone. We’re here to help you compare all your choices and get the best deal.



We started with a list of popular solar companies and narrowed it down to those serving Michigan. We then ranked them based on the factors that matter most to homeowners:
Local customer satisfaction (65%)
We analyzed reviews from verified customers in Michigan. Companies with the most recent positive ratings were scored higher.
Price satisfaction (7%)
We evaluated customer feedback on overall cost and value.
Installation satisfaction (7%)
We looked at reviews of the installation process, including professionalism, timeliness and overall quality of the work.
Customer service satisfaction (7%)
We evaluated feedback on how responsive and helpful each company is before, during and after installation.
Payment options (7%)
We considered companies that make paying for solar easier by offering multiple financing and payment options.
Warranties and guarantees (7%)
A long warranty shows confidence in a company’s work. We compared both equipment and workmanship warranties. Our top picks provide 10 to 25 years of coverage.
Jump into our guides and start learning
ConsumerAffairs talked to dozens of Michigan homeowners who have already gone solar. Here’s what they learned, and what you should know before making the switch.
In Michigan, a typical residential solar panel system costs $10,851 to $31,002, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.
Jump to insightSolar panels are a long-term investment — most systems last 25 years or more. That means choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment.
Jump to insightLeasing a solar panel system is a good way to minimize your upfront costs.
Jump to insightBased on our research, the best solar energy companies share a few traits: strong customer reviews, high-quality equipment and reliable warranties. Here are the key steps to finding the right fit.
Look at solar company reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs, Better Business Bureau and solar-specific forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:
Local experience matters, too. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives. Read our Detroit and Grand Rapids solar guides for city-specific recommendations.
Michigan’s electrical licensing law mandates that individuals performing electrical wiring must be properly licensed (with some exceptions). Check your installer’s credentials with the Michigan Electrical and Mechanical Contractor Licensing Boards. Make sure your installer also has:
Get at least three solar quotes to compare prices, equipment, warranties and services. Be cautious of unusually low bids — they may signal poor-quality panels, hidden fees or weak warranty coverage.
Also, ask whether they offer extras you might want, like battery storage, an EV charger or critter guards to protect your panels.
Always read the fine print
The contract should be easy to understand. If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification.
Average solar panel costs in Michigan typically range between $10,851 and $31,002.
On the higher end, Josh in Troy, Michigan, was quoted $40,000 for a system, and Brenda in Saint Louis, Michigan, told us she spent $52,000 going solar. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.
Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Michigan, the average cost per watt is $3.10.
Average solar panel cost by system size in Michigan
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Before federal tax credit | $15,501 | $18,601 | $21,702 | $24,802 | $27,902 | $31,002 |
| After federal tax credit | $10,851 | $13,021 | $15,191 | $17,361 | $19,531 | $21,702 |
NOTE: The table above doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery, which is sometimes as expensive as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence, especially if you want to go off-grid.
Many people choose to finance their system through a solar loan.
Michigan Saves is a nonprofit that provides loans up to $100,000 for residents to finance energy efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations.
You might also qualify for the Lean & Green Michigan Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program. It lets commercial, industrial and multifamily property owners finance energy improvements with no upfront costs.
Alternatively, you can lease your equipment or enter a power purchase agreement to minimize your initial cost.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
Residents can take advantage of additional solar incentives in Michigan, including rebates and loan programs.
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is now set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled. The credit was expected to drop gradually and fully expire in 2035, but those step-downs have been eliminated as of July 2025.
This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.
We’ve talked to thousands of verified solar customers, and most seem happy with their decision to go solar. The general consensus is that solar is worth it in Michigan.
For many, going solar is worth it for the reduction in energy bills and reliance on local power companies. On average, Michiganders with solar panels can avoid $53,052 in total utility costs over 25 years.
Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.
One resident, Carol in Ann Arbor, first went solar for backup power. She was also eager to support clean energy efforts for the environmental benefits. “The system works beautifully,” Carol told us. “I've had one short power outage since it was installed, and everything operated just as I had hoped.”
But it doesn’t work out for everyone. We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.
» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons
Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Michigan averages 2.5 to 3.5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.
Solar scams in Michigan often target low- and middle-income homeowners with false promises of low-cost or free solar installations, typically through social media ads. Unfortunately, scams that promise free solar panels can cost consumers a lot of money.
Some scammers pose as legitimate companies, take deposits without intending to complete installations or use fraudulent paperwork to steal personal information.
» FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?
No, your HOA is not allowed to stop you from putting up solar panels.
If you lease a solar system or enter a PPA, you don't own the panels, but you benefit from the cheap electricity they produce. The solar company that owns the system is responsible for maintaining it, so you don't have to worry about ongoing maintenance costs. The key difference is how you pay.
Net metering is a system of give-and-take between you and your utility company. It lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity.
Net metering also lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid. These credits can offset the cost of electricity consumed at other times.
Michigan has transitioned from traditional net metering to a Distributed Generation Program for solar energy, consequently causing buyback rates to shift from retail to potentially lower rates. Legislative efforts are underway to improve conditions for solar customers, including proposals to lift solar caps and establish fair value tariffs. Interested individuals should contact their local utility for specific information on participating in the program and installing solar panels.
| Company | Customer rating | About | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4.0
294 reviews
| Offers solar energy systems for $0 down. Offers 18 months of free solar power. Handles design, permits and installation. Includes a 25-year manufacturer warranty. Available in select states across the country. | Get Started |
![]() | 4.7
218 reviews
| Solar energy solutions. Offers solar energy kits, DIY solar kits and lithium batteries. Small- and large-scale equipment. Online purchasing with shipping to 48 states. Partner installer network. Financing and warranty available. | Read reviews |
![]() | 5.0
View profile
| Residential solar panel installation and cost-effective energy solutions. Offers services across 18 different states. Complimentary solar assessments from expert energy consultants. Zero down for qualifying individuals. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.0
View profile
| Residential and commercial installation and maintenance across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Tesla Powerwall sales and installations. Hybrid and off-grid residential installations available. | Read reviews |
![]() | 2.0
View profile
| Many solar panel brands available. Sells solar panels, backup batteries and solar inverters. Three different financing types offered with multiple lender options. Costs typically range from $8,000 to $32,000. | Learn More |
![]() | 1.0
View profile
| Solar installer offering residential solar in four states as well as commercial and agricultural solar in sixteen states. Solar maintenance services also available. Financing available in the form of loans, leases or PPAs. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
View profile
| Sells DIY solar and wind energy kits. Ships across all of the U.S., except Alaska and Hawaii. Accepts PayPal Credit, Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. Offers products from brands like Briggs & Stratton and Sol-Ark. | Read reviews |
![]() | 1.0
View profile
| Residential, commercial, agricultural and industrial solar installer. Serves Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin. Offers 25-year production warranties. | Read reviews |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in residential and commercial solar energy system installations, energy storage and EV charging. Serves Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Offers warranties on brands like Enel X and Enphase Energy. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential solar installer specializing in EV charging station installation and maintenance. 30-year warranty on equipment. Accepts upfront payments and offers financing to qualified buyers. Service area extends across Michigan. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installer servicing Michigan. Brands include Sol-Ark, Fortress Power, Unirac, Silfab, Fronius Solar Energy, SMA, Tigo and Enphase Energy. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential solar panel system design, installation and maintenance plus electrical, wiring, HVAC services and ceiling fan installations. Serves parts of southeast Michigan including Detroit and Ann Arbor. | |
![]() | No reviews | Area-based solar installer for homes and businesses across the entire United States. Also offers roofing and engineering services. Financing is available through loans. Systems include SunPower components. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial and community solar services throughout the southeastern United States. Solar farm development and industrial solar services. EV charger and solar storage installation services also offered. | |
![]() | No reviews | Headquartered in New York City and London. Performs solar installation services worldwide. Products from SMA, SunPower and Xantrex. Installs building-integrated panels in addition to roof and ground-mounted systems. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial and industrial solar, including large-scale projects plus energy audits, EV charging and lighting systems. Offers installations across all 48 states in the U.S. mainland. Products from Schneider Electric and Siemens. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar panel design, installation and maintenance. Serves worldwide, including Middle East, Asia, Europe and the U.S. Financing options and warranties available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Installs, designs and monitors commercial, industrial and large-scale solar energy systems in 17 states. Pay upfront or take advantage of multiple financing options for business owners, including loans and PPAs. | |
![]() | No reviews | Manufacturers panels, solar coating and sun-tracking grids. Installs solar energy systems on Michigan homes and businesses. 20-year warranty on panels and with 15- to 20-year extensions on inverters available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in the sale and installation of residential solar energy systems. Offers Enphase Energy and SunPower products. Provides professional services across southwest MIchigan. | |
![]() | No reviews | Solar installer serving businesses in New England, the Mid-Atlantic, the South and the Midwest. Also offers operation and maintenance services for solar energy systems in these areas. Utility-scale installations available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial solar energy system installation plus EV charging across the continental U.S. Other construction-based services include data center construction, electrical engineering, infrastructure development and procurement. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial and large-scale solar energy system installations plus HVAC services, refrigeration, LED lighting and battery sales. Serves the U.S. and some international areas. Financing options available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Solar installer serving homes in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Ohio. Also provides HVAC, refrigeration and lighting services for cities, businesses, nonprofits and factories. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial and utility-scale solar panel installations, energy monitoring and roofing services plus solar mounts and canopies. Serves the Northeast and the Midwest regions. Financing options and 25-year warranties available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial and industrial solar installations nationwide. Components from Hyundai, JinkoSolar, Panasonic, REC, SolarEdge and Trina Solar. Projects backed by a 25 year warranty. | |
![]() | No reviews | Designer and installer of residential solar energy systems throughout southwest Michigan. Also offers maintenance on home systems and wind energy installations. Been in business since 2009. | |
![]() | No reviews | Sells DIY solar kits throughout the U.S. Kits can be ground- or roof-mounted and include well-known brands like Enphase, Sol-Ark, IronRidge and SunSpark. Solar loans are available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Solar parts dealer and installer offering systems for homes, businesses, industrial buildings and cities. Also offers small specialty solar systems. Installations worldwide. Equipment from a variety of manufacturers. | |
![]() | No reviews | Solar installer offering commercial and industrial solar energy systems in 25 U.S. states, including California, New York and Texas. Financing available through a loan, lease or power purchase agreement. | |
![]() | No reviews | Solar installer offering systems for homes and businesses. Also offers small solar for RVs and boats, as well as wind systems. Installs nationwide. Offers products from Enphase Energy, Kyocera, Schüco and Sharp. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in commercial, industrial, governmental and utility-scale solar. Performs large-scale engineering and contracting projects worldwide. Large-scale EV charging station design and implementation. | |
![]() | No reviews | Online solar marketplace. Connects you to solar panel installers and lenders. Online quotes in less than 60 seconds. Nationwide availability. Vetted installer network. Free quotes. Federal tax incentives for panel installation. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential, commercial, nonprofit and large-scale solar panel system design, installation, repair and maintenance. Serves west Michigan including the Kalamazoo area. Financing options available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial, institutional, municipal and utility-scale solar energy system installations. Also offers construction services, power distribution, communications infrastructure and transportation contracting throughout the U.S. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential, commercial and agricultural solar panel installer offering services across Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan and Kentucky. Also offers EV charging solutions. Financing options available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential solar panel installer offering services in Cass City and the surrounding areas in Michigan. Also offers custom home remodeling and construction services. Financing options available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar panel installer offering services across the entire continental United States. Also offers EV charging solutions. Financing options and warranties available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Finance with capital leases, operating leases or pay upfront. Offers 25-year manufacturer's warranties on products and variable-term workmanship warranties. | |
![]() | No reviews | Solar company offering installation and maintenance services to homes and businesses in Michigan since 2008. System installations available throughout the entire state. Offers free estimates. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installation and energy storage in all of the Midwest. Offers a 25-year combined power and product warranty on panels from Mission Solar Energy and Silfab. Pay upfront or with a loan. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial and industrial solar installations, specializing in utility-scale installation. Carries JA Solar, LONGi, and SMA components. Founded in 1954. Service available nationwide. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential, commercial and agricultural DIY solar energy system kits and products shipped across the continental United States. Offers brands like EG4 Electronics and Hoymiles. Schedule a free consultation today. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial solar installation and monitoring across the United States. Founded and headquartered in New Jersey. Finance through PPAs or loans. 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on panels. Been in business since 2009. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Offers products from Generac PWRcell, SunPower and Tesla Powerwall. Offers 10-year extended warranties on generators. EV charging station installations available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Offers 25-year warranties on parts, labor and performance. Services available across Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Greater Detroit, Michigan, since 2019. | |
![]() | No reviews | Offers several types of plug-and-play DIY solar kits for homeowners to install without additional labor costs. Shipping throughout the United States. All products come with a 30-day return policy and a minimum one-year warranty. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in agricultural, commercial, industrial-scale and residential solar installations. Hybrid and off-grid service available for residential installations. Financing available through loans and grants for qualified buyers. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy system installation and roofing services for 31 states, including Idaho. Offers 25-year system and 10-year roof warranties. Free estimates available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential, commercial and multifamily solar installations, solar water heating and solar pool heating in the eastern United States. Offers brands like Enphase Energy, SMA and SolarEdge. Finance with a loan. | |
![]() | No reviews | Orlando-based solar installer servicing 24 states and Washington, D.C. Offers 25-year warranties on systems installations. Financing available through power purchase agreements. Offers American-made parts. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial solar energy system installation plus energy storage and EV charging across the U.S. Offers a 25-year warranty on solar array equipment. Finance with a solar loan, C-PACE loan, PPA or lease. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential solar installation for 24 states and Washington, D.C., headquartered in Nevada. Offers a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty on brands like SolarEdge,Hanwha Q CELLS and Silfab. Zero down financing available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential solar energy system installations, energy storage, solar monitoring and roofing services in 40 states nationwide. Offers brands like SunPower and Enphase Energy. Finance through a loan, lease or PPA. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential solar panel design, installation, maintenance and energy monitoring. Its service area extends across 19 states, including California, Florida and Texas. Leases and power purchase agreements available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential, commercial and agricultural solar energy system installations plus battery backup for the state of Michigan. Financing options available to qualifying individuals. Offers complimentary quotes. | |
![]() | No reviews | Sells DIY kits for installing solar energy systems. Ships to the lower 48 states. Offers a 15-year manufacturer's warranty and 25-year performance warranty on solar panels from AXITEC. Pay upfront or through a loan. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial, nonprofit, military and industrial installation of solar thermal water heating systems in the United States. Offers brands like SOLARHOT. Pay upfront or finance through a loan. | |
![]() | No reviews | Online retailer of solar DIY kits and other renewable energy products such as solar-powered lights, wind turbine kits, composting supplies and more. Offers free shipping on orders over $75. | |
![]() | No reviews | Installs solar energy, solar hot water, solar pool heating and lighting for residential and commercial projects of all sizes. Offers installation services across the United States, plus sales and customer service worldwide. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installation, energy storage, EV charging and solar training across parts of Canada and the U.S. Offers manufacturer’s warranty on products like Tesla Powerwall. Free quotes available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar installation, ground-mounted systems, EV charging, and solar maintenance. Founded in 1998. 25-year warranty. Offers combo loan that requires money down. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial solar energy system installation and repair, battery backup, EV charging and energy monitoring for Indiana, Michigan and Ohio. Offers brands like Enphase Energy, Generac and SunModo. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in residential solar installations. Offers EV charging stations and battery backup installations. Services and components backed by 10-year installation and 25-year manufacturer’s warranties. | |
![]() | No reviews | Commercial solar installation services. Covers businesses in the lower 48 states. Payment options include solar loans and power purchase agreements. Relies on manufacturer warranties. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential, commercial and agricultural solar energy system installation, battery backup and energy monitoring for parts of Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and Florida. Offers 25-year output and 10-year product warranties. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential and commercial installation service available worldwide, including special custom projects. Uses components by Enphase Energy and SMA. Service inspections available to ensure system fidelity. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in commercial and residential solar installations. Offers products from Enphase Energy, Panasonic, SolarEdge and Tesla Powerwall. EV charging station installations available. | |
![]() | No reviews | Headquartered in Tucson, Arizona, and performing installations nationwide. Installs residential and commercial solar electric systems. Offers grid-tied, off-grid, battery storage and EV charging. | |
![]() | No reviews | Specializes in agricultural, commercial and residential solar installations. Hybrid systems available for residential installations. Offers products from AllEarth Renewables. Also performs wind turbine installations. | |
![]() | No reviews | Solar installer offering systems for homes, businesses and farms, as well as EV charging and maintenance on solar energy systems. Financing available through loans. Offers products from ChargePoint and Generac Power Systems. | |
![]() | No reviews | Phoenix, Arizona-based solar installer specializing in residential, commercial and industrial solar installations. Offers services across the entire United States. Also installs EV chargers. | |
![]() | No reviews | Energy management company offering commercial and residential solar design and installation worldwide. Headquarters in Lehi, Utah. Has completed more than 5,000 projects around the world. | |
![]() | No reviews | Solar installer serving homes in the mid-Atlantic region with solar power and water heating. Offers solar for businesses globally. Financing available through loans. Offers brands like OutBack Power, Sharp and Xantrex. | |
![]() | No reviews | Based in Kansas. Offers solar energy system installations to businesses across the United States. Founded in 2006. Provides lighting services as well as energy auditing services and assessments. | |
![]() | No reviews | Residential, commercial and agricultural solar installations across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Provides 25-year performance and 10-year limited workmanship warranties. | |
![]() | 3.0
View profile
| LGCY Power specializes in residential and commercial solar panel installation plus ongoing maintenance. Service areas extend across parts of the West, Northeast, South and Midwest. | Read reviews |
![]() | No reviews | Residential solar installations in 26 states and Puerto Rico. Warranty covers 25 years of monitoring and maintenance. Finance with cash, loans, leases or PPAs. Products from SolarEdge, Sunrun and Tesla. | |
![]() | No reviews | Sells residential and commercial solar energy systems nationwide. Wide selection of brands. Installation is through contractors or DIY. Lifetime tech support in addition to manufacturer’s warranty. |
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:
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