8 Best Solar Companies in Dowagiac, MI (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Dowagiac based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Dowagiac, MI
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Dowagiac homeowner saves $1,694/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Dowagiac

Thinking of going solar but not sure which solar company would be best for you? Although it can be difficult to find a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many great benefits. While solar is a large investment, you’ll be able to make the cost back and then some, all while helping to protect the planet. In fact, you could be looking at saving about $20,000 over 20 years.


There are tons of installers to consider, but in this article, we’ll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Dowagiac.To get an estimate of how much it could cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to be connected to a certified installer near you.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Solar Veteran

Michigan Solar Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Limited warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Limited brands of solar equipment available

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Dowagiac

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Helios Solar LLC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://helios-solar.com/
Address: 248 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Phone: 2693435560
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.4/5

Climax Solar

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance

Website: https://climaxsolar.com/
Address: 7017 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002
Phone: 2697462000
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Solar Energy Systems LLC

  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.sesindiana.com/
Address: 8015 W 1350 N suite a, Nappanee, IN 46550
Phone: 5747730546
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Wellspring Solar

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems

Website: https://wellspringsolar.com/
Address: 1085 North 850 West, Shipshewana, IN 46565
Phone: 2607687336
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Photon Electric LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://photonelec.com/
Address: 11585 W 700 S, Millersburg, IN 46543
Phone: 5746423731
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solect Energy, L.L.C.

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems

Website: https://solectenergyllc.com/
Address: 340 E 200 S, LaGrange, IN 46761
Phone: 2604993051
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Advanced Solar Distributor LLC.

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System

Website: http://advancedsolarllc.com/
Address: 474 W Levi Lee Rd, Warsaw, IN 46582
Phone: 5742272801
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Renewable Energy Systems, LLC

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://res-midwest.com/
Address: 2245 N Old State Rd 3, Avilla, IN 46710
Phone: 2608972450

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Dowagiac

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Dowagiac based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Dowagiac


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Michigan solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Dowagiac

We understand that for lots of homeowners, the decision to invest in solar hinges on installation costs.The cost and possible savings vary depending on a few important factors such as:

  • System size and type: Some models are more costly than others, so the one you choose can raise or lower your initial investment. Plus, the more solar panels you need, the more it'll cost.
  • Electricity consumption: The average home in Dowagiac uses a decent amount of, and as a result may save on their energy bills.
  • Whether or not your roof gets a lot of direct sunlight: This, plus your roof configuration, affects affect how much power your solar panels can generate.
  • Incentives: Something that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that’s equal to a percentage of the project cost. You can also save on your utility bills, which can give you an average of $20,000 of savings over 20 years.

Even though a solar panel system costs a sizable chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, including the angle of your roof and your current power bills.

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Solar Incentives in Dowagiac

In order to increase the adoption of solar power, federal and local governments – and even some utility companies – offer incentives to help make solar power more affordable and accessible.These incentives typically consist of cash rebates, tax benefits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can cut the cost you pay for installing solar panels by 0, upwards of 50% in some cases. Check out our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Dowagiac

There are tons of reasons to trade traditional energy for solar power, like saving on utility bills and helping to lower your carbon footprint.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? As reported by the EPA, electricity production is the second greatest source of greenhouse gas emissions and about 62% of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels. Switching to a clean energy source like solar power can help put a dent in that statistic in a city like Dowagiac that accounts for a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions each year.In fact, if you make the switch to solar power, you could expect to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. If you want to do your part for the environment, you’ll most likely understand that there are many benefits of adopting solar energy other than just saving money on electricity. You can also help preserve the environment, which some would argue is priceless.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Solar Veteran

Michigan Solar Solutions

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Limited warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Limited brands of solar equipment available

EcoWatch's Dowagiac, MI Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar installation company in Dowagiac?

In Dowagiac, Helios Solar LLC is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to add solar panels to your home.

Are solar panels actually good for the environment?

Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the manufacturing process. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they’ve reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels uses a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 13.4 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.

What is solar panel capacity and how much do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is rated depending on how many watts of power they produce under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.