News & Innovation in Michigan Solar
Stay up-to-date on the latest technology and discoveries affecting the solar industry.
3 Advantages of Commercial Solar Energy
As a commercial property owner, there are countless advantages to having solar panels installed on your business; solar energy is an excellent way for companies to market to a specific customer base that places a high value on their commitment to...
How Long Can Your Solar Battery Power Your Home During an Outage?
So, the dreaded has just happened: your power went out. Maybe an ice storm caused a neighborhood-wide blackout, or maybe the utility company is experiencing issues and can’t provide an estimate of when you’ll get your power back. We’re all...
3 Reasons to Consider Solar Panels When Building a Home in Michigan
Are you about to start the exciting venture of building a home in Michigan? During your construction process, there will be plenty on your mind: location, materials, timeline, and more. You’ll also be dealing with the factors of energy and energy...
How to Prepare Your Home for Solar Power
If solar power has been on your radar recently, you may be wondering what steps you need to take as a homeowner before implementing this sustainable force into your home permanently. The experts here at MSS have a plethora of information ready for...
When is The Best Time to Start Your Solar Process?
Going solar is a green and efficient way to enjoy environmentally friendly energy all year long. Most consumers who install solar on their homes experience a complete return on investment in less than a decade! Maybe you’d like to make it happen,...
Are solar panels in Michigan worth it?
In our beloved Mitten State, many home and business owners have made the switch to solar energy in recent years. But with our varied seasons and (sometimes) unpredictable weather, many people wonder: are solar panels in Michigan worth it? Our...
The Solar Tax Credit - What You Need to Know in 2023
Earlier this year, we wrote all about the brand-new 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, and its impact on solar energy consumers via tax incentives. As we’re gearing up for the new year, it’s time to do an updated breakdown of what this solar tax credit...
The 6 Steps of Installing Solar Panels For a Home
So you’ve made the decision to go solar–hooray! You’re starting down the path of taking ownership of your power and your family's security, and contributing to a greener and healthier earth for all. You’re probably curious about the next steps…...
The Truth About Energy Utilities
If you’re a resident of the United States, chances are you’re familiar with how you get your energy every month. Use electricity, receive bills from the energy monopoly, pay a mysterious amount, and repeat. In most cases, that’s as far as most of...
How to Choose the Right Solar Panel Installation Company
Taking your home or business solar is something to be excited about–you’re signing up for cleaner energy, lower costs, and a significant return on your investment! It’s no wonder the allure of solar power has grown exponentially over the past few...
What to Know About Your Solar Powered House in Cold Weather
Solar energy is a fantastic investment for any time of year, but you can especially benefit during the chillier months. Yes, sun = solar power, but it’s not the heat from the sun that powers your system–it’s the light itself. Even in freezing...
Tips for an Energy-Efficient Home in the Fall and Winter
It’s officially fall in Michigan, and we all know what that means! Crunchy leaves, a crisp breeze, and the urge to bundle up and turn the heat on in our homes. While the autumn and winter seasons bring us plenty of holidays and good times, they...
What You Should Know About Solar Energy in 2022
Even though it’s experienced a major boom in recent years, the concept of solar energy is still a mystery to some. How exactly does it work? How long does it work for? What if you live somewhere cold? Is it worth the investment? We’re answering...
MSS Named 2022 Greenest Contractor by Solar Power World
Michigan Solar Solutions is incredibly proud to receive the Greenest Contractor Award for 2022 by Solar Power World! This prestigious award celebrates the greenest contractors making their companies and communities as environmentally friendly as...
How the New Solar Tax Credit in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act Works
Great news from the solar energy world–the federal solar tax credit, previously set to cap out at 22% in 2023, has now been extended AND increased!
Does Weather Affect your Solar Energy Performance?
Here’s the short answer: solar energy works in all weather conditions! Remember the last time you passed a grid of solar energy panels on a house, business, or wind turbine while driving and wondered, “How well do those work?” Maybe it was a sunny...
4 Things To Know When Investing In A Solar System for Commercial Properties
Running and operating a commercial property is far from easy; operating costs can build up, unexpected overhead issues can occur, and on top of that, you’ve got to pay to power a huge building every day. Commercial property owners across the country...
Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Solar Energy
While solar energy is far from a new invention, modern discoveries about this powerful renewable resource are found almost every day. From new uses for solar to cost and efficiency revelations, the information is endless. Read on for our top 5...
Financial Benefits of Going Solar - Including Free Marketing for Your Business!
When you own and operate a business, finances are typically at the forefront of your mind. Overhead costs are a constant struggle, revenue is imperative, and then there’s the cost of promoting your business. Commercial businesses are opting to go...
Differences Between Electric and Solar Energy Sources
Most property owners, whether residential or commercial, may think that their only option for energy is to take the traditional route and pay an electric company to rent power from them. They have no control over the cost, efficiency, or potential...
Energy Costs Compared Between Energy Companies and Solar Power
Owning a home is objectively expensive–between mortgage payments, property taxes, and maintenance costs, it can feel like the bills just keep adding up every month. Purchasing (or renting) energy to power your home from a traditional electric...
What You Need To Know About The Federal Solar Tax Credit
There are plenty of solid reasons why it’s worth it to go solar: lowered energy costs, higher property value, and protection against power outages, just to name a few. But did you know that installing solar can also qualify you for a tax credit? ...
Top 3 Benefits for Solar Panels On Your Commercial Property
As a business owner, you’ve got enough on your plate already–sales, marketing, property taxes, employee relations, and more. The last thing you want to worry about is the cost of your monthly energy bill. Once upon a time, relying on solar power...
Three Ways to Make Your Home Energy-Efficient
In a world run by technology, staying digitally connected at all times is more important than ever. However, staying plugged in 24/7 can heavily impact your energy cost for your home overall. Read on for three of our best tips on making your home...
How Solar Power Can Solve The Dreaded Power Outages
Everyone’s been there: you’re cooking dinner at home with the TV on in the background, when all of a sudden you hear a faint buzz… and then its total darkness. Power outages contributed to nearly 1.33 billion combined outage hours for U.S. utility...
How a solar battery backup power supply protects your family in extreme weather
Why have a battery backup power supply?
5 ways businesses can benefit from installing an EV charging station
In the last ten years, the number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) sold in the United States has risen from a few thousand a year to over 300 thousand a year. Those EV owners are planning trips–short or long— based on the availability of a charging...
What's best in a power outage: gas generator or battery backup?
When the power goes out, without a backup power source, you and your home are in danger. Whether it is a storm outage or a grid failure as experienced recently in Texas, you’re on your own and it might not be for an hour or a day--it could be...
Does charging my electric vehicle with solar power make my EV greener?
Making Your new Electric Vehicle Even More Green You’re pretty proud of that new Electric Vehicle (EV). It feels great to stop adding to the world’s climate crisis now that you no longer need to fill up with fossil fuel. But for most, it’s not a...
How your energy-efficient home will lower your electric bills and help the planet
There are numerous good reasons to limit energy usage in our homes. Starting at the household level is an easy way to ensure a robust Earth for your children and grandchildren. And, of course, there’s another bonus beyond sustainability when you...
Should you go off-grid? The best way to ditch your dependence on the electrical grid.
How to increase power independence and energy resilience with solar and battery backup
4 Myths About Lifting the Cap on Michigan Residents’ Solar Access
And why utility companies want you to think it’s a bad idea
3 Ways Battery Backups and Solar Arrays Empower Your Prosperity
Today, electricity is involved in almost every aspect of our lives — there is almost no domestic task that doesn’t involve it. We likely don’t even spend a lot of time contemplating necessary actions, such as cooking and storing food, washing...
6 Sustainable Upgrades for Your Home to Increase Your Energy Resilience
As threats to our power supply become more possible, increasing our energy resilience is crucial. Resilience-building energy and sustainability practices, both for homeowners and businesses, help maintain energy availability in all types of...
How Solar Battery Backup Can Keep Your Lights on During a Power Outage
Summer has descended on Michigan’s lower peninsula and that means storm season is on its way. Mid-summer is when Michiganders are most likely to experience severe weather, whether it be damaging thunderstorms, tornadoes, or hail. And unfortunately,...
7 Reasons to Upgrade Your Home with Solar and Pearl Certification
Environmentally conscious homeowners and buyers are looking beyond aesthetics to prioritize features that save money, add value, increase marketability, and help reduce our carbon footprint. Installing solar panels is a great way to accomplish all...
How Does the Sun’s Path Affect the Performance of Your Solar Array?
Summer is almost here, and with it, longer, sunnier days. During this time of year, most people — especially Michiganders who endure a dark, chilly winter — look forward to backyard barbecues, refreshing pool dips, lazy days on a lake, and more time...
6 Ways That Cutting Edge Enphase Solar Batteries Provide Secure Energy
If you have stayed up-to-date on the solar industry, you are likely aware of solar backup batteries. However, if you are not in the loop, solar batteries are essentially energy storage units to store unused energy and provide it during crucial...
How to Finance Your Solar Project with Michigan Saves
Clean energy is heavily populating the state of Michigan. As of 2020, Michigan has 208.30MW of solar installed, enough to power 32,211 homes. This trend can be attributed to these 3 conditions:
How Omnidian is Helping Michigan Solar Solutions Provide Optimal Service
Monitoring your solar array is crucial to understanding energy production trends and detecting issues. It’s also beneficial for understanding your electricity bill and calculating annual savings with solar energy. Luckily, you don’t have to monitor...
7 Reasons Why You Need to Install a Solar Battery
Countless solar projects today now include battery storage systems. Why? Because you are able to store energy that can be used later on, say during a power outage or when rates are the highest. Batteries provide energy security and they also...
What solar panels are on the market?
When it comes to installing solar, it’s important to choose the best solar inverter for your project as we mentioned in our recent blog. It’s also important to select solar panels that best fit your needs. Most people, however, don’t know the...
Michigan Solar Solutions Acquires Sunventrix Solar
WIXOM, MICHIGAN, JANUARY 18, 2020 - Michigan Solar Solutions recently acquired Sunventrix, a residential and commercial solar installation company that was based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The acquisition was effective on January 1, 2021. Michigan...
Consumers Energy Reaches Interconnection Cap: What now?
If you have been considering solar for your home or business served by Consumers Energy or follow the Michigan solar market, you may be aware that in late November Consumers Energy hit their program “cap” for interconnections to the grid. According...
2021 Solar Investment Tax Credit: What You Need to Know
With the increase in green technology and awareness about climate change, it’s no surprise that the general enthusiasm for solar power in homes and businesses is on the rise. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA®), solar energy...
How to Select the Best Solar Inverter for Your Solar Project
Planning a solar project has many facets and fine points to consider. From layout design to module selection, every choice will determine the value that is ultimately derived. In this blog we will address how to select an inverter type that will...
3 Advantages of Monitoring Your Solar Energy
Did you know that you can easily monitor your solar array’s energy production? It’s as simple as viewing production online or through a smartphone/tablet application. Monitoring is an important tool to track production trends, detect issues with...
What You Need to Know About Going Solar in 2021
Update January 4, 2021:The 26% Solar Investment Tax Credit for both residential and commercial solar has been extended through 2022. Are you considering going solar in 2021? There are a couple of considerations for the transition to clean energy at...
If you are an architect, this is the solar blog for you
Solar photovoltaics have penetrated the new construction industry, period. One outstanding example is the California mandate that all new homes must have solar installed starting January 1, 2020. The push for solar in new construction is exciting...
What to Expect From Your Solar Energy Production in the Winter
As winter is fast approaching, you will see some changes in your solar production and monitoring. This is normal and expected! Continue reading to learn about common things that will happen to your solar system during the winter and what you can do...
How Solar For Car Dealerships Will Save The Day
[Updated July 12, 2021] The automobile industry is approaching its biggest paradigm shift since the rise of the assembly line - the shift from fossil fuel-fed machines to electricity-driven machines. This change has been coming for years and is now...
Worried About Shading? Aurora Solar is the Solution
Shading by trees and surrounding buildings is a big concern for homeowners and businesses when they’re considering going solar. Fear not, however, because we use Aurora Solar to ensure that your array will work efficiently!
Stop Worrying About Your Solar Array Being Exposed to the Elements
Going solar is a great investment, one that you want to protect from the elements. Whether you’re considering installing a solar array for your home or business or if you’re already reaping the benefits of solar energy, you may have asked these...
How to Be Sure Your Solar System Will Be Safe
When considering a solar purchase for your home or business, safety must not be overlooked. In fact, electrocution and falls are the number one and two cited reasons for construction deaths each year in the United States. This being said, it is...
How to Benefit from Choosing a Local Solar Company
When it comes to selecting the right solar company to design, procure and install an array for your home or business, you have many options. There are some key things to look for in a solar contractor such as the company itself, their values,...
I support solar, but who should own it?
It's no longer a secret that a majority of Americans support renewable energy over fossil fuels. In fact, according to a 2019 study conducted by the PEW Research center, 77% of Americans support developing alternative energy generation sources as...
2030 Districts Network: Michigan Clean Energy On The Rise
There are countless organizations and programs out there that promote sustainability and renewable energy in cities, homes and businesses. The 2030 Districts is one such nonprofit organization that strives to, “establish a global network of thriving...
How to Avoid Those Surprise Electricity Rate Hikes
Have you ever been unpleasantly surprised by an electricity bill? Like most Americans, your answer was probably yes. If you're a Michigander your answer was an absolute yes. Unfortunately, electricity prices have been on the rise for the past 25 +...
4 Ways Solar Helps Hotels Make the Most of the Current Downturn
Now, more than ever, the hotel and hospitality industries are under increasing pressure from competition. Traditional hotels are trying to remain relevant, while firms like Airbnb, the home rental app slowly eat into their profits. To preserve their...
Why You Need Emergency Battery Backup Systems Right Now
During the fall, Michigan sees increased storms as the temperature changes. This leads to more stormy weather and power outages across the state.
8 Hidden Reasons to Love Solar PV
The primary benefits of interconnected solar or grid-tied solar are widely recognized as electricity bill reduction, carbon emission offset, and improved resiliency; all of which are excellent benefits of solar panels. However, there are many less...
MSS Recognized as Solaria's Installer of the Week
Michigan Solar Solutions has been selected as Solaria’s featured solar installer of the week as part of their Pro Partner Program! We are proud to be honored from August 31, 2020 through September 4th, 2020 by such an innovative company who strives...
5 Reasons Why Solar Is an Excellent Fit In Michigan
Most people consider states like California and Florida as the top locations for solar. This perception comes from the idea that solar flourishes in warmer climates with lots of sun exposure. While this is partially true, solar makes sense for...
How to Grow Your Business by Promoting Clean Energy
While PR campaigns and media spots are ways to boost your brand image, investing in solar and promoting your value of renewable energy can benefit you also. More and more people today are supporting businesses that are green friendly. A Nielsen...
What is Your Carbon Footprint and How to Reduce It
A product, person, and organization can create a carbon footprint. What is it exactly? A carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide CO2, released into the atmosphere by certain activities. For example,...
Net Zero Energy Building: How to Best Leverage Onsite Solar
Net Zero Energy building is an up and coming trend. To be considered Net Zero, commercial buildings and homes must be built and/or restored so their annual energy consumption is equal to their annual onsite energy generation. When energy consumption...
Michigan Solar Solutions Featured on 2020 Top Solar Contractors List
COMMERCE, MICHIGAN, JULY 22, 2020—Although the COVID-19 pandemic is the immediate crisis unfolding at the moment, mitigating climate change is also an urgent issue. Solar PV installation is one way to help reduce greenhouse gases from fossil fuels....
Why Energy Tax Incentives Make Renewable Energy Affordable
A firm’s tax position can make or break its success any given year making it an important consideration when examining the firm’s strategic plan. From the firm’s point of view, tax credits and deductions are used to reduce tax liability and keep...
4 Hidden Ways Solar Can Boost Apartment Building Profits
While businesses and homes often invest in solar power, less frequent customers like owners of multi-family buildings are also well-suited for renewable energy. These include apartments, condos, duplexes, townhomes, and more. Such buildings share...
How to Select the Right Solar Contractor
Have you ever had a poor experience with a home or business contractor? Did it drain you of your time, additional capital, and decision-making capacity? Maybe it left you with an unfinished job or worse, in litigation with no end in sight....
3 Reasons to Care About NABCEP Certified Solar Installers
Every company sources products and services essential to running their operations and maintaining their offerings. Many companies have sourcing policies that require thorough vetting of suppliers to ensure they meet certain standards of quality and...
4 Powerful Ways Michigan's Cannabis Growers Win with Solar
The cannabis industry has grown from out of the weeds to become an intricate supply chain employing growers, distributors, retailers, and all the industries that support their business. All of these businesses require electricity, especially the...
How to Easily Access Your Electricity Bill
When you’re considering installing solar, knowing your electricity costs and usage pattern is crucial to determining the right solar array for you. Michigan Solar Solutions uses a 12 month period of energy usage to size an array specific to a...
How to Be Sure Commercial Buildings Are Not Being Overcharged for Electricity
Every business that occupies a building uses electricity. Whether electricity is used for computers, lights, manufacturing or to power a fleet; electricity is integral to performing day to day functions. However, as the person who pays the bills...
3 Reasons Including Solar in a Building Upgrade is an Excellent Idea
In 2019 alone, 22,102 commercial businesses underwent remodels in the U.S. and thousands of homes also undergo remodels each year. Is adding solar during a commercial or residential remodel a good idea? Businesses and residents alike may reap the...
Top 5 Ways to Avoid Capital Expense for Renewable Energy Projects
Liquid capital is one of the most valuable assets a business has in its arsenal to continue operations, improve operations and make capital purchases. But in an economic landscape where most businesses work hard to avoid capital expenses, how does a...
4 Ways to Know Solar is a Good Fit for your Business
Big or small, many industrial businesses can reap the benefits of installing solar power. When considering going solar, business executives should consider their goals of the project. Are you interested in going solar to cut your energy consumption...
How to Stop Big Utilities from Taking Away Solar Owner Benefits
Did you know the current Michigan laws are putting solar growth in jeopardy? Believe it or not, Michigan and big utilities have created rules and laws that make it harder to justify installing solar in Michigan - and harder for businesses and...
How to Improve Your Triple Bottom Line with Onsite Solar
In a world with an increasing emphasis on sustainable business, firms now have more choices than ever on how they can become more environmentally sustainable. One common sustainability framework enacted by companies such as DHL and Patagonia is the...
How to Be Sure Your Commercial Solar System is Right for Your Business
As more businesses and building owners are choosing to own their own power source - especially solar - you might be wondering if the technology is a good fit for your business or home? You might even be wondering what it takes to prepare for a solar...
Ways Your City Can Make Going Solar Easier
Residents, businesses, and municipalities across the U.S. are more and more readily taking advantage of alternative energy sources, especially solar power, than ever before. Millions of homes use solar to power their homes, reducing their carbon...
Benefits of Solar Power for Schools and Universities
Most people only think of home or business uses of solar panels. Homeowners use solar panels to cover their electric bills. Businesses use alternative energy for many reasons, including being able to use the “going green” label. There are also...
Why Going Green with Solar Power is Good for Business
With the rise of alternative energy, there are even more options available to residential and commercial customers. Solar power provides many benefits for business owners, including increasing their value. This post will go through the top benefits...
Improve the Value of Your Home Through Solar Panel Installation
For investments to be worthwhile, they must return more than they cost. A strong case for solar energy is that it ends up paying for itself. All upfront costs end up getting taken care of through a lowered or eliminated energy bill. Over the life of...
Two Houses of Worship Use Solar Energy as Environmental Stewardship
Many faith-based organizations explore options to serve the earth as a celebration of their faith better. This environmental stewardship runs deep for congregations of all faiths. Houses of worship typically serve many people. This communal effort...
MSS Partners with Michigan State University Students at the Solar Decathlon Design Competition
In April 2019, a group of 5 Michigan State University students traveled to Golden, Colorado to present their research in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon Design Competition. The Solar Decathlon is a worldwide collegiate competition...
Michigan Solar Solutions and Oak Electric Receive 2018 Joint Business Leadership Award
The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA) recognized Michigan Solar Solutions and Oak Electric Services as leaders in the renewable energy industry in Michigan. The 2018 Joint Business Leadership award was presented at the annual GLREA...
MSS Pearl Certified Contractor
Michigan Solar Solutions is Pearl Certified! Only the network of elite, highly-quality contractors can offer Pearl Certification. Michigan Solar Solutions is the only Pearl Certified solar contractor in Michigan. In other words, you can have peace...
New MSS Location in Grand Rapids / West Michigan
We are excited to announce that Michigan Solar Solutions has established a new office in Grand Rapids, Michigan! Our team is passionate about helping people reduce, and potentially eliminate, their electric bill by having their very own solar array...
BEWARE - Solar Power in Michigan; Snake Oil or Reality?
Solar is really starting to take off in Michigan. Unfortunately, as with many industries that start to grow rapidly, everybody and their brother wants to start a solar company to get in on the action. This includes well meaning business people, who...
Michigan Solar Solutions Participates in Earth Day Festival in Rochester
Michigan Solar Solutions was proud to be a participant in the annual 2018 Earth Day Festival in Rochester, Michigan!
Solar: Is It Right For You NOW?
You may have read through our page Is Solar Right For Me? where we provide information showing why everyone should be looking at solar. Financially, it just makes sense - long term. But, there are some homes and scenarios where the financial...
Congratulations to Karl Hercula - NABCEP Certified Solar Installer
We would like to congratulate Karl Hercula of Michigan Solar Solutions for passing the NABCEP Certified PV Installation Professional exam! There are only 12 other technicians in the entire state of Michigan who have accomplished this. According to...
Michigan Solar Solutions: Firefighter Training in Grand Rapids
We recently participated in the Solar Panels Photovoltaic (PV) Systems Emergency Operations, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was sponsored by Grand Valley State University, Consumers Energy and the Allendale Fire Department. This joint effort has...
When Is The Best Time to Install a Solar Array in Michigan?
Here is a solar production curve by month for a 8.835kWp solar array in Michigan. The question is, does it make sense to go solar at year-end for tax credit OR Spring in time for the solar production season? Both answers are good but the correct...
Solar in Grand Rapids On the Rise
In December of 2017, Grand Rapids Michigan became one of just twelve cities across the U.S. selected to participate in the Zero Cities Project, according to an article written by Justin Dawes and published in the Grand Rapids Business Journal....
Do Solar Panels Work in the Snow? YES!
People often ask if their solar panels will work in the snow. The answer is yes. . . some times. You can see in the photo above that the Michigan Solar Solutions office in Riverdale, Michigan has some snow on the panels. Also inserted is a photo of...
14 Ways to Save Energy in Your Home
Through energy savings actions, the average home can reduce their energy consumption by 40%. Being energy efficient extends the life of appliances and makes your home more comfortable! You can reduce consumption without losing quality of life!
Ann Arbor Energy Commission Acknowledges Efforts of Michigan Solar Solutions and Oak Electric
At the September 2017 meeting of the Ann Arbor Energy Commission, Mark Clevey submitted a resolution to, "acknowledge the Energy Office, Oak Electric and Michigan Solar Solutions for their outstanding efforts to maintain the integrity of the Ann...
14 Facts About The Sun and Solar Energy
Our sun is quite magnificent, for a number of reasons. If you, like many, believe that Michigan doesn't receive enough sunlight for solar, think again. Here are some Michigan solar facts and other sun information.
Want to discover how much you’ll save?