Welcome to Solarize Grand Rapids!
Are you interested in a program that helps residents buy solar at a lower cost? Here you will find Solarize GR resources such as Solarize GR Event Calendar, Solarize GR FAQs, participant qualifications, and general solar information.
What is Solarize GR?
Solarize GR is a community-based solar bulk-buy program designed to help residents of the Greater Grand Rapids Metropolitan area buy solar energy for their properties. Through this program, we bring together neighbors, friends, and local solar companies to learn about residential solar power, answer questions, and offer a chance to buy solar at a lower rate. This group approach allows Grand Rapids Metropolitan residents to benefit from large savings.
For each resident who commits to buying solar through this program, all participants receive an additional 1% off their order. For example, if 10 people participate, everyone gets 10% off. This discount increases up to a maximum of 15% off for 15 or more participants.
Why Participate in Solarize GR?
There are many benefits for individuals, the community, and the environment. By adding solar to your property, you will save money on electricity over the course of the panel's life. You can decrease your home's overall environmental impact with energy saving strategies and solar power.
On average, the initial investment of solar panels will pay for itself in less than 10 years through energy savings. With the bulk-buy discounts offered through Solarize GR, and a 30% Federal Tax Rebate for 2025, now is the best and most affordable time for Grand Rapids residents to go solar.
As part of the City of Grand Rapids Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), the Grand Rapids Office of Sustainability is working with residents, local solar companies, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA), and Michigan Saves, to bring this program to life.
How Can I Participate?
You can participate as a Resident, Host, or Installer. The roles are described below.
Solarize Event Calendar
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Solarize GR Archives
May 8th, 2025 - More details are soon to come!
February 20th, 2025 - The City of Grand Rapids launched its initial Solarize event. Following the kick-off, 17 local residents unlocked an additional 15% savings by participating in purchasing solar through the program!
Solarize GR FAQs
FAQ-Solarize-Participants.pdf(PDF, 233KB)
FAQ-Solarize-Installers.pdf(PDF, 214KB)
Solar Power in Grand Rapids
Investigate your property’s solar potential on Project Sunroof. You can also use the following tool to estimate your solar potential:
PV Watts Calculator: Enter information about your electricity use to run simulations on solar generation and costs throughout the year.
Solar Permitting in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids solar permitting regulation can be found here; Sec. 5.11.15. - Alternative Energy. After you have selected an installer for your property, the installer will have to apply for a solar permit here.
Finding a Contractor
Join a Solarize GR event to find an installer and get a discount on going solar. If, however, you would prefer to move forward on your own, you can find a solar contractor (or multiple) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a bid. Certified installers can be found through Michigan Saves’ list of authorized contractors. Also, check out these resources:
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Choosing a Solar Installer: An informative short video from GW Solar Institute explaining the questions to ask and research to conduct prior to going solar.
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Consumer Solar Checklist: A checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
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Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights: Ensuring a positive customer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
Free Solar Assistance
Non-profit organization Solar United Neighbors has launched a "Solar Help Desk." This is a free service that can help you answer your solar questions, understand your solar estimate(s), and more. View the Solar Help Desk.
Financing, Incentives, and Tax Credits
Please note, due to uncertainties of federal policies, IRA tax credits could experience changes before the official sunsetting of 2032.
Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal incentives available. There is a federal income tax credit of 30% that applies to all installations performed through 2032, before decreasing to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034. Learn more about how it works and how to claim the credit.
For those looking to finance, check out Michigan Saves, a non-profit green bank that provides low-interest financing for energy improvements, including solar photovoltaic installations. Another handy resource is A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing (PDF).