Solarize GR

Skyline of Grand Rapids

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 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 in Grand Rapids 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 Rapid's 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 can save money on electricity over the course of the panel's life. While also practicing other energy saving strategies, you can help decrease your home's overall environmental impact. The initial investment of solar will pay itself off over the years by lowering your energy bought from the utility companies. With the bulk-buy discounts offered through Solarize GR, this makes it easier and more affordable than ever for Grand Rapids residents to go solar. 

As part of the City of Grand Rapid's Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP), the Grand Rapids Office of Sustainability is working with residents, local solar companies, Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association, 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.

Residents

Are you a resident of Grand Rapids interested in learning more about the Solarize GR program? A resident is any homeowner, small business owner or property owner in Grand Rapids who is interested in participating in part of the bulk buy program.

Follow the steps below to get started with the process.

  1. Fill out the Resident Interest Form.
  2.  Preview FAQs and other resources.
  3. Attend the in-person Solarize GR event on April 24th, 2025.

This is a no obligation informational session to help residents learn more about how the solar installation and financing process works. If you cannot attend this event, content will be posted online and there will be another event in June 2025!

Hosts

We are looking for community hosts to assist with gathering friends and neighbors to maximize solar purchasing savings. An enthusiastic host is essential for gathering participants for a group-buy event. They are passionate about renewable energy and eager to network with fellow community members. The host is responsible for choosing an installer and inviting participants to group-buy events. Ideally, a host has previous solar knowledge and can speak on behalf of its benefits.

Interested in being a host? Please fill out the Solarize GR Host interest form.

Installers

A reliable installer is critical for creating a positive experience with solar adoption. An installer has to be willing to provide tiered discounts and have the capacity to successfully navigate a large number of projects at once. Additionally, we'd like all installers to be an approved vendor through Michigan Saves. 

Interested in learning more about becoming a Solarize GR installer? Please contact Kristof Nieschwitz, Community Energy Coordinator, at knieschwitz@grand-rapids.mi.us.

 

 

Solarize Event Calendar

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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:

  • 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. 

  • Consumer Solar Checklist: A checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council. 

  • 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).