Great Lakes Solar's Process: From First Call to First Kilowatt

Going solar with Great Lakes Solar is straightforward. Here's what to expect:

Free Energy Assessment
We review your utility bills, your roof or property, and your energy goals. No pressure, no commitment.
Custom System Design
We engineer a solar system sized specifically for your home or business — maximizing your savings without overbuilding.
Incentive Review
We walk you through available incentives, state programs, and utility rebates so you know exactly what your true cost will be.
Permitting & Installation
We handle the paperwork and coordinate with your utility. Our certified installers complete installations with minimal disruption to your home or operations.
Monitoring & Support
After your system is live, we monitor its performance and are here when you need us. We stand behind every system we install.

From the Blog

Rows of solar panels on a large commercial rooftop

October 2026

The Federal Solar Tax Credit: Your Questions, Answered

A plain-language FAQ on the federal solar tax credit for businesses and nonprofits: how much it is worth, the December 31, 2027 deadline, battery credits, bonus adders, and what to do if you owe little tax.

See all posts

Why Go Solar?

For homes and businesses alike, solar offers benefits that start with the energy you use every day.

Lower Your Electric Bill

Generate electricity on your property to reduce the power you buy from your utility. Excess generation may earn credits under your utility's program.

Protect Against Rising Rates

Producing your own power reduces your exposure to utility rate increases and helps you plan your energy budget.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Going solar is a visible, measurable commitment to reducing your carbon footprint by adding renewable energy to your home or business.

Why Add Battery Storage?

Backup power during outages

Keep critical operations running without a noisy, fuel-hungry generator

Peak demand shaving

Reduce or eliminate expensive demand charges from your utility bill

Time-of-use savings

Store solar energy and use it when utility rates are highest

Energy independence

Rely less on the grid and insulate yourself from rate volatility

Grid services

In some areas, your battery can earn credits by sending power back to the grid

Lower Costs with Rebates

We can help you find out how available incentive programs can make your upgrade more affordable

Modern battery systems are quiet, compact, and designed to last. We'll help you figure out whether batteries make financial sense for your specific situation - and if they do, how to size them right.

Commercial Solar

For businesses running equipment, lighting, HVAC, or refrigeration, we design around your operations and energy use. Explore the additional considerations for commercial properties below.

Take Advantage of Tax Incentives

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) currently allows businesses to deduct 30% of their solar system cost directly from their federal taxes. Combined with accelerated depreciation (MACRS), the real out-of-pocket cost is often far less than the sticker price.

Increase Property Value

Commercial properties with solar systems consistently appraise higher and attract more buyers and tenants. It's an upgrade that pays you back in more ways than one.

Residential Solar

Solar for your home, cabin, or lake home, with personal guidance from first call to first kilowatt.

We review your household electricity use, roof or property, and energy goals to size a system for your home. For a cabin or lake home, that includes how your electricity use changes throughout the year.

Find homeowner-specific answers about payback, battery runtime, and equipment in the Residential Solar FAQ below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most quality solar panels are designed to last 35-40 years, Manufacturers typically offer a 25-year performance warranty, guaranteeing that the panels will produce at least 80% of their original output after 25 years. In practice, most systems continue producing well beyond that.