When we think of Michigan, we automatically think of blizzards, icy cold weather, and great lakes. We might consider the occasional break of warm air in the summer. How can Tesla’s solar energy products benefit those residing in a frigid state? Surprisingly, Michigan excels in solar productivity. The only issue is Tesla distributes selective products to certain states.
Tesla does not accept orders for solar panels from residents in Michigan. However, the Solar Roof section of Tesla’s website accepts orders from all 50 states. Other Tesla products can be installed and purchased for Michigan residents based on their location to Tesla’s partners.
Tesla has discussed expanding their business within the United States, but official plans have yet to be made. If you are a Michigan resident interested in Tesla’s unique devices and want insight on what is currently available, continue reading to learn more about Tesla Solar in Michigan.
Michigan’s Ties to Solar Energy
Michigan’s ability to produce abundant amounts of solar energy is astonishing. Research has shown that Michigan has surpassed neighboring states when it comes to harboring solar energy. Although the state ranks 38th on the adoption of solar, solar production is impressive due to the long months of winter Michigan has to endure.
What allows Michigan residents to consume large amounts of solar energy? It is simple, the contributing factor that allows solar companies in Michigan to thrive in the cold temperature because studies have shown that solar electric works well in these types of conditions.
- Solar panels do not need heat to produce energy, only light.
- Solar panels usually do not reach their highest power in cold temperatures, so their performance does not suffer.
- Cold weather conditions only negatively affect solar production when snow and lack of sunlight are involved.
With Michigan being a heavily populated state, residents can certainly benefit from the consumption of solar energy, replacing the units that burn fossil fuels into the environment. Imagine if Detroit, one of the busiest cities in the county, decided to go solar. You would see an immense difference in the atmosphere and living conditions.
Solar laws in Michigan are flexible, benefiting those who are solar owners. On Michigan Solar Solutions’ website, they state, “This allows homeowners to offset most, if not all, of their electrical usage. Larger energy consumers, like businesses and farms, can offset the most expensive electricity they use with solar.”
Tesla Solar and Michigan State
Tesla Solar limits what states can have access to their products or services, and their headquarters is stationed in Fremont, California. On their website, potential buyers can select the product they are interested in (solar panels, the Solar Roof, Powerwalls, Powerpack, etc.) and type in their address to see if it is available in their state.
Unfortunately, Michigan is one of the states where solar panels are not offered, but there are other options available for those wanting to bring solar power into their lives.
Tesla Solar Roofing
Tesla’s Solar Roofs were first announced in 2016. At first, they were not a success like Tesla had planned, only installing a rough estimate of 10 houses. After parenting with a Chinese supplier, things started to take off for the company, and ever since, it has been a big hit with Tesla’s customers.
- Solar Roofs are often more affordable than the conventional roof when you factor in energy savings and discounted electricity bills.
- Tesla’s Solar Roofs are sleek and efficient, appearing like conventional roofs and not like separate panels.
- Tesla has also included a Solar Roof calculator for their customers, a great way for potential buyers to have the price and value of energy before they purchase.
Since late 2018, anyone in the United States can transform their roof into becoming solar-powered by Tesla. Residents in Michigan can take advantage of Tesla’s roofing by visiting the Tesla Solar Roof designer website and placing an order.
Product Availability
Tesla does not limit itself to Solar Roofs or panels. They have expanded their business by manufacturing other energy-conservative products. Tesla’s latest additions – the Powerwall and the Powerpack – have assisted customers by providing solar energy to their homes, small business, and large corporations.
While the Powerpack has not been made available to Michigan Residents, Powerwall batteries are available to Michigan residents. These self-powered, advanced batteries provide massive amounts of energy storage. Some other benefits might include:
- Flexible installation
- Weatherproof
- Touch safe
- Backup energy protection
A Powerwall can be great for Michigan residents looking to turn their homes into a green and environmentally friendly place. Even while solar panels themselves are not yet available, the Powerwall can charge on solar energy and store it, saving it for a power outage or blackout. Powerwalls also help residents save on utility bills because they automatically charge when electricity costs are at their lowest.
Oak electric, a Tesla Certified Installer located in Waterford, MI, is a Tesla Powerwall Certified installer and offers a customized solar-plus-battery solution for customers to access abundant power from the sun and reduce fossil fuel usage. Michigan residents have access to Tesla’s Powerwall as long as they are located near a Certified Tesla installer which will be further explained below.
Local Installers
Throughout Michigan, there are local installment companies that are Certified by Tesla that grants permission for their products to be installed. It is essential for potential buyers in the state of Michigan to research local solar power companies and find if they are Tesla Certified before beginning the process.
Tesla’s website claims, “We have partnered with Certified Installers who are trained to install Powerwall and adhere to strict quality, permitting and inspection requirements.” Listed below are a few examples of solar companies that will install Tesla products into your home.
- Peninsula Solar
- The Green Panel
- Michigan Solar Solutions
Companies that are Tesla Certified can provide the exact services and equipment as Tesla. The only requirement for customers is their residents be local to the solar company. Some businesses may offer deals or alternatives if a consumer is not nearby.
Alternative Options
Tesla is selective in where they distribute their products. It is currently understood that the only Tesla options available for Michigan residents are either the Solar Roof or Powerpack.
Tesla is a great company to work with, but there are plenty of other solar corporations located inside of Michigan willing to offer great deals, products, and services to those located in Michigan.
- Meraki Solar
- Helios Solar LLC
- Solar King
- Solar Winds
- Solar for Michigan
These solar companies, and the ones not listed, are great alternatives if Tesla products remain unavailable. For those who are unable to purchase or finance a Tesla product currently, there are other options available to restore your home into a solar energy source. Whether it is with Tesla or a local business, Michigan residents are encouraged to bring solar energy to their town and city.
Conclusion
Michigan’s icy weather and elevation have proven to be excellent for the production of solar energy. The use of solar energy in a populated state like Michigan could have great effects on the environment by reducing the amount of fossil fuel circulating in the atmosphere.
Tesla Solar has provided millions with exceptional products to generate power, cut utility costs, and assist the environment. Unfortunately, Tesla is currently limiting some of its services to certain places, including Michigan. Besides Tesla Solar Roofs, Tesla’s Powerwall has been actively selling in the state. Local solar companies who are Tesla Certified are able to install Tesla’s products in Michigan, as well.