SOLAR PANEL INSTALLATION

How much does a solar energy system cost?

While the prices of a solar installation vary depending on many factors, systems start as low as $15,000. Another popular option is our solar loan offerings allowing a homeowner to go solar with minimal cash outlay and monthly payments that are usually equal to or less than the value of the solar energy produced.

Does solar even work in Wisconsin?

Yes! While Wisconsin sees less sunlight in a year than states like Arizona, solar energy systems still provide plenty of energy year-round and can withstand harsh weather conditions like snow, wind, and hail—we’ve never had a solar panel damaged by weather events so far!

Are there any incentives to go solar in Wisconsin?

There are! For Wisconsin residents, Wisconsin Focus on Energy initiative offers up to $600 in rebates on solar systems.

How long does a solar installation take?

Our crew is normally onsite for 1-2 days to build the solar array. Leading up to that however, we need roughly 30-60 days to get all of the municipal and utility approvals in place. And then once the system is installed, it usually takes another 2-4 weeks to close out the permits and commission the system.

How is the solar array secured to my roof?

The solar array is screwed down to the roof structure. We use the best roof attachment methods to ensure not only a secure system but also a waterproof system. The roof attachments are designed to keep the solar attached to the roof even during the highest winds and also keep the water out! Ask about our Roof Leak Warranty.

Will the solar system cause my roof to leak?

With the proper racking system, roof attachments, and flashing methods designed specifically for your roof, there will be zero leaks. We believe in spending a bit more money, time, and attention to ensure your system does not adversely affect your rooftop. Ask about our roof leak warranty.

What is “Net Metering”?

Solar net metering, also known as net energy metering (NEM), is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for the excess electricity they generate and deliver to the grid. In other words, it allows homeowners with solar panels to sell the excess electricity they produce back to the grid, offsetting their energy consumption and reducing their monthly electricity bills.

Net metering is an important policy for promoting the adoption of solar energy and helping homeowners take advantage of the excess electricity their solar panels produce. It allows homeowners to receive fair compensation for the excess power they generate, which can help make going solar more financially attractive.

Overall, solar net metering is a beneficial policy for both homeowners and utilities, as it helps to promote the use of clean and renewable energy, while also providing a way for homeowners to reduce their energy costs and save money on their monthly electricity bills.

What happens when the grid goes down?

A typical grid tied solar array, without battery storage, will also go down when the grid goes down. This is a safety feature designed to protect utility lineman working on the downed wires. The system is designed to shut off so that solar power is not pushed back onto the utility grid when a lineman is working on it.

To keep your solar array up and running during a grid outage, a battery system with automatic transfer switch would need to be installed. They physically disconnects your solar array from the utility grid during a grid outage so the utility lineman are protected.

Do I need batteries?

No, batteries are not required as part of a solar installation. Batteries are a good idea if you want backup power for when the grid goes down. Without batteries, the solar array will not provide any backup power during a grid outage.

What about replacing my roof?

Ideally, the roof we are installing solar on is less than 10 years old and in good condition. A solar array is designed last 25+ years, so we want to make sure the roof will last just as long. In the event that the roof needs to be replaced, then the solar array will need to removed, temporarily stored, and then reinstalled after the new roof is installed. The costs to remove and reinstall a solar array will vary depending on many factors, but is in the $4,000-$15,000 range.

What is clipping?

A properly and efficiently designed solar system will have a DC to AC ratio of 1.15-1.30 which will result in minor and acceptable “clipping losses“. The lower the ratio, the lower the clipping losses. In theory having a DC to AC ratio of 1.0 would be ideal, however you’d be spending more to purchase a higher output inverter that would only be utilized for a few hours a day for a few days a year. The additional up front cost for a higher output inverter would likely never pay for itself.

Can an Homeowner’s Association (HOA) prevent me from putting solar on my roof?

While we can’t provide legal advice, it is our general understanding that under Wisconsin law, homeowners associations (HOAs) generally cannot prohibit homeowners from installing solar energy systems on their property, thanks to the state’s solar access laws. Specifically, Wisconsin Statute 236.292 prohibits any regulation (such as by an HOA) that restricts or impairs the ability to install a solar energy system, unless the restriction is for health and safety purposes.

Additionally, under Wisconsin Statute 66.0401, “No political subdivision may place any restriction, either directly or in effect, on the installation or use of a solar energy system, unless the restriction serves to preserve or protect the public health or safety, does not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency.”

Will my solar system still be working by the time I’ve paid it off?

Yes, we typically see investments in a solar system paid back over an 8-12 year period, and solar systems last for over 25 years! Most of the comes with a 25-year manufacturer warranty—meaning you’ll have years of power-generating life in your paid-off panels.

Why should I use a solar installer located near me?

If you’re reading this, you may be considering the idea of installing solar panels at your home. One of the first things you’ll need to do is find a solar installer near you. But why is it so important to work with a local solar installer, and how can you find the best one?

First of all, working with a solar installer near you can provide a number of benefits. For one, they will be familiar with the local climate and weather patterns, which can be important when it comes to determining the best placement for your solar panels. Additionally, a local solar installer will be familiar with any relevant regulations or requirements in your area, which can help ensure that your solar installation is done properly and safely.

But how do you find a good solar installer near you? One of the best ways is to ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have already installed solar panels at their homes. They can provide valuable insight into their experience with different solar installers, and can help you narrow down your options.

Another option is to do some research online. Many solar installers have websites that provide information about their services, as well as customer reviews and ratings. This can be a great way to get a sense of the quality of the work provided by different solar installers, and can help you make an informed decision.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, it’s a good idea to contact several solar installers near you to get more information and to request quotes for the work. This will give you a better idea of the cost of the installation, as well as any additional services or options that may be available.

In conclusion, finding a good solar installer near you is an important step in the process of installing solar panels at your home. By working with a local solar installer, you can benefit from their knowledge of the local climate and regulations, and can ensure that your solar installation is done properly and safely. So if you’re thinking about going solar, be sure to start by looking for a solar installer near you.

What happens if/when I sell my house with solar?

While we can’t guarantee anything, here are a few bits of information that may help:

• According to a Wisconsin resident who recently bought a home with solar: “We weren’t necessarily looking for a house with solar panels, but a house with solar panels certainly did not deter us at all. The previous homeowners were upfront in showing us the difference it made in the bills and we trusted the process and it paid off for sure! It has been amazing and have absolutely noticed a difference in the billing. We have really enjoy having them.
• According to Quicken Loans, “Not only could you sell faster, but owners of homes with solar panels have a decent chance of selling for more. This is particularly true if comparable properties in your area have sold for more because they have solar panels. Rocket Homes data reveals that homes with solar panels are 24.7% more likely to sell for above asking price.”
• According to Zillow: “Nationally, homes with solar-energy systems sold for 4.1% more on average than comparable homes without solar power. For the median-valued home, that translates to an additional $9,274.”
• Locally, a previous Home Team Energy customer recently sold their home (mid 2023) and said “I am not sure if I could say the solar contributed to the overall increased price point, but it did persuade the buyers into making an offer on our house. With this experience, I think whether you stay in your house or sell you will at least break even. I don’t think there is a loss. So knowing that and seeing the drop in the utility bill, I don’t want to wait too long and don’t see any drawbacks to doing it all over again.”

Why is installing a solar panel system at my home important?

There are many reasons why installing a solar panel at your home can be a good idea. For one, using solar power can help reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, which are a major source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This can not only benefit the environment, but it can also save you money on your energy bills in the long run. Additionally, using solar power can help reduce the strain on the electrical grid, which can be especially important during times of high demand. Finally, installing a solar panel at your home can also be a good way to generate your own electricity, which can provide you with a sense of independence and self-sufficiency.