Solar Panel Installation Frequently Asked Questions

While the prices of a solar installation vary depending on many factors, systems start as low as $15,000 after tax credits and rebates. Another popular option is our solar loan offerings allowing a homeowner to go solar with no cash outlay and monthly payments that are usually less than the value of the solar energy produced (solar loan payments are less than your energy bill savings, resulting in immediate savings).

There are! For Wisconsin residents, there are two rebates/incentives. The Wisconsin Focus on Energy initiative offers up to $500 in rebates on solar systems and the federal government offers a 30% Solar Tax Credit of the purchase price of your system.

More than likely, 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 equipment ordered and installed comes with a 25-year manufacturer warranty—meaning you’ll have years of power-generating life in your paid-off panels.

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

• 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.”

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.

For most We Energies projects, we will need to coordinate a shutdown with them to safely install the new meter socket / pedestal. We also need to coordinate a shutdown with your utility company if you are getting a service panel upgrade.

The shutdown normally starts around 9am with the goal of having power restored by 4pm of the same day. After the power is cut to the home, we perform our work. Then the inspector meets us onsite to verify the quality and if all looks good he/she will call the utility company to restore power to the home. After the inspector leaves, we call the Utility company to verify the reconnect order has been issued. Our crew tries to stay around until power is restored, but the timing of the restoration is out of our hands. If we have to leave, the foreman will walk you through what to expect and provide you with a phone number to call if you have any additional questions or concerns.

The solar array if basically bolted 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

A properly and efficiently designed solar system will have a DC to AC ration 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.

More than likely, 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 equipment ordered and installed comes with a 25-year manufacturer warranty—meaning you’ll have years of power-generating life in your paid-off panels.

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.

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.

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.