Solar Panel Buyer's Guide

Here are a few things to think about as you consider purchasing a solar panel system for your Wisconsin home…

• Find a local installer who has their own installation crew installing the solar panels and performing the electrical work.
• Check Google Reviews
• Need a 2nd Quote – Click Here

• Take your time to evaluate your options…if you’re being pressured to make a decision, its the wrong contractor.
• Ask questions, compare apples to apples quotes.
• When will the installation start and how long with the installation take?

• A typical residential roof mounted solar panel installation will cost between $20,000 – $40,000. Or approximately $2,500 – $3,000 per kW (without batteries)
• A typical Wisconsin solar panel installation will have a simple payback calculation between 6-12 years.
• Batteries increase the payback length, mainly because they are expensive and provide very little direct financial benefit.
• Focus on Energy Solar Rebate – Most systems qualify for at least $300, but can be up to $600 for systems located in Rural Zip Codes.
• Ask what Utility Inflation Rate was used to calculate the Payback or ROI. In Wisconsin, rates historically increase by 3-5% per year on average.
• Not All Energy is Created Equal. Solar Net Metering will affect the way the utility values your solar production. Click Here to learn more about We Energies for example. (Most Utilities in Wisconsin are similar)

• Most systems in southern Wisconsin will produce between 1,000 – 1,350 kWh/kW/year. A south facing array with minimal shading, will be around 1,200-1,350 kWh/kW/year while an east or west facing array will be closer to 1,000-1,100 kWh/kW/year.
• Don’t be fooled by inflated solar production estimates.
• A quick check: Annual Estimated Solar Production (kWh) divided by the System Size (kW) = Production Factor (kWh/kW/year).
• You can always use this Free Solar Production Estimate Tool, PVWatts, to estimate solar production for your home.
• If you have two very similar quotes, the production estimates should be relatively the same. The equipment has very little to do with year 1 production estimates.

• You will have to look at this system for the next 25+ years, make sure it looks nice!
• What will the system look like? Panels all black? How will the wiring be routed from the roof to the electric meter?
• Don’t hesitate to ask for photos of similar installations.
• A good solar contractor will take the extra few hours to ensure an aesthetically pleasing installation.
• Click Here for Photos of Beautiful Solar Installations.

• Here are the typical warranties of a high quality Solar Installation:
• Workmanship = Minimum 5 Years, but up to 25 Years
• Solar Panels = 25 Years. The length is important but so is the warranted output at the end of 25 years. Most range from 83% up to 92%. The higher the number, the better the warranty. Additionally, some solar panel warranties also cover labor reimbursements, most do not though.
• Microinverters = 25 Years
• String Inverters = 10-12.5 Years
• Racking = 25 Years

• Microinverters – usually the most expensive option, but has some benefits. Recommended for sites with some shading to contend with. Also offers panel level monitoring. No single point of failure. 25 Year Warranty.
• String Inverter – usually the least expensive option. Not great for sites with shading issues. Offers Inverter level monitoring (not panel level). 10-12 Year Warranty
• DC Optimizer – this is a combination of the Microinverter and String Inverter. Helps mitigate shading, 25 year warranty for roof components and 12 year warranty for the string inverter portion of the system. Pricing is usually in the middle.

• Wisconsin is pretty “solar friendly”. We have two state statutes that protect your right to install solar on your home.
• Wis Statue 236.292 states “All restrictions on platted land that prevent or unduly restrict the construction and operation of solar energy systems are void.
• Wis Statue 66.0401 states “No political subdivision may place any restrictions on the installation or use of a solar energy system, unless the restriction satisfies one of the following conditions: Serves to preserve or protect the public health or safety, does not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease its efficiency, or allows for an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency.

• Start the conversation early with your builder about incorporating solar. Here are a few simple things to consider:
• Run a chase from the attic to the basement near the electric panel. Ideally this case is 1.5″ – 2″ diameter PVC conduit. This will allow for future solar wiring to be ran through the walls without opening up drywall or running exterior conduit.
• Consider an electric panel with a 225A Busbar Rating. This will still be a 200A rated electric panel, but will have additional busbar rating which will allow for a larger solar panel system. The price difference for a 200A busbar to a 225A busbar should be in the ~ $100 range.
• Discuss plumbing vent roof locations. Ideally, there would be no penetrations in the area where the solar panels will be located. This will allow for an efficient and clean installation.
• Reach out to Home Team Energy for a preliminary solar quote as soon as you have a roof plan prepared.