Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated February 2024
Year after year, more Chatham residents install rooftop solar panels to lower their carbon footprint and add value to their property. Adopting solar energy can allow you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. That’s why we’ve analyzed the options and compiled a guide to the most trustworthy solar Installers in Chatham. These top installers offer high-quality and dependable services.
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to save money on electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding if a solar installer is trustworthy.
Hiring a licensed solar installer is critical. This helps ensure that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission licenses distributed generation energy contractors, including residential solar contractors.
Look at review platforms such as TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to find out what previous customers are saying about local solar installers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s trustworthiness and customer service. Avoid companies lacking reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. A quote should describe all costs and identify the exact solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance guarantee ensures a specific energy output level. Strong guarantees indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Solar power can help lower your electricity costs in the long run. When weighing solar panel's cost and value, be sure to weigh these considerations.
Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the technology used. The average solar system in Chatham has a capacity of 6.3 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay approximately $3,760 per kilowatt; the average Chatham homeowners spends roughly $16,461 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the panel type, capacity, and size of the planned system, and should include fees for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
Varies
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar PV, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
It depends on your location and what type of panels you're installing. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Chatham, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Of course. Chatham uses an equal mixture of solar energy and conventional power sources. While your panels at home will save you money and lower your home's individual emissions, you'll still benefit from access to the local grid.
The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should inspect your panels for damage and clean them regularly. Many solar contractors in the Chatham area offer low-cost maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
Yes, solar panels can still generate energy during a grid outage. To ensure that your solar system can keep working during a power outage, make sure to choose a quality solar provider that offers battery backup systems or emergency generators.
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You'll be eligible for a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to notify your insurer about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.
