Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Appleton homes. Making the switch to solar power can help cut your utility bills and reduce your environmental impact. But you'll want to find a qualified installation company first. That’s why we’ve reviewed the options and compiled a guide to the most reliable solar providers in Appleton. These top companies consistently deliver high-quality and dependable services.
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
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:
Installing solar panels can cut your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When determining whether a solar provider is the best option for you, consider these key factors.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor to be a part of the team if the work involves heating equipment or potable water. There are fewer restrictions for solar photovoltaic systems, but either the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings or your city government may have to review building plans before you begin.
Check TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar providers. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you assess a provider's integrity and customer service. Stay away from providers with few or mainly poor reviews.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. The quotes should outline all costs and identify the solar parts included. Looking at several quotes can help you find the best value for your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers installation defects, such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. A performance guarantee ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties show that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar is great for helping you lower electricity bills over time. Make sure you consider these aspects when considering the final cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of home solar panels in Appleton varies depending on several factors, including the area and generating capacity of your panel array and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system will cost $3,880 per kilowatt, not including preliminary work, permit fees, or labor. Most solar systems in Appleton are 7.2 kilowatts, and the typical Appleton homeowners spends $19,636 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.
There are a number of benefits to home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, qualify for tax benefits, and raise your property values. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Of course. The grid in Appleton already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Appleton, meaning your payback period could last 13.6 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
While solar energy might not be the best performing choice for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
With respect to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. As for insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should talk with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Appleton. However, if you have a limited budget, then you may want to consider thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the brand names and models of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
