Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Ashland residents. Making the transition to solar energy can allow you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a qualified installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation companies in Ashland.
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
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 environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.
It's important to hire a licensed solar installer. This ensures that the work is done correctly using current best installation 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 your city government or the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings may have to review building plans before you begin.
Check review sites like TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have very few reviews or mostly negative ones.
Contact three to five solar companies to receive free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the option that best fits your budget.
Quality solar installations should come with comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The performance warranty ensures a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer has faith in its installations.
Going solar can help reduce your energy expenses over time. Be sure to evaluate these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
The average Ashland homeowner will spend around $20,653 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Ashland cost approximately $3,880 per kilowatt, with the average residential solar system being 7.6 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for labor, preliminary work, and permit fees, and will account for your system's size, panel type, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels in order to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household appliance or system that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.
There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can raise your property values, qualify for tax benefits, and reduce emissions. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Ashland can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the spring months to maximize your generation for the year.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Ashland amount to $1,680.
The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. A majority of solar contractors in the Ashland area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you keep your panels healthy and make the most of your system.
Yes. Solar panels are independent of the Ashland grid and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Bear in mind, however, that a solar system without a storage system cannot keep you running through a nighttime outage. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
The answer ultimately depends 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.
