Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A new solar energy system will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Switching to solar energy can help you save money and lower your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a reputable installer. Luckily, we've done the research and created a guide to the best and most reliable solar installation providers in Shorewood.
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
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:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners lower utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done properly using current best installation practices. For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed HVAC contractor or plumber to be the crew if the work involves heating equipment or potable water. There are fewer restrictions for solar PV systems, but either the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings or your city government may have to review building plans before you begin.
Check review sites like Google Reviews, TrustPilot, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see feedback from past customers on local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a company's reliability and customer service. Use caution with companies that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.
Get free, detailed quotes from three to five solar companies. The quotes should list all costs and identify the 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 guarantees. The workmanship warranty covers any installation problems such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Going solar can help reduce your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
Shorewood homeowners typically spend about $18,650 on home solar systems after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Shorewood cost approximately $3,880 per kilowatt, with an average size of 6.9 kilowatts. A personalized estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor, and will account for your system's size, capacity, and panel type. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels 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 many advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, raise your property values, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes, you can use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the environmental benefits and savings that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, their rated capacity, and the average sunlight in your area. Shorewood gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 11.4 years per 5 kW of capacity.
Of course. Solar panels don't depend on the grid to work and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Keep 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 best type of residential solar panel will depend on your specific needs and goals. Generally speaking, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for houses in Shorewood. However, if you have a limited budget, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're gathering estimates, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
