Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Every year, more Waukesha residents turn to rooftop solar panels to provide a dependable source of power and add value to their property. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a reputable solar installer. That’s why, after reviewing and analyzing providers, we put together a guide to the most reputable solar companies in Waukesha. These providers consistently deliver dependable quality service.
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Prompt service delivery
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Free quotes
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 reduce electricity costs and help the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is reliable.
Confirm 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 plumber or HVAC contractor to be the crew 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 Google Reviews, TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar providers. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. A quote should explain all costs and specify the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps you find the best option that fits your budget.
High-quality solar installations should have robust workmanship and performance guarantees. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues like poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment. The output guarantee ensures an energy generation baseline. Strong warranties reflect a solar provider's confidence in its installations.
Solar energy can help reduce your electric bills over time. When evaluating the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the technology being used. The average solar system in Waukesha has a capacity of 7.2 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay around $3,880 per kilowatt; the average Waukesha homeowners spends about $19,621 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to reduce their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for factors such as the size, capacity, and panel type of the planned system, and should include fees for permit fees, labor, and preliminary work.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.
There are many advantages of home solar energy. You can raise your property values, save money, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also provide you with further energy independence and offer some protection from power outages.
Yes. The grid in Waukesha 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.
Generally speaking, your energy bills will significantly decrease after you install solar panels. This is because you're using the energy you generate for free rather than buying it from your power company. In Waukesha, the average amount someone can save is $1,631 per year. With net metering programs offered by many utilities, you could ultimately make a profit from your system once the payback period passes.
Although solar energy is a valuable option for many, it might not be ideal for homeowners in wet, dark areas. In these cases, you could consider other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or geothermal power, as a primary source. It is also important to speak to a qualified installer to determine if their solar system is compatible with the climate and environment of your area. Even if you choose a different form of renewable energy altogether, you'll still lower your emissions and could still qualify for distributed generation or other money-saving programs.
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. Regarding 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.
