Solar FAQ

The cost of your solar investment will vary greatly depending on the size of the system, your location and available incentives. To find out what a solar electric system will do to your electric bill, contact our Solar Specialist, Jesse Michalski, at (920) 609-3546.

Eland’s solar systems sold in the U.S. are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. Additional state, local and utility incentives exist in many areas, further lowering the net cost of your investment. Ask our Solar Specialist what incentives are available in your area.

Some solar electric systems produce more electricity than is used each month, bringing net electricity costs to $0.

Currently, most of America is under a system known as Net Metering, which allows your net electricity costs to be reduced to zero, but no further. In a select few places in the U.S., like the state of Wisconsin, you can be paid for any excess electricity you create, in what is known as a Feed-In Tariff system.

No. According to the Wis. Stat. § 70.111(18), any value added by a solar-energy system is exempt from general property taxes in Wisconsin. The exemption applies regardless of whether the equipment is deemed real property or personal property.

Yes. We will handle all the paperwork to make the process quick and easy.

It is not recommended. The process requires both licensed electrical and roofing skills to ensure the system is safe and optimally designed for 25+ years of production.

With no moving parts and at least a 25-year expected life-span, solar panels require very little maintenance. In fact, their design ensures that they remain relatively clean as long as they are exposed to rain or a quick rinse with a garden hose every few months.

Yes. A general rule of thumb is that if you can clearly see your solar panels, they can produce electricity. In fact, given equal sunlight, a solar panel on a cold day will outproduce a solar panel on a hot day. Rooftop solar systems also keep your home warmer in the winter by creating a heat barrier, which is great for those frigid Wisconsin winters.

Sunmodule solar panels can withstand high wind and snow loads. In fact, they are rated higher than any other solar panels under UL standards.

Snow will decrease production while it is on your panels, but given their tendency to produce some heat, the snow will fall off your panels faster than it would fall off your roof. solar panels also go through an inclined plane test, where a load of up to one metric ton is placed on a solar panel installed at a tilt to concentrate pressure on the lower edge of the panel. These panels are basically designed to combat Wisconsin snowstorms.

Yes, provided you install optional battery-backup systems to provide power when your demands exceed your production, such as at night. While we can help you install such a system, it is not typically recommended for several reasons. First, batteries add significant costs to your system, extending your payback period. Second, you may not be eligible for some incentives if you do not connect your system to your utility. Lastly, staying connected to the grid ensures you will rarely ever be without power, unlike batteries that have a limited lifespan and storage capacity.

People move more frequently now than ever before, but that should not impact your decision to go solar. A solar system can save you money immediately upon installation and given recent incentives, an average residential system in Wisconsin can pay for itself in roughly 11 years. Even if you move before your solar investment is completely paid off, studies show the cost will likely be returned in added value to your home. Plus, your home will most likely sell faster because who in their right mind does not want a home with a guaranteed low electric bill? The solar warranty is even transferable one time to a new owner.

With proper design and installation following industry best practices, your roof should maintain all its pre-solar integrity. All of our solar installers have been trained and authorized by solar on these best practices, so you can rest easy knowing that your roof will be okay.

Similar to any other electrical component, proper installation will greatly limit any dangers. However, you should still take care to ensure your system is not easily accessible by children or animals who could potentially damage the system and possible injure themselves. If your system becomes damaged in any way, immediately seek assistance from a professional installer or electrician.

While solar does warranty solar panels for 10 years on workmanship and 25 years on energy production, we do not cover damage from external sources or theft. However, most homeowner insurance policies will cover your solar panels in these cases. Check with your insurance providers.

In a lot of cases, no. Currently, 39 states have solar access laws that provide varying degrees of protection against restrictions that can be imposed on you. We will be able to discuss the laws and policies in your area.

Most pools are heated by natural gas, so solar electric power will not be able to assist in heating outdoor swimming pools. However, our solar panels do offset the power used by a pool’s electric pumps.