Frequently Asked Questions

 How much does a solar installation cost?

Cost for a typical roof mounted solar electric system is about $5 per watt, depending on system size.  For example, a 5 kW system will cost about $25,000 - $30,000 before incentives.  Larger commercial systems benefit significantly from economies of scale and can be installed for as low as $3.50 per watt.

A two panel Solar Thermal system will cost about $10,000-$15,000 before incentives.

Does Solar Energy work in Midwest?

Yes.  Even though northern latitudes have shorter days in winter and have to contend with snow, the available solar energy in the winter is sometimes better than the summer.  The cold dry winter air allow for more sunlight (photons) to reach solar panels, plus an array can gain more solar energy reflected from the snow (similar to getting a sunburn in January).  Solar electric equipment even operates more efficiently at colder temperatures.  However the Midwest typically only sees an average of 2-3 hours of good sun per day because of overcast and snow covered days, but still enough to even heat a home or business.  By using software with average sun hours and weather history throughout the year, H&H can make an accurate estimate on how much electricity (kilowatt hours per year) or gallons of hot water a system can produce. 

How long will a system last?

System design life for a solar electric or solar thermal installation is 30-50 years.  Solar electric (PV) panels are solid state with no moving parts.  Solar thermal panel frames are made from anodized aluminum with copper piping internal components.  With very few moving parts, systems can be designed to function maintenance-free for decades.   

How do I know if I have a good location for solar? 

An unobstructed, southern facing "solar window" from 9 am to 3 pm, year round, is optimal for solar production.  Visit our Get Started section to find other important viability factors.  Sites oriented within 45 degrees of "true" south will still produce at least 92% of a system that faces directly south.  Multiple roof pitches, roof types and ground mounted options can all be used to produce solar energy depending on what works best with your site conditions.  Visit our Get Started section to find other important viability factors. 

What incentives are available?

The Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit is available through December 31st, 2016.  The Federal Business Investment Tax Credit and the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System with Bonus Depreciation are available to business customers.  Individual utilities may offer other additional incentives.  More information on all federal, state by state and utility incentives can be found here:  DSIRE.

How long does an installation take to complete? 

Installation time for a typcial residential solar electric or solar hot water system is 2-5 days.  Commercial systems will vary from 2 weeks to 2 months.   

Is there a cost for a site visit?

No.  H&H staff will gather as much information as possible via phone or email and schedule a site visit to determine the best option for a solar energy installation. 

What is the warranty for a solar energy system?

Solar electric panels are warranted to deliver 80% of their rated output for 25 years.  Solar electric inverters are covered by a minimum 10 year warranty with extended warranties available to 20 years.  Solar thermal panels carry a 10 year warranty.  H&H Solar offers a one year warranty on installation labor. 

What about snow?

Solar electric panels do not produce heat when generating electricity.  Therefore snow can collect on the panels.  If there is a small amount of snow (1-3") it will usually melt in a day or two.  The typical loss in production due to snow is less than 3% of annual production for systems with tilt angles greater than 3:12 (~15 degrees).   

Solar thermal panels have a water/glycol mixture circulating through them.  This supply fluid provides enough heat to melt snow and keep the panels clear.    

Are permits required?

Yes.  Permitting requirements vary by municipality.  H&H takes care of all permitting requirements for residential and commercial systems. 

How do I know my roof can support the extra weight?

H&H Solar provides a structural engineering analysis for all solar installations.  A flush mounted solar electric array adds about 3 pounds of weight per square foot.  Solar thermal panels add about 7-8 pounds of weight per square foot.  if additional support is necessary the structural analysis will determine what action would need to be taken. 

What about hail?

Solar electric and solar thermal panels have tempered glass panels that protect the internal components.  The glazig is designed to withstand a 3/4" hail stone traveling 50 m.p.h. Even with the large amount of hail storms in Wisconsin in the last five years, less than 10 panels have been damaged out of over 5,000 panels (solar electric and hot water combined) installed.  More often than not, roofs are replaced and the solar array remain undamaged.