Frequently Asked Solar Questions

Yes. Wisconsin’s solar resource is similar to many parts of Germany, which has one of the largest solar markets in the world. Systems are designed for our climate, with proper mounting, snow‑shedding angles, and equipment ratings for cold, snow, and wind. Many of our customers in central Wisconsin produce a large portion of their annual electricity needs with well‑designed solar arrays.

For many central Wisconsin properties, yes. The combination of federal tax credits, potential Focus on Energy incentives, and rising utility rates means well‑sized systems can often pay for themselves over time and then provide years of low‑cost electricity. During your estimate, we model expected production, incentives, and payback so you can see the numbers for your specific site. For a deeper look at savings and incentives, see our Benefits of Solar page.

Good candidates typically have good sun exposure (limited shading), reasonable access to electrical service, electric bills high enough for savings to matter, and an interest in long‑term ownership of the property. Our design team will look at your roof or ground area, shading, usage, and goals during the estimate process to confirm whether solar is a good fit. You can start that process on our Request a Solar Estimate page.

No—you don’t have to use your roof. We install both roof‑mount and ground‑mount systems. Many roofs that don’t face due south still work very well, and we can often use east‑west roof space effectively. When roofs are heavily shaded, too small, or due for replacement, a ground‑mount may be the better choice. We walk through mounting options on our Solar Power System Types page and during your site evaluation.

We use roof‑specific racking systems engineered and tested for each roof type. Attachments are lag‑bolted into structural members and sealed with flashings to keep your roof watertight. For metal roofs, we use clamp‑on systems designed to avoid penetrations when possible. All mounting is installed to meet building and electrical codes and is covered under our 10‑year workmanship warranty.

A grid‑tied system is connected to your utility service. When the sun is shining, your solar array powers your home or building first, and any excess electricity flows back to the grid. At night or during cloudy periods, you simply draw electricity from the utility as usual. Grid‑tied systems are typically the most cost‑effective for properties with reliable electric service. We compare grid‑tied and solar plus storage on our Solar Power System Types page.

Net metering is a billing arrangement where your utility tracks both the electricity you buy from the grid and the excess solar energy you send back. Depending on your utility’s policy, exported energy may earn bill credits at a specified rate. Over each billing period, your usage and production are “netted out,” which is how many customers significantly reduce their electric bills with solar. Your specific utility’s rules will be reviewed as part of your solar estimate.

Self‑supply generally means using as much of your solar energy on site as possible rather than exporting it to the grid. This can be achieved through thoughtful system sizing, running certain loads during the day, or adding battery storage so you can use stored solar later. Our Solar Power System Types page explains how grid‑tied and battery‑backed systems support self‑supply.

Not necessarily. Many customers choose grid‑tied solar without batteries and still see strong savings. Batteries add resilience and control—especially during outages or if you want to use more of your own solar in the evening—but they’re not required to benefit from solar. We outline when batteries make sense on the Solar Power System Types page.

Often, yes. Many modern inverters and system designs allow for batteries to be added later. During your design, we can discuss “battery‑ready” options so you can start with solar and add storage in the future as your needs and budget evolve. If you’re interested in solar plus storage, mention that on your estimate request and we’ll plan with that in mind.

Solar can greatly reduce your bill, but whether it eliminates it depends on your usage, system size, and your utility’s policies. Most customers still receive a bill for basic service charges, and some choose not to offset 100% of their usage for financial or space reasons. During the proposal process, we’ll model realistic expectations for your specific property, including seasonal variations.

Many customers use a combination of cash, loans, or other financing to pay for solar. We can discuss common financing options and connect you with resources, but we don’t require a specific lender. During your estimate, we’ll show how financing affects your monthly cash flow and long‑term return. Our Benefits of Solar page also covers solar as a long‑term investment.

Yes. Most qualifying customers can take advantage Focus on Energy incentives or other programs. Incentives change over time, so we’ll review current options and help with the application process as part of our proposal. For more details, visit our Solar Power Incentives page.

Yes. Quality solar modules typically include a manufacturer’s product warranty and a performance warranty that guarantees a certain level of output over 20–25+ years. On top of that, Northwind Solar backs installations with an industry‑leading 10‑year workmanship warranty covering our installation work. You can read more about our approach and experience on the About page.

Solar panels are tested to withstand typical hail and severe weather. While damage is possible in extreme conditions—just like roofs and windows—serious panel damage is uncommon. If your system is ever damaged in a storm, we can work with you and your insurance provider to assess and repair or replace equipment. If you suspect damage, please request solar service.

Yes. We specify proven components from reputable manufacturers and select equipment based on performance, reliability, warranty strength, and compatibility with your goals, including storage and EV charging options. Our About page lists some of the brands and industry associations we work with.

Usually not. Most systems are designed so snow sheds naturally as panels warm and the sun angle changes, especially on pitched roofs. It’s generally safer to let snow melt and slide off than to climb on a snowy roof. Winter snow is already factored into our production estimates for central Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, rain usually does a good job of keeping panels reasonably clean. Occasional light soiling is expected and accounted for in system design. If you’re concerned about buildup, contact our service department and we can advise you. We don’t recommend climbing on your roof or working without proper safety gear. If you think your system’s performance has dropped, you can request solar service and we’ll help you investigate.

Yes—but you don’t need to handle it yourself. Northwind Solar manages the permitting, utility interconnection applications, and electrical work with our in‑house licensed electricians and NABCEP‑certified installers. We coordinate with your municipality and utility so you don’t have to. You can learn more about our in‑house team on the About and Team pages.

No. Many customers start with energy monitoring (Emporia, eGauge, SPAN) to understand and reduce usage, or install EV charging first, then add solar later. Monitoring is valuable with or without solar and can help size a future system more accurately. See our Energy Monitoring and EV Charging pages for more details.