Over the years, our team has installed solar systems on dozens of Waukesha County homes. We’ve noticed clear patterns between successful installations and those that cause headaches. Many folks jump into solar without doing their homework, which leads to unexpected problems and extra costs down the road. Let’s look at the five biggest mistakes Waukesha homeowners make when going solar.
1. Picking the Wrong Solar Company
We see this mistake constantly – Waukesha homeowners choose solar installers just by looking at who offers the lowest price. Those big national companies advertise great deals, but they often don’t understand how Wisconsin weather affects solar performance.
We recently met a family who hired a nationwide company that installed a system too small for our Wisconsin winters. Their mounting brackets couldn’t handle our snow, either. By the time they called us to fix everything, they’d spent thousands more than if they’d gone with a local expert from the start.
When you’re shopping for solar installers:
- Look for companies with specific Waukesha County installation experience
- Check that they carry proper Wisconsin licensing and insurance
- Make sure they’ll handle all local permits and utility paperwork
- Ask whether they’re familiar with Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy rebate program
Local companies understand our building codes, utility rules, and weather patterns. This knowledge helps your system work better and last longer.
2. Skipping a Thorough Roof Evaluation
Your roof’s condition makes a huge difference in solar performance, but too many Waukesha homeowners skip this critical step.
A good roof check should include:
- Testing your roof’s strength and structure
- Figuring out how many years your roof has left
- Analyzing sun exposure and shade throughout the day
- Checking how snow accumulates during winter months
We’ve worked with homeowners who had installed solar just months before discovering they needed a new roof. Taking down and reinstalling their solar system added over $3,500 to their roofing bill – money they could have saved with proper planning.
For homes with roofs older than 15 years, you might want to consider a roof replacement before adding solar. This costs more upfront but saves you from paying twice for installation work later.
3. Not Planning for Wisconsin Winters
Our winters create special challenges for solar power. Many systems underperform because installers don’t account for our unique seasonal conditions.
During Waukesha winters:
- We get about 40% fewer daylight hours
- Snow builds up on panels after storms
- Temperatures swing wildly, stressing equipment
For Wisconsin homes, we design systems differently:
- We install slightly larger arrays that build up credit during summer
- We position panels at steeper angles so snow slides off faster
- We use components rated for extreme cold that won’t fail in February
A customer showed us how their previous installer used mounting angles designed for southern states. Their panels stayed snow-covered for weeks, cutting winter production drastically. After we adjusted their mounting system, their winter power generation jumped by 35%.
4. Forgetting About Battery Storage
Many Waukesha solar installations skip battery storage, leaving homes vulnerable during our frequent power outages.
While Wisconsin utilities let you send extra power to the grid for credit, battery systems offer benefits you shouldn’t overlook:
- Keeping your lights on during ice storms and outages
- Protecting you if net metering policies change
- Letting you use your own power during expensive peak rate periods
- Giving you more independence from the utility company
Even if you don’t want batteries right away, make sure your system is “storage-ready” so you can add them later without starting over.
5. Misunderstanding the Money Side
The fifth major mistake involves not fully understanding the financial aspects of going solar in Waukesha.
Common money mistakes include:
- Thinking all tax credits come back as immediate cash
- Missing out on Wisconsin-specific incentives
- Choosing financing that looks good initially but costs more later
- Forgetting to notify your insurance company about your new system
We’ve seen homeowners sign solar loans with hidden terms, not realizing their monthly payment would jump dramatically after several years. Better research would have prevented this surprise.
To get the most from your solar investment:
- Talk with a tax professional about claiming the federal solar credit correctly
- Apply for Focus on Energy rebates before you start your project
- Compare different loan options, including home equity and solar-specific loans
- Let your insurance company know about your solar addition
- Figure out your true payback period based on your actual electricity usage
Making Solar Work Right in Waukesha
When you avoid these five mistakes, your solar experience improves dramatically. Well-planned systems in Waukesha typically pay for themselves in 8-12 years, while poorly planned ones might never earn back their cost.
Before making your solar decision, take time to:
- Get quotes from several licensed Milwaukee area installers
- Have your roof thoroughly checked for condition and sun exposure
- Learn about Wisconsin’s weather challenges
- Think about future needs like EV charging and battery backup
- Review all the financial details carefully, including incentives and loan terms
Our team at Lehmann Electrical specializes in helping Waukesha County homeowners navigate these decisions. With our deep Wisconsin knowledge, we make sure your solar investment delivers the best possible returns without unwelcome surprises.
Want to explore solar options that make sense for your Waukesha home? Call us at 414-207-0109 or contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you avoid these common mistakes and create a solar system that works beautifully in Wisconsin’s unique condition