Solar panels are designed to provide a clean, unobtrusive aesthetic. RxSun designs systems with black panels on a black backing, and runs wires out of sight in order to deliver a sleek, clean look. Your home’s orientation is the important factor. A south facing roof is ideal because it allows your solar panels to optimize the sun’s power without sacrificing design.
We also offer a variety of panel options in addition to our standard installation, and your solar consultant is happy to work with you to ensure your design achieves the look you desire.
There are a number of steps in the process, each with their own time table.
Once permits are approved, some services need homeowners to wait up to 2 more months to schedule installation. RxSun delivers a streamlined process, so there is no more than 2 weeks after permit approval to your installation.
No, your solar system is connected to the grid.
This allows you to continue pulling power from the grid at times the system isn’t producing as much power as you’re using. It also allows any excess power your system generates to be sent back to the grid. Where net metering is available, your surplus power is credited toward your electric bill. This is how it is possible to potentially eliminate your electric bill with solar power.
Many Homeowner Associations have rules regarding structural changes to the exterior of homes. Obtaining an HOA permit to install a solar system is a routine part of the process.
If desired, RxSun is happy to assist with the permitting process to obtain permission from your HOA to proceed with your solar system installation.
Yes! It’s ideal to put your solar system on a new roof. RxSun can work with your roofing contractor to coordinate installation.
If your roof is less than 5 years old, it’s a great candidate for solar panels. If your roof is more than 10 years old, you need to consider a new roof before going solar.
Solar systems provide a number of reliable long term benefits, including:
There are also variable short term financial incentives, including:
Solar panels are a considered a permanent part of the structure and should be covered under your insurance. However, we do recommend contacting your provider to notify them you installed a solar system in case it needs to be documented should there be the need for a claim in the future.
Solar panels convert most of the visible light spectrum and about half of the ultraviolet and infrared light spectrums into energy. So your solar panels are always working for you, even though there are times when slightly less energy is produced, such as:
Your system is design to optimize energy production on an average annual basis. And details such as how the angle the panels are tilted toward the sun can help the snow slide off while also maximizing light captured are carefully considered by your solar expert.
Solar systems are designed to produce enough power to meet your home’s average annual usage.
Your home will produce extra power in the summer, which builds net metering credits with your utility. In winter it’s possible your system may not produce the full amount of energy needed, and if this happens the difference is offset by the energy credits.
You can learn more about how net metering works in the answers in the cost and benefits section below, and how it addresses seasonal variability on the Solar Cost and Savings page.
Home solar systems are required to shut down during power outages so they don’t accidentally feed power to the grid while workmen are fixing lines. They automatically restart once power is restored.
If a home solar system has a battery backup, a safety device isolates the house from the grid during an outage so the backup power can be used.
Battery backup power is similar to emergency generator power in that it can power vital functions for your home, such as keeping the refrigerator running, on up to 4 designated circuits.
Solar batteries can provide emergency power for hours to days, depending on usage, weather and timing. If they weren’t depleted from overnight use when an outage happens and weather is favorable for the panels to continue charging them, the batteries will power the backup circuits longer.
There is little to no maintenance required by a homeowner. Solar systems have no moving parts, so there is almost no opportunity for mechanical issues.
Solar panels are extremely durable. It’s rare for them to sustain damage, even from serious weather like a hailstorm. They are designed to withstand the elements for up to 25 years.
The average roofing contractor is not qualified to work with solar systems. The solution is to bring in a solar contractor to temporarily remove your solar panels, and replace them after the roofing project is complete. Some roofing companies will include finding a solar contractor for that aspect of the project as a negotiated part of the contract.
We strongly recommend addressing the age and condition of your home’s roof before proceeding with a solar panel installation.
Yes, we have a number of local roofers we are happy to refer you to. The roofing contractors we have developed a working relationship with are very comfortable collaborating with solar panel contractors.
Solar systems are designed to last up to 25 years. This is why it’s important for the roof on your home to have a similar life span remaining when your system is installed.
Yes! There are several benefits to adding an EV charging station to your home, and we offer them as an installation option when your solar system is being designed. See the Installation Options page to learn more.
Yes! We offer universally compatible Level 2 240V EV charging stations. We also offer options to address the special charging requirements of Tesla vehicles.
There are many factors to consider, but generally speaking if your home is a good candidate for solar and your electric bill is over $60 a month, then
going solar may save you money.
No, you stay connected to your utility and continue to receive a monthly statement. If your solar panels provide all of your power in a given month, the bill will only be for small fixed costs, such as meter charges.
Net metering is when your utility company credits your utility bill for any excess power your system creates and send to the grid. The excess production is recorded as credits, and any power you need to draw from the grid during lower solar production is drawn from your credits.
This credit system allows you to have a consistent electric bill all year round, often eliminating it altogether. This also means it is potentially possible to earn money if your system provides more power than you use. Some regions allow utilities to make cash payments to customers for unused net metering credits.
Net metering is available with most Illinois utility companies, and continues to expand in the market.
This is determined at the time of your home assessment. Generally speaking, most utilities in Illinois provide net metering, including ComEd, Ameren and MidAmerican.
Generally speaking, you own your home solar system. It becomes an integral part of the structure of your home.
However, this can depend on whether you choose to adopt your solar system via a straight purchase, loan financing or a lease. In the case of a lease, the equipment remains the property of the leasing company. Otherwise, you own it.
Yes, absolutely.
According to a nationwide study by the Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory, installing a standard 5kW system can potentially increase your home’s value by $20,000.
This finding was confirmed with additional research conducted by The Appraisal Institute, which found a solar system, on average, increases a home’s value by $20 for every $1 reduction in energy bills.
For Illinois:
Utilities are required by law to generate a certain portion of their energy from renewable sources. SRECs are credits that represent the environmental benefits of solar power.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) allow homeowners to sell certificates for energy produced by their residential solar system to their utility, which then counts toward the utility’s requirement.
Homeowners earn one SREC for every 1000 kilowatt hours (kWh) / 1 megawatt hour (MWh) produced by their solar panel system. The value of an SREC varies per location.
In Illinois, homeowners sell their SRECs into a market established by the Illinois Power Agency. You are paid 15 years of estimated SREC production in advance, when your solar system is installed. This can greatly reduce the initial cost of your solar system.
In Illinois:
1 MWh of electricity produced by a solar system = 1 SREC
The Illinois Power Agency (IPA) sets SREC pricing based on demand. Current value is $72.97.
SREC incentive value is based in blocks. Once a block is sold out, the next block of lower value becomes the new SREC rate. This means the SREC payment a new solar system can earn declines as more solar systems are installed. Installing a solar system now guarantees the highest SREC value you can receive.
RxSun completes and submits your SREC application to the state program as part of your installation project. The SREC payment is sent to our office, and we forward it to you within 4 business days. We recommend that you then apply it directly to your loan.
Also known as the Federal Solar Tax Credit, the solar investment tax credit is available to homeowners who install a solar system. It is valued as a percent of the total project cost, and it received as a dollar for dollar reduction in federal income tax for the year the system was installed.
It is a graduated credit, with the following schedule:
There are several reasons that make this the perfect time to go solar.
The price of solar panels has fallen quite a lot in the last few years, making it more affordable for the average homeowner. Additionally, there are current state and federal incentive programs that can save you up to 60% of the cost of your solar panel installation.
The federal incentives are short term, and scheduled to be phased out. The state incentives will decrease in value as more home solar systems join the solar credit market. So, going solar now:
There has never been and may never be a better time to go solar!
Yes! We offer universally compatible Level 2 240V EV charging stations. We also offer options to address the special charging requirements of Tesla vehicles.
RxSun currently serves residential solar customers in the states of Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. In our home state of Illinois, we are headquartered in Chicago.
Not every state offers solar incentives like SRECs but many offer solar programs of some sort. Please reach out to learn more about the potential benefits in your state.
RxSun solar systems include extensive warranty coverage, including:
Solar energy is a renewable and abundant power source, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It helps lower electricity bills and has minimal maintenance costs. Solar panels can be installed in various locations, making them accessible to many. Additionally, solar power increases the resale value of your home and reduces carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
The number of solar panels needed to power a house varies based on energy consumption and sunlight exposure. On average, a home may require approximately 15-25 solar panels. Factors influencing this include the household’s electricity usage, the panel’s wattage, and the amount of sunlight received in the area.
A house can run indefinitely on solar power alone if equipped with sufficient solar panels and a robust battery storage system. The system must generate and store enough energy during the day to power the home overnight or during periods of low sunlight. However, this greatly depends on location, energy consumption, and system size.
Absolutely! While south-facing roofs are ideal for solar panels due to their exposure to the sun, it’s not a strict requirement. East and west-facing roofs can still generate a substantial amount of solar energy. Modern solar panels are efficient and can capture sunlight at various angles. So, even without a south-facing roof, solar can be a viable and beneficial option for your home.
Solar panel systems are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Most manufacturers guarantee their panels for 25-30 years, but their lifespan often extends beyond this. Solar panels will likely last longer and continue producing significant power with proper maintenance and care. So, you can look forward to many years of sustainable energy from your system.
Yes, like most equipment, solar panels do degrade over time. This is known as their degradation rate. Solar panels lose about 0.5% – 1% of their yearly efficiency. However, after 25 years, most panels can still produce around 80% of their original output.
Yes, we understand the financial concerns of homeowners and emphasize the importance of assisting them through this crucial step. Our solar consultants simplify the process by reviewing various financing options to determine the best fit for each individual. They then connect homeowners with their chosen financial program, making the application process easy. This approach ensures that solar power becomes a feasible and accessible option for homeowners.
solar consultation assesses your specific circumstances, such as energy consumption, possible incentives, and your property’s solar potential. It allows you to make an informed choice about whether going solar is a good investment.
A solar consultation benefits you in many ways. It provides:
Visit our website or call us to initiate the free consultation process. You may also book a free, virtual consultation using this link
Please provide us with your contact information, including your name, phone number, email address, and home address. Let us know your preferred date and time for the consultation. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule. We will also need your most recent utility bill to review your kWh usage history for the last 12 months.
A solar consultation with our experts can comprehensively assess your property and energy needs. They will evaluate these factors and provide you with tailored recommendations on the feasibility and benefits of solar for your specific situation.
Solar panels can raise a home’s value. Numerous studies have shown that properties with solar panel installations sell more quickly and for a higher price than those without. Solar panels are a desirable feature that can increase a property’s value since prospective purchasers are drawn to solar energy’s cost savings and environmental advantages. The actual value gain, however, may differ based on the region, the state of the market, the size of the system, and the property’s overall energy efficiency.
Going solar in 2023 may be a beneficial move for a variety of reasons. Solar installations are becoming more accessible as the cost of solar panels falls, thanks to financial incentives and tax credits. You can save money on power costs while lowering your environmental impact and contributing to a more sustainable future if you generate renewable energy. Solar panels can raise a home’s value while protecting it from growing energy expenses. Consult with a solar professional to examine your energy demands, available incentives, and the solar potential of your land to determine if it’s suitable for you.
Yes, solar panels are generally easy to maintain. With regular cleaning and basic inspections, solar panels can continue to generate clean energy efficiently for many years with minimal maintenance requirements.
We only sell premium solar panels from a variety of brands and wattages. The exact brands and specification sheets can be discussed during your virtual consultation. You can also email [email protected] for more information.
Investing in solar panels is a wise step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. The cost of solar panels will vary based on the type of solar panels you select (either monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film), the number of panels you’ll require, the size of your home, and the amount of power you use. Solar panels can range between $15,000 and $25,000 for a residential setup. Remember, this investment reduces your carbon footprint and significantly decreases energy bills!
Solar panel financing can be achieved through various means, the most common being solar loans. These loans typically range from 5 to 20 years, with some extending up to 25 years. This flexibility allows homeowners to choose a plan that best fits their budget. Additionally, solar loans often accommodate the 26% federal solar tax credit. It’s also worth noting that while financing incurs additional costs over time, the savings from reduced energy bills can offset this.
Solar panel financing offers several benefits. It allows homeowners to install a solar system without incurring upfront costs, spreading the expense over a longer period. This can result in immediate savings on electricity bills. Financing also enables homeowners to take advantage of tax credits and incentives. Moreover, it increases home value and contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The savings from solar panels can vary greatly based on location, energy usage, and system size. On average, homeowners save between $10,000 and $30,000 over 20 years. However, these savings could be significantly higher in areas with high electricity rates.
The Solar Tax Credit, or Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), is a significant incentive for solar energy. It allows homeowners and businesses to deduct 30% of the solar energy system’s cost from their federal taxes. This credit makes solar power more affordable and accessible to many people.Eligible homeowners wil receive a rebate for 30% of the total cost of the residential solar system if they have an equal or higher tax liability.
The Illinois Shines incentive is a performance based renewable energy credit that the state will pay per kWh that your system is designed to produce. Homeowners will receive this incentive within the first year that the solar system is installed. It typically covers 30-35% of the total solar system cost.
No, you don’t need a special roof for solar panels. Most roof types can accommodate solar installations. However, the condition and age of your roof are important to consider. If your roof needs replacement soon, it’s often more cost-effective to do so before installing solar panels.
The duration of solar panel installation can vary based on several factors, including the size and type of your system. However, on average, the physical installation process usually takes 1 to 3 days. The entire process, from consultation to completion, might take 2 to 3 months.
Before installing solar panels, consider asking about the total cost, estimated energy savings, and time to recoup your initial investment. Understand the warranty duration and what it covers. Inquire about the panel’s life expectancy, maintenance needs, and the type of technology used. Lastly, verify the installer’s experience, qualifications, and if they have the necessary permits.
Yes, running your air conditioner on solar power at home is possible. However, there are a few factors to consider:
Overall, while running your AC on solar power is possible, consulting with a solar installation professional is best to assess your specific needs and ensure the system is set up correctly.
For the Residential Solar Referral Program, past and current RxSun customers are eligible for the referral bonus. On the other hand, for the Contractor Referral Program, any contractor who becomes a referral partner with RxSun can earn referral incentives. These programs offer up to $500 per successful referral resulting in an installed system.
The RxSun referral program works in two ways: Residential and Contractor. For residential, past, and current, customers can refer to someone. If the referral results in a system installation, they will receive up to $500. For contractors, they become referral partners. They earn $100 for every referral that results in a virtual consultation and an additional $400 if it leads to a system installation. The incentives are delivered upon completion of the referral appointment or system installation.
If you want to refer someone to RxSun, simply download our mobile app and sign up as an RxSun advocate. Once you do, you can enter the person’s contact details to complete the referral process. As an advocate, you’ll also receive your referral payments through the app, with several payment options to choose from.
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