Drews Solar

FAQs

radadmin — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:05:46 +0000

Do the solar panels produce electricity?

Yes. They complement the electricity provided by your utility, and do not provide heat, unless your building has electric heat.

Do the solar panels turn off if my power goes out?

Yes. They turn off to protect utility workers who are servicing their utility lines and poles.

Do the solar panels store their energy in batteries?

While batteries can be coupled with solar arrays, at Drews Solar we specialize in grid-tied systems without a battery connection. Batteries can be more common in Northern Wisconsin for seasonal cabins beyond the reach of the utility grid. They can also be used for emergency backup power when the grid goes down, but a small portable generator is almost always a more cost-effective solution. Battery systems are quite expensive, require maintenance, and reduce the efficiency of your solar panel system.

Do the solar panels require maintenance?

No. The solar panel system is designed and built to be maintenance-free.

Do the solar panels simply plug into my electrical panel?

Yes. Just like any other appliance, they are connected to your main panel (or sub panel) via a circuit breaker.

Do the solar panels spin my utility meter backwards?

Yes. When the solar array is producing more electricity than you’re using, the solar panels will push your electric meter backwards and your utility will give you credit for the excess production so you can use it later. If you have produced more electricity than you have used at the end of the month, some utilities will pay you for your overproduction and other utilities will allow you to rollover the credits for use in future months. All of our systems come with free monitoring, so you can set up your computer or cellphone to see how much your array is producing.

Do the solar panels work well in the shade?

The best place for solar arrays are southern-facing roofs with less than 10% shade but we work with homeowners to find the best options for their particular home. For homeowners with larger properties who may be dealing with a lot of shade on their homes, ground mounts may be the best fit for their needs.

Do the solar panels provide all the electricity I need?

Possibly. Most solar panel systems offset between 80% and 110% of the electricity consumption in the home.

Solar 101

radadmin — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:03:23 +0000

Do the solar panels produce electricity?

Yes. They complement the electricity provided by your utility, and do not provide heat, unless your building has electric heat.

Do the solar panels turn off if my power goes out?

Yes. They turn off to protect utility workers who are servicing their utility lines and poles.

Do the solar panels store their energy in batteries?

Do the solar panels require maintenance?

No. The solar panel system is designed and built to be maintenance-free.

Do the solar panels simply plug into my electrical panel?

Yes. Just like any other appliance, they are connected to your main panel (or sub panel) via a circuit breaker.

Do the solar panels spin my utility meter backwards?

Do the solar panels work well in the shade?

Do the solar panels provide all the electricity I need?

Possibly. Most solar panel systems offset between 80% and 110% of the electricity consumption in the home.

Solar Incentives

radadmin — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:30:38 +0000

Federal Tax Credit

30% tax credit for homeowners →

You may claim the 30% credit on your income taxes for the year that the system installation was completed and commissioned by the utility. The credit is claimed on IRS Form 5695, and you can include all costs you incurred when installing the solar system. If the tax amount that you owe is less than your credit, you can claim the credit to pay for that year's taxes, but the balance will carry to the following year. The tax credit is 30% for systems installed for all years between 2022 and 2032!

Wisconsin Focus on Energy Rebate

State rebate up to $500 →

The 2024 rebate for residential systems will be a maximum of $500, with a $500 bonus for these rural zip codes. The solar array must meet several requirements, the two most important being the solar panels must be orientated within 135 degrees of due South and must receive 15% or less shading from nearby structures and/or vegetation. To receive this incentive, click here to make sure your utility is a Focus on Energy partner. After the system has been installed, you will receive the rebate in the mail in the form of a check.

Pricing

radadmin — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 23:18:04 +0000

Pricing

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Our Solar Pricing: Affordable and Honest

At Drews Solar, we believe that switching to renewable energy is the right thing to do, so we work hard to make going solar as affordable as possible for our community. Instead of investing in salespeople and flashy advertising, we make it easier for our neighbors to invest in going solar by bringing down costs. And instead of hiding the total cost behind promises and financing, we give you clear answers about the total cost of going solar. By taking all factors into account, we provide homeowners with honest projections for when your solar array will pay for itself, so you’ll be happy with your investment for decades to come. And with state incentives, federal tax credits, and the opportunity to reduce your energy bills for decades, going solar is a smart and sustainable investment.

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What Affects Solar Pricing?

System Size & Energy Needs: The size of your solar installation depends on your home’s energy usage and your goals for offsetting electricity costs.
Equipment Choices: Solar panel selection, inverter options and additional system features can impact the cost.
Electrical Main Panels & Roof Structure: Some older homes require main panel upgrades and additional roof footings as part of their solar installation.

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How to Pay for Solar

Solar is an investment with significant long-term savings. Here’s how to make it work for your budget:

Federal & State Solar Incentives: Homeowners are eligible for a 30% federal tax credit on their solar investment and an additional state rebate, significantly reducing the cost of going solar. Learn more about federal tax credits and state rebates.
Flexible Financing Options: Spread the cost of going solar over time with financing that make monthly payments manageable, all while you save on your monthly electricity bill.
Upfront Investment, Long-Term Savings: By paying for solar upfront, homeowners can achieve the fastest return-on-investment. The average system pays for itself in 7-10 years and lasts 30–40 years, providing decades of free energy.

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See Real Costs and Savings

Use Our Solar Pricing Chart: Get an idea of the upfront investment and how much you’ll save over time.
Example Estimate for a Typical Home: Curious about the cost of a solar system for your home? Check out this sample estimate. For the most accurate pricing, fill out the estimate form to receive your personalized quote.

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Check Out Our Guide to Comparing Solar Quotes

Choosing the right solar provider can feel overwhelming. Our guide answers key questions like:

What numbers actually matter when comparing quotes?
How important is the choice of solar panels and other equipment?
What system is best for your home?

This straightforward guide helps you make an informed decision that fits your needs and budget.

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Why Many are Choosing to Go Solar

Average Payback Period: 7-10 years.
System Lifespan: 30–40 years of reliable, renewable energy.
Long Warranties: 25 year warranties on all panels and inverter systems.
Incentives & Rebates: Substantial savings upfront with ongoing energy cost reductions.

Get Started with Solar Today

Solar may be more affordable than you think. Complete our free estimate form to explore if this is the right fit for your home!

Financing Your Solar Array

radadmin — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 00:26:03 +0000

While Drews Solar does not offer in-house financing, we do have some recommendations to consider for financing your solar array, based on our customers’ experience and area opportunities:

Home Equity Line of Credit

For most homeowners, the most cost-effective way to finance their solar array is through a Home Equity Line of Credit. In addition to considering a HELOC through the institution that financed your mortgage, Summit Credit Union is also happy to offer area homeowners HELOC loans to go solar.

Refinance with a Green Mortgage

A “Green Mortgage" allows you to refinance your home and include the cost of an upcoming solar installation in the refinancing. Both Associated Bank and Summit Credit Union offer green mortgages. You can also ask your own bank or credit union if they offer green mortgages. This is a great option for homeowners who are already looking to refinance or who can take advantage of lowing their mortgage rate. Green mortgages also allow solar financing to benefit from the mortgage interest tax deduction.

Leg Up Solar Loan

WCCU Credit Union offers the Local Energy Generation Program (LEG Up) solar loan program to homeowners in Dane county and some surrounding counties. For the first year of this loan, you have 3% interest and no payments required. This allows homeowners recoup their federal tax credit and state rebate before making payments on their solar loan. After the first 12 months, the loan switches to a fixed rate loan with rates between 5% and 8%, depending on credit score and term of the loan, for a term of 3-6 years. If you are interested in exploring this option, please reach out to Drews Solar for a referral.

Self-Help Federal Credit Union

Self-Help Federal Credit Union offers Solar Loans for homeowners throughout Wisconsin. Offering competitive rates and up to 20-year loan terms, their team of solar loan specialists are happy to help you finance your solar array.

It may take a bit of time, but by obtaining a solar loan from your own bank or credit union, or one of the options above, you may save a lot of money over the lifetime of your loan, making going solar an even better investment.

MG&E, Alliant, and the future of Net Metering in Wisconsin

radadmin — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 01:24:16 +0000

In spring of 2023, both Madison Gas and Electric and Alliant Energy proposed changes to how they bill and meter solar customers. The proposed changes would have reduced the amount homeowners were paid for excess energy production pushed back onto the grid, increased the amount of time it took solar arrays to pay for themselves, and increased the unpredictability to bills after going solar.

To read about MG&E’s 2023 proposed changes to net metering, click here.

Over the summer of 2023, Alliant Energy and Renew Wisconsin (a major renewables advocacy organization) negotiated a compromise deal called the Power Partnership Version 2 (PP V2). Drews Solar worked with Renew Wisconsin in the creation of the compromise deal and supported the adoption of PP V2 as a fair alternative to net metering. While net metering remained the best option to incentivize the adoption of more residential solar in Wisconsin, PP V2 also paid homeowners fair compensation for their electricity overproduction and kept payback periods to a reasonable period, ensuring homeowners could continue to economically benefit from going solar.

To read about Alliant’s 2023 proposed Power Partnership Version 2, click here.

In November of 2023, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC), the state regulatory body in charge of approving any changes to utility rate and rate structures, rejected both MG&E’s proposal and the Alliant PP V2 compromise deal. the Public Service Commission spoke highly of PP V2 and the compromise deal reached by the utility and renewables, but ultimately decided more information, study, and a broader state-wide discussion about transitioning away from net metering was needed before approving any one utility’s proposed changes.

What does this mean?

It means that for 2024 and 2025, both MG&E and Alliant’s net metering policies will continue as usual. No changes are coming.
We expect that changes to net metering to occur sometime in the next decade. If changes do come, they would likely not be enacted until at least 2026, possibility significantly later.
Both MG&E and Alliant energy included long “legacy” periods in their proposals, meaning current solar homeowners could keep their rate structure for a significant number of years even after changes were enacted, protecting their investment in solar and their expected return on investment. We expect to see long legacy periods to be part of any future changes.
Future changes to net metering will likely be measured, fair, and backed up by data. The Public Service Commission expressed desire to have a clear, understandable, and fair rate structure if utilities were to transition away from net metering, and are willing to take the time needed to make sure changes are done correctly and protect residential rate payers and solar homeowners.

We celebrate the continuation of net metering and are encouraged by the Public Service Commission’s comments about the PP V2 proposal. We hope that if there is a transition away from net metering for some Wisconsin utilities, that a fair compromise solar rate structure will be put in its place.

SolarEdge Hybrid Inverters & Enphase Micro-Inverters

radadmin — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 00:27:24 +0000

Inverter selection can be a daunting task for a solar customer, but this comparison graph shows the major differences between the three main options: (1) string inverters, such as SMA, (2) hybrid systems, such as SolarEdge’s inverter-and-optimizer system, and (3) micro-inverters like Enphase.

All major inverter brands have developed to a place of high reliability and efficiency, but when choosing between the two most common offerings in America – SolarEdge and Enphase – there are some important differences.

Both SolarEdge’s optimizers and Enphase’s micro-inverters have the same ability to optimize your solar array by:

Individualizing electricity production of each solar panel without being affected by shading on adjacent panels.
Producing power independently, so in the rare event one panel is malfunctioning, the rest of the panels in the array will continue to produce power as usual.
Monitoring the performance of each individual solar panel and make sure everything is running as it should.

We have chosen the SolarEdge inverter-and-optimizer system as our standard offering for our solar arrays because the hybrid system offers several benefits that micro-inverters do not:

Inverter Protection With SolarEdge systems, you have one (or two) inverters placed indoors, typically in the basement, as opposed to tens of inverters on your roof. Inverters are the most complex piece of technology in any solar array, and therefore the most fragile. An inverter in a protected and climate-controlled basement will be more reliable over the 30-to-40-year lifespan of your system than multiple inverters on your roof exposed to the elements and the heat of summer year after year. Plus, if an inverter needs service or replacement, it is easier and faster to access a basement inverter, reducing potential maintenance costs.
No Clipping When the solar panels produce more electricity than the inverter can convert to usable energy, “clipping” occurs, and all the electricity produced beyond the inverter capacity is lost. Clipping is most likely to occur with south-facing panels on a cool, sunny day when the wattage of the inverter(s) is significantly lower than the wattage of the solar panel(s). For south-facing panels, a DC/AC a ratio above 1.15 will typically introduce clipping losses. The DC/AC ratio is calculated by dividing the panel wattage by the inverter wattage. For example, Enphase IQ 8+ used with REC 405 yields a ratio of 1.40 (405-watt solar panels / 290-watt micro-inverters = 1.40 DC/AC ratio). The effects of clipping are less pronounced when a significant portion of the solar panels are facing east or west. We size our SolarEdge to have a very low DC/AC ratio, eliminating clipping, and making sure all the energy produced by your solar panels is converted to electricity for your home.

Bottom line: Both SolarEdge and Enphase inverter systems offer high reliability, individual panel optimization and monitoring, and affordability for residential solar arrays. But we recommend SolarEdge’s hybrid optimizer-and-inverter system for our customers because the SolarEdge system offers the best chance of inverter-reliability for the 30-to-40-year lifespan of your solar array and the lowest chance of energy-loss due to clipping while still offering all the same benefits of the Enphase micro-inverter system

Best of the Best with Drews Solar

radadmin — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 00:29:40 +0000

Drews Solar is a family-owned company, based in Madison since 2016. Here are some reasons why you get the best of the best when you choose Drews Solar for your solar installation:

The highest quality installation and technical expertise. Michael Drews has an engineering degree from UW Madison, his master electrician’s license, and has been working in residential solar installation for over 17 years. Michael is a significant part of every solar installation; we’d be surprised to find someone else with Michael’s level of expertise working on the roof and in the basement, making sure the installation gets done exactly right.

We’re perfectionists. We see a lot of rooftop solar arrays with external conduit routing, unattractive array placement, and poor panel and racking selection. If the outside of the solar array looks bad, it is hard to imagine that the installation quality behind the panels and hidden within the walls is much better. Drews Solar is intentionally small to ensure that every project meets our high standards. No cut corners, no hidden problems. Inspectors love us!

We make solar look good. We take special care and consideration when determining exactly where to place the array(s) on your roof to achieve the very best aesthetic outcome possible. Our roof boxes are hidden under the array, not off to the side. We route conduit inside the house over 95% of the time, avoiding outdoor conduit between the roof in the basement.

We protect your roof. We know re-roofing is expensive; we treat your roof like the valuable asset it is! Our team wears special roofing boots that don’t wear away the valuable granular surface of roof shingles. And we don’t use hammers to audibly locate your roof trusses, which can break the shingle surface, instead using special scanners find each truss.

Great value. We are committed to giving our community a great value on their solar array. We choose only high-quality panels, inverters, and components that will last 30 to 40 years, with the warranties to protect your investment. We don’t cut corners by choosing bulkier racking or poorer-quality-but-faster roof connections; we only install components we would want on our own home. And as a small company we keep our staff and operations streamlined, so we can offer competitive prices without compromising on quality parts or installation craftsmanship.

No Up-Selling We don’t up-sell homeowners, pushing panels or components that aren’t worth the investment. The BMW may have impressive specs, but the Honda will get you where you want to go over the long-term. We take the same perspective with our solar recommendations; high quality, great value, no unnecessary investment without much added benefit.

We don’t outsource any of our work. We do the work ourselves, every step of the way. No hiring outside crews or bringing in outside installers. We do all the designing, permitting, installation, and electrical work without the use of subcontractors.

We communicate directly with our customers. As a family-owned company you know who you’ll be working with: us! We provide clear communication, respond quickly to our customers, and are easy to connect with throughout the process. Every project receives our full attention. We set realistic expectations, show up on time, and never double-book. Going solar shouldn’t be a stressful or laborious experience, and with us, it never is!

We have happy customers. Just take a look at our Google reviews! Our customers come to trust us, and for good reason. We work hard to make the whole process of going solar easy for our customers and install clean, sleek, reliable solar arrays.

We’re your neighbors and we’re committed to our community. Drews Solar is run by Michael and Maria Drews, and we are committed to our company and our community for the long run. We have put down roots in central Madison, raising our young family in the Bay Creek neighborhood. We bike year-round with our kids in our cargo bike, love packing our weekends with Madison fun, and feel grateful for all the wonderful friends and neighbors we have in the area. We are deeply committed to the well being of our community and environment and we love what we do. Installing solar isn’t just a business for us but a mission we believe in. One that will give you affordable, reliable, and clean renewable energy. We believe every panel counts!

Get Three Estimates Before Going Solar

radadmin — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 01:31:05 +0000

Not all solar companies are created equal. Unfortunately, some solar companies seem to be more interested in making a profit off of the switch to renewable energy than they are interested in installing high-quality long-lasting solar arrays and serving their customers.

So, I’m going to be honest here for a moment:

We truly care about what we do. Our goal is to help homeowners make the switch to renewable energy by installing solar arrays with the highest craftsmanship possible and exemplary customer service. We’re a small family-owned business: we live in Madison, we are raising a family here, and we will be here for decades to come. You are our neighbors, and we are committed to taking care of you and your home. Integrity is at the forefront of everything we do, and we treat our customers the way we want to be treated.

That is why news like this really bums us out:

Veteran loses 15K after Moxie Solar closes as a former executive starts new solar company

Sun Badger Solar’s Financial Turmoil Causes Anxiety for Customers who Spent Thousands on Incomplete Projects

Moxie Solar and Sun Badger Solar, both multi-state solar installation companies, served many homeowners in south-central Wisconsin before going out of business or closing, leaving some homeowners with half-finished systems, broken solar arrays with no route to get them fixed, and at worst, paid-for systems that were never installed. We have heard the stories from homeowners and neghbors who have worked with these companies are saddened by the frustrations they have faced and the money they have lost.

Here is our biggest piece of advice:

Get Three Estimates Before Going Solar

It may take you a little bit of additional time and energy but it could save you thousands of dollars and a lot of frustration down the road. It is worth the time and effort. Yes, we know that means you would be comparing our estimate against those of other solar installation companies, but we think it is that important.

And once you have received your three estimates, I personally recommend checking out our Guide to Comparing Solar Quotes when making a decision between the quotes you have received. Again, going through the steps in the guide may take a little extra time, but it could save you a lot of money and frustration down the road.

Finally:

Don’t Assume Bigger is Better

There are good big solar companies and there a good small solar companies, but we have found that big, multi-state, and national companies do not necessarily mean higher-quality, lower-prices, and better business practices. (Honestly, too often it seems to mean the opposite). We tend to trust big national brands for a lot of our shopping needs, but the same wisdom does not always apply in the solar installation field.

There are a few other solar companies that we would trust to install solar on our home if we did not have our own solar company, and they are all small, locally-owned, locally-based solar companies that have a long track record of great installations, high reviews, and solid business practices. Getting three estimates, looking at reviews, going through the guide, and doing a bit of extra work will help you find the right installer for your project. We know we can’t serve every homeowner ourselves, and we view the other high-quality local solar installation companies in our area as our partners in serving our community.

The Inflation Reduction Act: Making Solar and Home Energy Efficiency More Affordable

radadmin — Sat, 10 Sep 2022 00:32:53 +0000

The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) provided federal programs makes going solar more affordable and provides incentives to help homeowners electrify and increase the energy efficiency of their home.

Here is a breakdown of some of the provisions and incentives in the bill:

Some provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act have specific provisions about household income to qualify, how much can be claimed each year, etc. If you are in a low- or moderate-income household, you may qualify for significantly more funding than what is listed below to increase the efficiency of your home. To find out just how much you qualify for based on your location, income, and household size, see Rewiring America’s Saving Calculator here.

Residential Solar

The Inflation Reduction Act extends federal tax incentives for going solar. Households can receive a tax credit for 30% of the cost of adding solar to their home from now through 2032. There are no income limits or caps for this incentive, so regardless of how large of a system you need or your household income, you will qualify for a 30% federal tax credit when going solar.

Electric Vehicles

The Clean Vehicle credit gives $7,500 credit for new electric vehicles and a $4,000 credit for used electric vehicles. You can read more about why it’s great to plan ahead for any future electric vehicles when going solar on our website here.

Electric Heating and Cooling

The Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit gives households a 30% tax credit for the cost of installing a heat pump water heater or heat pump for home heating and cooling, up to $2000. (Read more about heat pumps here.) The credit also includes up to $600 for highly efficient central air conditioners, electric water heaters, and electric furnaces that meet or exceed the highest energy efficiency tier as set by the Consortium for Energy Efficiency.

Stoves and Dryers

Choosing a new stove or dryer? The Inflation Reduction Act also includes up to $840 for induction stoves and ovens and heat-pump dryers. Learn more about your eligibility here.

Main Panel Upgrades

When switching over to electric heating, electric vehicles, or installing a rooftop solar array, your home may need a new main electrical panel to handle all the incoming and outgoing electricity. You can receive a 30% tax credit if you install a new main panel alongside solar or geothermal heating and up to a $600 tax credit if you install a new main panel alongside a heat pump or heat pump water heater. See details here.

When looking into going solar, it is helpful to consider if you plan on taking advantage of any of the other incentives in the next few years. We can size your system to produce for a future electric vehicle, install an EV charger at the same time we install your solar array, or oversize your system to produce the electricity needed for future electric appliances, heat pumps, or mini splits.

By switching your home and vehicles to electric power, and then adding a rooftop solar array, you will not only save money over the long run, but you will also power your home and vehicles with renewable energy. And, with the new federal incentives, making the switch may be more affordable than you thought.

Disclaimer: we are not tax experts and cannot guarantee incentives or eligibility. We encourage you to talk to a tax professional before making any major decisions.

Additional Resources:

Rewiring America Inflation Reduction Act Guide for Homeowners

Federal Government Info on the Inflation Reduction Act for Homeowners

Dane County Climate Action- Taking Advantage of the IRA

Electrify Now- Resources on electrifying your home, vehicle, and power source

This Guide Can Help You Save Money and Fight Climate Change- NYTs