Residential Solar
Frequently Asked Questions
The Arch Difference
Work with Wisconsin's #1 solar installer. Our team is technically astute and focuses on integrity, honesty, and communication throughout your project.
- 20+ Years of Solar
- Veteran-Owned
- No Subcontractors
- Woman-Owned
- Wisconsin-Based
- In-house Maintenance Team
Your Solar Questions Answered in One Place
What year was Arch established? Where are you located?
Arch Solar was established in 2003. Our working headquarters are in Milwaukee, WI, with additional offices in Plymouth, WI, and Madison, WI.
Our residential team provides solar services throughout Southeastern Wisconsin.
Are you licensed and insured?
Arch Solar is a fully insured, licensed Electrical Contractor in Wisconsin.
We can provide our company's Evidence of Insurance, if necessary. Arch's credentials are listed on the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions' website.
Are the technicians and electricians your employees? Do you use subcontractors?
Arch Solar is a completely vertically integrated company. This means we do everything in-house, from design to installation, with our own employees.
We have our own Master, Journeymen, and Apprentice Electricians on staff.
Have you worked with my municipality before?
We are familiar with most municipalities in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Many jurisdictions only require an electrical permit for solar installations. However, some municipalities may request additional items like building permits and structural engineering reports, which can add to the total application cost.
Arch manages the solar permitting process, so you do not have to worry about the paperwork.
Can you provide customer references?
Yes! We have numerous happy customers who would be willing to discuss their solar installations with potential customers. We strive for a superior level of service throughout the entire solar process.
Arch Solar will take care of everything in-house and keep you informed every step of the way. We want to do the work so you can enjoy the savings.
Should I wait for newer technology?
The evolution of solar panels has leveled out somewhat in the last few years. While we do anticipate continued technological advancements, it is likely that power generation capacity will not change drastically in the immediate future. The best time to invest is now!
What happens if I sell my home?
Studies have shown solar increases home value by 3-5%.
Most warranties related to solar panel equipment stay with the installation and are transferable to the new homeowner.
Please reach out to Arch and your inverter manufacturer to get the information updated.
Can my homeowner's association stop me from putting solar on my house?
In most cases, no.
Wisconsin has strong solar access rights that prevent any private land use controls from restricting the construction of a solar energy system.
You may still need to notify your association of the installation, and there are rare instances where a shared roof structure requires additional steps for approval.
What if a new building is built and shades my system?
Wisconsin law protects a solar system owner’s right to unobstructed access to the sun.
WI Statute 700.41 limits the permitted building envelope of properties next to a solar system to what it was at the time of system installation. This allows the system owner to be certain that future zoning and development will not render the system ineffective. In addition, WI Statute 844.22 states that any structure of vegetative growth that occurs after the installation of a solar system and interferes with its function is considered to be a private nuisance. The right to unobstructed resource access can only be applied after a system is constructed.
If I have an electric vehicle (EV), how much solar energy is needed to charge it?
It depends — vehicle type, average miles driven, charging rate, charger type, etc., all make a difference when determining how much solar is needed to offset the EV’s usage. A vehicle can be charged via the grid or battery system even when the sun isn’t shining. We can work with a homeowner to evaluate their EV usage and take it into account when planning the solar install.
Check out our Electric Vehicle page to learn more and get your free design.
Will my solar panel's performance degrade over time?
Yes, all solar panels have a degradation rate and slowly lose production capacity over their lifespan. Most panels guarantee a power performance of 87-90% over 25 years, which is the industry standard.
What kind of solar inverter do you recommend?
Most of our residential installs use micro-inverters.
Micro-inverters generally have a warranty and lifespan similar to that of the panels, whereas central inverters are usually only warrantied for 10-15 years and may need to be replaced.
Micro-inverters allow for easier expansion if the homeowner would like to add on to their system in the future. Most micro-inverters will be compatible with battery systems.
String inverters have less direct reporting but can be more cost-effective for certain projects.
What warranties exist for my solar system?
The panels and inverters we install come with their own warranties (typically 25 years).
Arch Solar offers a 5-year workmanship warranty for residential installs.
Check out our warranties page for more information.
What products does Arch install?
We install industry-leading products with quality-backed warranties.
For a full list of products, check out our products page.
Can I add more solar or a battery later?
In most instances, yes. Provided there is space and the inverter can handle expansion, we can add more panels.
If you know that you would like to add panels in the future, we can do some pre-planning to make the addition easier.
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EV Chargers
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Do you confirm that my roof is structurally ok to hold panels?
Roof-mounted solar installs are not very heavy (about 3lbs/sq ft), and most homes in WI have no issue with the additional load.
If a homeowner is concerned their home may need reinforcement, or if a municipality requires it, we can provide a structural engineering report at an additional cost.
Will my solar system meet local building codes?
Yes, our designers are knowledgeable of local and national codes regarding solar installs and make sure to follow proper procedures.
Are my panels interconnected to the grid? What happens during a power outage?
Residential solar systems are tied to the utility grid. To keep your power running during an outage, we recommend considering energy storage.
When you pair energy storage with solar, you can have sustainable backup energy, even during an outage.
Can I install a ground mount system if my roof is shaded?
Yes, if space permits.
Our Energy Consultants can work with you to find the best solution for a solar installation if a roof is inconvenient.
Arch has all the equipment to install ground-mount systems.
Who designs the system and forecasts estimated annual output?
We have in-house Energy Consultants and Designers who collaboratively use the latest technology and software to design solar arrays. We utilize local weather data and forecasting to provide the most accurate production estimates possible.
Who manages paperwork for permitting? Are there additional fees?
We take care of all permitting and interconnection applications for homeowners.
The associated fees are included in the total project cost. If the utility or town requires a form that cannot be completed by Arch Solar, we will notify the homeowner.
Will Arch give a firm quote prior to signing a contract?
The quote provided at the time of signing will be a firm quote. Your Energy Consultant will ensure you understand the contract before it is signed.
How are contract changes addressed? Do I have the right to cancel?
All contract changes will be addressed with a change order to be reviewed by the homeowner.
We do allow a 3-day grace period following contract signing, during which the homeowner may cancel their installation.
Do I need to be home for my solar installation?
No. We let homeowners know which portion of the installation requires indoor access (if any) and if their presence is necessary.
Will an electrician be on-site for my solar installation?
We have many electricians working for Arch Solar, including several Master Electricians.
However, it is not necessary a Master Electrician be on site during most residential installs, as all electrical work can be handled by our Journeymen and their apprentices. At minimum, a licensed Journeyman Electrician will be on site for all AC electrical work on the installation.
How long will I wait between contract signing and installation?
Our typical lead time for residential projects from contract signing to installation is 10-12 weeks.
This fluctuates throughout the year depending on our construction queue. We keep all customers aware of scheduling expectations and delays.
After installation is complete, we will need to schedule an inspection with the municipality and the interconnection/commissioning with the utility.
The time from when the installation is complete to when the system is interconnected with the utility (and producing power) can range from 2-5 weeks depending on the availability of the inspector and utility.
Will an Arch team member be present for final inspection?
Yes, we work with the utility and authority having jurisdiction to schedule inspections and will have someone on site during the process.
How long will the inspection take?
The inspection itself is quick. However, how soon we can schedule the inspection depends on the installation.
On average, most residential installations take 2-3 days and occur in two parts. The two parts are the DC portion (panels and some electrical) and the AC portion (additional electrical, meter changes, and communications).
Following your outage and inspection, we schedule the system commissioning with the utility, which can take up to 10 business days.
Who is responsible for fixing any unexpected damage to my home during installation?
Arch Solar offers a 5-year workmanship warranty on our residential solar installations. If roof damage does occur as a result of the solar installation, we will rectify it.
What financing options do you offer?
Arch Solar partners with trusted and long-standing financing partners. We work with multiple partners to ensure you have the most competitive rate available.
Arch has worked with Clean Energy Credit Union, Sunlight Financial, Mosaic, GreenPenny, as well as several local banks to make solar a possibility for homeowners.
Our experts can discuss this with you further, regarding your specific situation.
How much can I save with solar?
Just about anyone can save money with solar; however, the amount (and payback period) is dependent on numerous factors.
This includes, but is not limited to: location, panel orientation and tilt, shading, electrical usage, ease of installation, utility, and existing electrical service.
Use our solar calculator to find out!
When are payments due for my solar project?
Our terms are 50% down upon contract signing, 40% due at substantial completion, and 10% due at the final steps of your project (PTO).
Depending on the preferences of the homeowner, we have some flexibility regarding how the payments are split.
Which solar rebates are available ?
A combination of rebates from Focus on Energy and other statewide programs may be available to you.
Check out our full list of residential solar incentives here.
What is the process for replacing my roof?
The PV system will need to be removed for roof replacement. Depending on the system size and complexity, it may take our installers a day or two to remove and replace the installation.
Contact our Residential Service Team to learn more.
How will snow impact my solar panels?
Solar production in winter due to snow is generally not an issue. However, due to less sunlight over the winter months, overall production will be affected. Snow buildup is generally not an issue because of panel heat and angle.
Who do I call if I need service for my system?
Arch has a dedicated home solar maintenance team.
Check out our full list of support and services.
Do you proactively monitor my system's performance after installation?
Yes, if Arch originally installed your system or has since adopted your system through maintenance work, we can see how your system is functioning.
While Arch keeps an eye on the monitoring portal, we are monitoring thousands of systems with varying degrees of need.
We recommend checking the Arch Solar App or monitoring portal for your system to ensure issues are flagged promptly.
If your system needs attention, please let us know, and we will be happy to provide service options.
Lifetime Impact
kW of Solar
Installed
Million lbs of Coal Burn-
ing Avoided
Midwest Homes with Solar
Thousand Tons
of CO2 Offset
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Reviews
"Professional, informative, and prompt."
"My experience with Arch has been very smooth from the get-go. All staff have been professional, informative, and prompt in their responses. The installation team was hard-working, well-prepared, and pleasant. They worked hard to complete the installation according to their timeline.
I would recommend them without reservation."
- Marty, Oconomowoc
"The people are the best part."
- Desty, Sun Prairie
"I highly recommend the company."
"We were so impressed. They arrived when they said they would and completed the job on time. Estimate vs Invoice was exactly the same, love that. We did ground mount solar panels in our large backyard and we are so happy with them!! The customer service is awesome, everyone is so approachable, courteous and respectful. Highly recommend!"
- Rachel, Sheboygan
"Saving money on monthly electric bills."
"Everything was handled in an extremely professional manner from the initial contract to the final installation, permitting & execution of the system.
The entire staff kept us informed of every facet of the process. The installation team was timely & communicative. They cleaned up the entire yard at the end of each day of the installation.
Our system has now been saving us $ for 18 months & we couldn't be happier with our decision."
- Nancy, Milwaukee
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