FAQ/ Help Center

Absolutely. Panels are tested to endure hail up to 1 inch at 50 mph and winds over 150 mph. If a major storm does cause damage, it’s typically covered under your homeowner’s insurance as an “Act of God.” We only use Tier 1-rated equipment built for extreme conditions

In fact, a major study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that out of 50,000 solar systems, less than 0.1% were affected by severe weather each year. Even during a 2018 storm that dropped nearly 3-inch hail on NREL’s own rooftop system, only one out of over 3,000 panels was damaged.

Bottom line? Solar panels are tougher than you think—and you’re covered just in case.

Your insurance premiums might increase slightly—but usually not by much. The good news is that most homeowners insurance policies already cover things “Acts of God,” like hail and tornadoes. However, the savings from solar often outweigh any added insurance cost.

Your property taxes will not increase. Illinois provides a property tax exemption for renewable energy systems. Even though solar adds value to your home, local jurisdictions cannot increase your assessment because of it (see Illinois PTAX-330).

No. Our solar installation process includes flashing, waterproof seals + roof truss mounting systems at every attachment point designed to keep your roof sealed and secure for the long haul. Each system comes with a 30-year roof penetration and workmanship warranty, and our team conducts a detailed roof inspection before installation.

Solar panels don’t damage your roof—they actually protect it. Panels shield the area beneath from sun, rain, and hail, helping extend the lifespan of your shingles.

Most panels go on the south-facing side, which takes the brunt of the heat and weather. By covering it, your attic/top floor stays cooler (sometimes by 30–40 degrees), which means your A/C doesn’t have to work as hard. That adds up to even more energy savings!

If your roof is near the end of its life, it’s best to replace it before going solar. Sun Collectors can help — If your roof needs to be replaced prior to installation, we can get you a roofing quote in 1-3 days and save you up to 25% off the average cost through our partnership with Ready Roof.

Very little! Solar panels are virtually maintenance-free. A simple rinse or a good rain should keep them clean. We provide a free, 24/7 active system monitoring app so you can track your production and performance in real time, and and our team is alerted if your system needs attention.

Yes. Solar panels generate power from daylight, not just direct sunshine. Even on cloudy days, they can produce a significant amount of energy. In winter, snow typically slides off panels naturally thanks to their smooth surface and slight warmth from sun exposure. In fact, solar panels often work more efficiently in colder temps. And even on cloudy or snowy days, your system can still generate power thanks to today’s high-efficiency technology.

Ideally, your system will produce more energy than you need during the day, then send the extra to the grid. At night, you “pull” from those credits through a process called Net Metering program or Smart Solar Billing. It’s like rolling over unused minutes on a phone plan—but for energy. If you add a battery to your solar system, your home or business can use stored energy for power before drawing from credits or the grid.

Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons. However, you can stay powered by pairing your solar with a battery backup system or generator. This keeps essential circuits — like lights, freezers, and sump pumps — running when the grid is down.

Absolutely—solar is a smart investment for homeowners in Illinois. Thanks to a combination of robust state incentives, federal tax credits, and net metering programs offered by utility companies, installing solar panels can lead to significant electricity savings over the life of your system.

For example, if you choose to purchase a typical residential 5 kW solar system outright, the long-term savings can add up impressively. Over the course of 25 years (which matches the average panel warranty period), homeowners frequently see savings exceeding $50,000 on their electricity bills. These numbers reflect the impact of reduced utility rates and financial incentives available throughout the state.

With favorable sunlight conditions and ongoing support from programs like the Illinois Shines program, solar continues to be a cost-effective and sustainable choice for Illinois residents looking to cut their energy costs and lower their carbon footprint.

Not anymore! There’s no up-front cost to install your solar system, and most homeowners see an immediate drop in their utility bills — often down to just the minimum service fee (around $14/month). Instead of “renting” power from the utility, you’re investing in your own energy system and long-term savings. Plus, with current incentives, most systems pay for themselves in just a few years

Solar adds value and appeal to your home. Studies show homes with solar sell faster and at a premium, especially as more buyers look for energy-efficient properties. If you move before your system is paid off, ownership can transfer easily to the new homeowner — just like a mortgage. Even short-term ownership can bring tax credits and utility savings that make solar worth it. At the time of sale, owning your Solar system is simple. Leasing Solar makes selling more complicated.

Not at all. Sun Collectors solar panels are sleek, low-profile, and all-black, designed to blend with your roofline. We install wiring internally, hide conduit lines and use clean installation techniques that keep aesthetics front and center. Most homeowners find solar actually gives their home a modern, high-tech appearance.

Yes! Illinois averages 1,200–1,500 hours of sunlight per year, plenty to power homes and businesses efficiently. In fact, Germany — known for its cloudy weather — leads the world in solar production. We simply install enough panels to match your energy needs.

Every Sun Collectors solar system includes a 30-year comprehensive warranty covering:

• Parts, labor, and roof penetrations
• Active performance monitoring for real-time issue detection
• Transferable coverage if you sell your home
• Hassle-free online claims with quick turnaround times (about 7–10 days)
• 24/7 customer support for your peace of mind

This means no surprise repair bills or hidden costs — your system is protected for the long haul.

Do-It-Yourself or (DIY) solar installation may sound tempting, but Illinois requires licensed, certified installers for solar systems to qualify for state incentives, tax credits, and warranty registration. Professional installation ensures your system performs safely, efficiently, and remains fully covered.