Is the roof ready?
Review roof age, condition, usable area, and shading. Coordinate any needed roofing work before installing panels.
UV Exteriors · Chicagoland solar
Solar planning for Chicagoland homes.
Start with your roof, your electricity use, and a clear project proposal. Our Schaumburg-based team helps you discuss roof readiness, system assumptions, and the responsibilities behind a solar installation.
A useful proposal starts with the right questions.
What will the system produce?
Compare estimated generation with your electricity use. Ask how orientation, seasonal weather, and equipment affect the estimate.
What are the full costs?
Review ownership or financing terms, utility charges, export credits, maintenance, and any incentive assumptions in writing.
Solar planning for Chicagoland homes
UV Exteriors can discuss your roof and solar project goals so you can evaluate the proposal as part of your home’s exterior plan. A useful starting point is your recent electric bills, your roof’s condition, and any plans to replace roofing or change electricity use.
Understand the system being proposed
Solar panels generate direct-current electricity, which an inverter converts for use in your home. Production varies with sunlight, shading, orientation, equipment, and seasonal conditions. Ask for the assumptions behind estimated generation and savings.
- Roof and layout: Usable roof area, attachment details, shading, and any roof repairs or replacement needed first.
- Equipment: Panel and inverter models, monitoring, warranty terms, and who handles future service.
- Project responsibilities: Design, permitting, installation, inspection, utility interconnection, and the party responsible for each step.
- Future roof work: Removal and reinstallation requirements if the roof needs work after panels are installed.
Utility credits are not the same as stored electricity
A grid-connected system may send surplus electricity to the utility. Any credit depends on the applicable utility program and enrollment rules; the grid does not store that electricity for your exclusive later use. Review current rules with your utility and the Illinois Shines consumer guidance.
Compare the proposal using total cost
Look beyond an advertised monthly payment. Review the cash price, financing charges, ownership terms, estimated production, remaining utility charges, maintenance responsibilities, and any incentive assumptions. Confirm current eligibility rather than assuming an incentive or tax benefit applies to your project.
Coordinate roofing and solar
If the roof may need replacement soon, review roofing options before panel installation. Read our guides to Illinois net metering and solar performance in snowy weather for questions to bring to your consultation.
Review our completed roofing and exterior projects for examples of the roof work that may need coordination before panels are installed. Confirm who handles roof preparation, attachments, electrical work, and future panel removal in your own proposal.
Solar questions, answered.
Is my roof suitable for solar panels?
Suitability depends on roof condition, usable area, structure, orientation, shading, and the proposed installation. Assess roofing needs before committing to a system, especially if replacement may be needed soon.
Will solar eliminate my electricity bill?
Not necessarily. Your bill depends on electricity use, production, utility rates, fixed charges, and the applicable export-credit rules. Ask for a proposal that explains these assumptions rather than a guaranteed zero bill.
Will panels power my home during an outage?
A standard grid-connected system generally shuts down during an outage. Backup capability requires an appropriately designed system and equipment, often including storage. Confirm exactly what the proposed system can power and for how long.
Do solar panels work during winter?
Panels can generate electricity in winter when sunlight reaches them, but shorter days, shading, snow coverage, and weather affect production. Use a seasonal estimate and follow the installer’s safe maintenance guidance.
Who installs and services the system?
Before signing, confirm the company responsible for system design, installation, interconnection, warranty service, and any later panel removal for roofing work. Ask UV Exteriors to explain the parties and responsibilities for your proposal.
