Resources
Please contact us to discuss your solar plans and we’ll be happy to provide you with more information. Until then, here are some basic resources to get you started or explore Frequently Asked Questions about solar systems and installation.
Midwest Renewable Energy Association
Solar and wind education, Energy Fair, and Solar Tour
Dane Buy Local
Locally owned business directory
National Association of the Remodeling Industry
Construction trade association
Green Masters Program
Recognizing sustainable actions by Wisconsin businesses
RENEW Wisconsin
Advocacy for renewable energy
American Solar Energy Society
National solar advocacy and Solar Tour
Energy Star Program
Efficiency and conservation resource by the U.S. Department of Energy
Focus on Energy
Wisconsin energy project implementation program
Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy
Federal 30% tax credit and state level policy, regulations, and incentive information
How Solar Attaches to Your Roof
/in News /by Ron ChesterWhen installing solar, the attachment method is one of the most important parts of protecting the roof for the long term. On traditional asphalt-shingle roofs, our first choice is a flashing plate attachment.
Flashing plates are installed beneath the shingles and direct water around the roof penetration, much like other properly flashed roof components. They provide a durable, proven method of securing the solar racking with minimal penetrations while helping maintain the integrity of the roofing system. For us, this traditional approach offers a strong combination of structural reliability, weather protection, and long-term serviceability.
Standing-seam metal roofs offer a different advantage. In many cases, specially designed clamps can attach directly to the raised metal seams without penetrating the roofing surface at all. These clamps securely grip the seam and provide a strong mounting point for the solar array.
Every roof is different, but our goal is the same: use the attachment method that provides a secure solar installation while protecting the roof underneath it.
Protect Your Solar Investment with Critter Guard
/in Frontpage Article, News /by Ron ChesterSolar panels create a sheltered space beneath the array that can be attractive to squirrels, birds, and other small animals. Unfortunately, those unexpected guests can build nests, store debris, or chew on wiring—potentially leading to costly service work and system downtime.
Critter Guard is a durable mesh barrier installed around the perimeter of a solar array. It is designed to block animals from getting underneath the panels while still allowing proper airflow and drainage. Because the mesh is low-profile, it is typically difficult to notice from the ground and does not interfere with normal solar production.
For many homeowners, Critter Guard is inexpensive protection for a much larger investment. Installing it when a solar system is new can be especially convenient, since crews already have safe roof access and can fit the barrier neatly around the array. A little prevention today can help protect wiring, roofing, and long-term system reliability for years to come.
April 15, 2026: Hail Storm Resources
/in Frontpage Article, News /by Ron ChesterThe hailstorm that moved through southern Wisconsin on April 15, 2026 was not a typical spring event. Large, wind-driven hail caused widespread impact to roofs, siding, and solar systems across the region—often in ways that aren’t immediately visible from the ground.
What makes storms like this particularly challenging is that damage doesn’t always announce itself clearly. A roof can appear intact while underlying materials are compromised. Solar panels may still produce power, even with internal fractures that reduce long-term performance or lead to failure months later.
For many homeowners, the uncertainty is the hardest part:
Is there damage? How serious is it? What does insurance actually cover?
Start With the Right Tools
Rather than guessing—or waiting until a small issue becomes a larger one—the best next step is to begin with a structured assessment.
We’ve built a dedicated resource to help you do exactly that:
👉 https://fullspectrumsolar.com/hail-damage-calculator
This page is designed to give you a clear starting point, not a sales pitch. There, you can:
Why Acting Early Matters
Insurance claims related to storm damage are time-sensitive, and early documentation can make a meaningful difference. Just as important, solar systems introduce an added layer—panels may no longer have exact replacements available, and what appears to be minor damage can evolve into a broader system issue.
Starting the process early doesn’t commit you to anything—it simply puts you in control of the situation.
A Practical Next Step
If your home was in the path of the April 15 storm, it’s worth taking a few minutes to understand where you stand.
Visit the calculator, explore the guidance, and get a sense of what your next move should be:
👉 https://fullspectrumsolar.com/hail-damage-calculator
From there, if you choose to move forward, you’ll be doing so with clarity—and with the right information in hand.