--- title: FAQ | Howard Solar Connect description: Frequently asked questions about solar in Central Illinois — savings, installation, roof requirements, community solar, and more. Clear answers, no pressure. --- - [Home](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com) - Solutions Show submenu for Solutions - [Residential Solar](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/residential-solar) - [Community Solar](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/community-solar) - [Battery Storage](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/battery-storage) - Commercial Show submenu for Commercial - [Commercial Solar](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/commercial-energy-savings-solutions-howard-solar-connect) - Utility Audits - Commercial Battery Storage - Land Owners & Large Scale Solar - [About Us](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/about) Show submenu for About Us - About Howard Solar Connect - Our Mission - [Contact](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/contact) Show submenu for Contact - Contact Us - Schedule a Consultation - [FAQ](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/faq) [![HSC\_LOGOREVISED](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HSC_LOGOREVISED.png?width=200&height=200&name=HSC_LOGOREVISED.png "HSC_LOGOREVISED")](https://howardsolarconnect.com?hsLang=en) # Turning Sunlight into Savings Search - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ##### FAQ # Solar Questions, Answered Honestly. ## How much can I save on my electric bill? Every home is different — your savings depend on your electric usage, your roof, and your utility's rates. That's why we don't guess: after your discovery call and a look at your electric bill, we give you a custom savings report with clear numbers for your specific situation. ## Who pays for the installation and equipment? In Illinois, going solar is more affordable than most people expect. Illinois Shines REC incentive payments are made by the utilities and funded by a small charge all customers pay on their electric bills. When you go solar, you stop paying per-kWh charges on the power you generate — so you move from paying into the system to benefiting from it. We'll walk you through exactly how the incentives and financing work for your home. ## Do I need a new roof? Not necessarily. Most roofs in good condition are fine for solar — we assess your roof's age and condition during the site survey. If your roof is near the end of its life, it's smartest to replace it before installing panels, since the system will be up there for 25+ years. ## What if I move? Solar can make your home more attractive to buyers, and an owned system typically transfers with the sale of the home. If you have community solar, your subscription can usually be transferred or cancelled according to the program terms. We'll explain your options before you commit. ## I'm a renter — can I still save? Yes! Community solar was made for renters. You subscribe to a share of a local solar farm — no rooftop installation, no equipment on your property — and earn credits that lower your electric bill. [Learn more about community solar](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/community-solar?hsLang=en). ## How long does installation take? The physical installation usually takes just one to three days. The full process — including permits, utility approvals, and interconnection — typically takes several weeks. We manage the process and keep you updated at every step. ## What maintenance is required? Very little. Solar panels have no moving parts, so there's almost nothing to wear out. Rain keeps them reasonably clean in most cases, and system monitoring lets you confirm your panels are producing as expected. ## What happens during a power outage? Standard grid-tied solar systems automatically shut off during a power outage — this is a safety requirement so they don't feed power into lines that utility crews are repairing. If backup power matters to you, ask us about battery storage options that can keep your essential loads running. ## How do I get started? It's simple: **1)** book a free 15-minute discovery call, **2)** share a recent electric bill, and **3)** get your custom savings report with clear numbers — no pressure. Call [309.323.0028](tel:13093230028) to start today. 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We offer customers with purchasing options from leading lenders and financiers, battery options from the best in the industry and top-rated installers from all across the nation to provide the perfect match for your specific situation. We can service 24 of 50 states and Puerto Rico currently and we continue expanding. 309.323.0028 Roanoke, Illinois --- [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578225953517) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.howardsolarconnect.com/www.linkedin.com/in/socalsolardad?hsLang=en) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/howardsolarconnectllc) © 2026 All rights reserved.