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.