Jim Hahn had three key priorities for his solar project: work with a local company, maintain an aesthetically pleasing installation, and stay within budget. ilumen Solar was the right fit, not only because of our detailed, collaborative approach but also because of our commitment to custom residential solar solutions that balance function and design.
Unlike larger, national solar installers, our personalized attention ensured that every element of Jim’s system—from the conduit run to the electrical upgrades—was thoughtfully planned and executed with his goals in mind.
This project involved more than just a standard solar installation. Jim’s home needed a new roof, which was covered under insurance and completed by our roofing partner, Expert Roofing. Additionally, we identified that his main breaker panel was outdated and a known electrical hazard, requiring an upgrade to ensure compliance with current safety codes.
One of the most important aspects of the project was the conduit run. Initially, the plan was to route the conduit through the basement ceiling using a ceiling chase. However, once installation began, it became clear that this approach was far too labor-intensive and cost prohibitive. After reassessing, we worked with Jim to find a better solution—running the conduit along the basement wall, under the deck, and over to the meter. This new approach was both aesthetically clean and budget-friendly, making it the ideal alternative.
As we moved forward with the project, we discovered that significant electrical upgrades were necessary. This can sometimes be a tough conversation, but our team took the time to clearly explain the necessity of each upgrade, ensuring Jim understood why these changes were needed for the safety and efficiency of his solar system.
Transparency was key in this process. By keeping Jim informed at every step and ensuring he saw the long-term value of the improvements, we were able to move forward with full alignment.
The outcome was a seamless solar installation paired with a brand-new roof, leaving Jim highly satisfied. Every detail—especially the aesthetics—was carefully executed to match both Jim’s vision and our team’s high standards.
Here’s what Jim had to say about working with ilumen Solar:
We were impressed by the professionalism and transparency of Zach's team throughout our residential solar installation last year. The project involved more complexities than we initially anticipated, requiring us to gain a deeper understanding of various aspects before signing off and during the execution.
Zach, Dan, Dilip, and the entire team consistently provided excellent support and guidance, ensuring the project stayed on track. The system was successfully turned on November of last year and it has been fun to observe the production of green energy, even during the shorter days.
While the process had its complexities, the team's personalized attention and clear explanations made it much more manageable.
We truly appreciate the team's dedication to educating and informing their customers every step of the way. We highly recommend ilumen to anyone considering solar.
Check out the photos below to see how we designed and installed a sleek, high-performing solar system that blends green energy with smart engineering.
If you’re ready to explore solar but have concerns about your home’s unique layout, reach out to us —we’ll help you find a solution that works.
