Wisconsin solar rebates and tax credits calculator

Summary of Wisconsin solar incentives 2023

Despite an executive order from new governor Tony Evers directing the state to pursue 100% carbon-free energy by 2050, both houses of state government need to act to make sure that action is codified into law and compels utility companies to comply. 

Based on the level of utility industry schmoozy-ness with the more conservative majority in both state houses, it's going to be a tough uphill battle for a cleaner energy future here with expanded solar incentives. 

The one good thing going in Wisconsin for home solar is a small rebate on your solar panel purchase. Read on to learn all you need to know about investing in solar for your home in Wisconsin.

Federal solar investment tax credit

The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Wisconsin

If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.

Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.

The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.

Net energy metering in Wisconsin

With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.

Net metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume. If you produce a surplus, you get credit for it on your bill.

Net metering in Wisconsin is a bit scattered, but generally strong for residential customers. All investor-owned and municipal utilities are required to offer a net metering program, but electric cooperatives are exempt from the requirement. 

So, most utilities offer net metering, but there is a bit of variation among how the programs are implemented. Generally, all surplus kWh are credited at your retail electric rate, and applied to the next bill. If credit exceeds $25, the utility must cut you a check for the amount.

One way or another, you’re getting credit for all that extra energy at a pretty decent rate per kWh. For a residential solar power system like yours, net metering is pretty solid here.

Wisconsin solar rebates

Focus on Energy provides $500 to offset the cost of installing your solar energy system in Wisconsin. While that’s not as huge a chunk as the $50,000 Wisconsin businesses can now get for going solar, it still helps.  For eligibility and funding information check out their website.

There are also a few municipalities that also offer their own solar rebates:

Tax exemptions

Fortunately there are tax exemptions to help bring down the cost of your solar power system. You’re exempt from 100% of the property taxes normally associated with the big increase in home value you’re going to get from installing a solar power system. 

Also, with Wisconsin’s sales tax exemption for solar systems, you save 5-5.6% right off the bat.

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