There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
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.
Learn what solar incentives are available to Wisconsin homeowners
See what Wisconsin solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Wisconsin solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
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.
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.
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:
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.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.4kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
30 solar companies in Wisconsin provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.82 421 Reviews
D. Palmer, over 1 month
I can't say enough about how our experience with All Energy Solar exceeded our expectations. They were a pleasure to work with, from the initial information stage, design, build and turn on after completion. Every worker who came to our home was polite, introduced themselves, and explained exactly what they were doing. The work was done without interruption to our daily routine, and every bit of material was cleaned up and removed before they left the property. Most appreciated, were the prompt returning of calls, emails and texts from the Team Leader and other professionals involved. My only regret was we didn't do this much sooner! I can't imagine a smoother install than this was!
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D. Palmer, over 1 month
I can't say enough about how our experience with All Energy Solar exceeded our expectations. They were a pleasure to work with, from the initial information stage, design, build and turn on after completion. Every worker who came to our home was polite, introduced themselves, and explained exactly what they were doing. The work was done without interruption to our daily routine, and every bit of material was cleaned up and removed before they left the property. Most appreciated, were the prompt returning of calls, emails and texts from the Team Leader and other professionals involved. My only regret was we didn't do this much sooner! I can't imagine a smoother install than this was!
4.73 132 Reviews
Nate D, 3 weeks ago
Certasun was fantatic. They were honest and transparent throughout the whole process. Sales people were not pushy or annoying. The installers were the nicest contractors I've ever had work on my house; and they worked their butts off too. The *only* wrinkle in my experience was that it took several months to actually get the panels. But that seemed to be more of an industry-wide issue, rather than just Certasun's issue. In the end, they gave me slightly higher wattage panels for no extra cost to get my panels installed sooner.
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Nate D, 3 weeks ago
Certasun was fantatic. They were honest and transparent throughout the whole process. Sales people were not pushy or annoying. The installers were the nicest contractors I've ever had work on my house; and they worked their butts off too. The *only* wrinkle in my experience was that it took several months to actually get the panels. But that seemed to be more of an industry-wide issue, rather than just Certasun's issue. In the end, they gave me slightly higher wattage panels for no extra cost to get my panels installed sooner.
4.63 31 Reviews
Marie N, over 1 month
We picked Arch to install our solar after shopping around quite a bit. We choose them because they (Stanley specifically) answered my many questions with detail, patience, and was very knowledgeable. There was no pressure like with other companies we got quotes from. Crew was efficient and courteous during installation. There was a small problem with our internet setup connecting with the monitoring system when it was turned on but they came out quickly & had it resolved soon.
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Marie N, over 1 month
We picked Arch to install our solar after shopping around quite a bit. We choose them because they (Stanley specifically) answered my many questions with detail, patience, and was very knowledgeable. There was no pressure like with other companies we got quotes from. Crew was efficient and courteous during installation. There was a small problem with our internet setup connecting with the monitoring system when it was turned on but they came out quickly & had it resolved soon.
4.60 68 Reviews
Ron and Michele, over 1 month
We are extremely impressed with Energy Concepts. They designed and installed a residential solar system that has been functioning perfectly. The system (now in operation for a full year) has exceeded all expectations. Throughout the design and installation process Energy Concepts was consistently professional and they have remained responsive to any questions well after installation. Russel and Claudia represent what we all want from a business, honest and hardworking people who strive for excellence. We thank Energy Concepts for a great experience and give them our highest possible recommendation.
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Ron and Michele, over 1 month
We are extremely impressed with Energy Concepts. They designed and installed a residential solar system that has been functioning perfectly. The system (now in operation for a full year) has exceeded all expectations. Throughout the design and installation process Energy Concepts was consistently professional and they have remained responsive to any questions well after installation. Russel and Claudia represent what we all want from a business, honest and hardworking people who strive for excellence. We thank Energy Concepts for a great experience and give them our highest possible recommendation.
4.53 15 Reviews
Tom Chambers, over 1 month
Very professional. Owner is an expert in this field, and very willing to provide education to staff and students.<br />
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Tom Chambers, over 1 month
Very professional. Owner is an expert in this field, and very willing to provide education to staff and students.<br />
4.50 11 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. These guys were so patient with us. It took us several years before we were ready to commit to such a large expenditure. They told us what they thought would work, not just what we wanted to hear. They installed the system in early December of 2013, during an early, frigid, snowy time. Everything was just what they said it would be. We are now making more electricity than we use! (Or should I say, the sun is making the energy, all we do is smile when we see the sun shining!
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Anonymous, over 1 month
If I could give more than 5 stars I would. These guys were so patient with us. It took us several years before we were ready to commit to such a large expenditure. They told us what they thought would work, not just what we wanted to hear. They installed the system in early December of 2013, during an early, frigid, snowy time. Everything was just what they said it would be. We are now making more electricity than we use! (Or should I say, the sun is making the energy, all we do is smile when we see the sun shining!
4.45 57 Reviews
Halsted, over 1 month
Working with Everlight Solar was a great experience! Especially, working with Graham Gunderson. I felt he understood what we wanted to accomplish with adding solar panels to our home and he tailored the project to our needs. There was great communication throughout the process which was important for us. I highly recommend this company and I have referred them to several friends and family!
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Halsted, over 1 month
Working with Everlight Solar was a great experience! Especially, working with Graham Gunderson. I felt he understood what we wanted to accomplish with adding solar panels to our home and he tailored the project to our needs. There was great communication throughout the process which was important for us. I highly recommend this company and I have referred them to several friends and family!
4.44 15 Reviews
Michael O., over 1 month
I was at first a bit nervous going with Northstar due to how much smaller and newer they were compared to some of the much larger Solar guys that are out there. However they know their stuff, I and am overall glad that I chose to go with them. Explanation of the upfront quote and options was way more detailed (in a good way) than other suppliers. Pricing is also competitive. We ran into a few minor road bumps along the way, but Frank (the owner) ultimately listened to our concerns and made things right. Our system has been up and running for 6+ months and is working great. Good, legitimate small-business company that is local.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$22,250 ($4.45 per watt)
Michael O., over 1 month
I was at first a bit nervous going with Northstar due to how much smaller and newer they were compared to some of the much larger Solar guys that are out there. However they know their stuff, I and am overall glad that I chose to go with them. Explanation of the upfront quote and options was way more detailed (in a good way) than other suppliers. Pricing is also competitive. We ran into a few minor road bumps along the way, but Frank (the owner) ultimately listened to our concerns and made things right. Our system has been up and running for 6+ months and is working great. Good, legitimate small-business company that is local.
4.42 11 Reviews
Pete M, over 1 month
The installers were quick and professional. Customer service is excellent. Any questions were answered and easy to understand.
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Pete M, over 1 month
The installers were quick and professional. Customer service is excellent. Any questions were answered and easy to understand.
4.42 28 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
Installing solar on our farm has always been a dream for us. We were thrilled to work with H&H solar to make that dream a reality. We chose H&H based on their partnerships with other farmers that we knew. Our experience with staff at H&H was exceptional. We never felt like just another "number". For the entire duration of our project, we felt like H&H gave us their utmost attention and commitment. We would undoubtedly recommend H&H solar.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
Installing solar on our farm has always been a dream for us. We were thrilled to work with H&H solar to make that dream a reality. We chose H&H based on their partnerships with other farmers that we knew. Our experience with staff at H&H was exceptional. We never felt like just another "number". For the entire duration of our project, we felt like H&H gave us their utmost attention and commitment. We would undoubtedly recommend H&H solar.
Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing - Provides loans up to $20,000 with low interest rate terms up to 15 years.