Summary of Wisconsin solar incentives 2021
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.
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Wisconsin homeowners
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See what Wisconsin solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Wisconsin solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
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
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% 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 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
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.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Wisconsin after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.4kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
9.4-11.5 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$33,496-$40,939
Average size system installed in WI in 2021
10.4kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Wisconsin
30 solar companies in Wisconsin provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.88 367 Reviews
Latest review
KM, 2 weeks ago
Working with All Energy exceeded my expectations. They were referred to me by a friend for their great customer service and they did not disappoint. Terrific communication through the entire project and their work crew was very courteous and adhered strictly to Covid protocols.
Read more
Latest review
KM, 2 weeks ago
Working with All Energy exceeded my expectations. They were referred to me by a friend for their great customer service and they did not disappoint. Terrific communication through the entire project and their work crew was very courteous and adhered strictly to Covid protocols.
4.75 201 Reviews
Latest review
Timothy Johnson, 4 days ago
We went solar as we have to pay for power no matter what so we decided to go solar as we are paying off the solar panels with the money that we are not paying to the electric company and we also added value to our home. It went very smooth and quickly. I would recommend them.
Read more
Latest review
Timothy Johnson, 4 days ago
We went solar as we have to pay for power no matter what so we decided to go solar as we are paying off the solar panels with the money that we are not paying to the electric company and we also added value to our home. It went very smooth and quickly. I would recommend them.
4.63 31 Reviews
Latest review
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.
Read more
Latest review
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 47 Reviews
Latest review
William J, 2 weeks ago
The panels use poorly made microinverters, which cause RFI galore, as in, they put out a lot of unwanted electrical noise, which affects your radio reception, and sometimes cell phone reception too. After sales was okay at first, but once they realized they couldn't fix the problem, they simply gave up... so, think twice before you give them your hard earned money, b/c should any problem arise, you'll be SOL. Solar panel brand was not disclosed to me, neither was the brand of the micro-inverters. Personally, I regret doing the install with Everlight Solar, and should've known about these panels being so noisy I would've never done it in the first place. Also, given the current outcome of my case, and unless things change, this will be the last time I use EverlightSolar for a solar panel install
Read more
Latest review
William J, 2 weeks ago
The panels use poorly made microinverters, which cause RFI galore, as in, they put out a lot of unwanted electrical noise, which affects your radio reception, and sometimes cell phone reception too. After sales was okay at first, but once they realized they couldn't fix the problem, they simply gave up... so, think twice before you give them your hard earned money, b/c should any problem arise, you'll be SOL. Solar panel brand was not disclosed to me, neither was the brand of the micro-inverters. Personally, I regret doing the install with Everlight Solar, and should've known about these panels being so noisy I would've never done it in the first place. Also, given the current outcome of my case, and unless things change, this will be the last time I use EverlightSolar for a solar panel install
4.57 62 Reviews
Latest review
Jesse Hennum, over 1 month
Energy concepts developed a great plan for our cabin and due to unexpected events beyond their control had to fight through some pretty huge obstacles in this pandemic year. Despite those challenges they completed a beautiful 12 kw project in the expected time frame. Russel is extremely responsive for all questions and concerns.
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Latest review
Jesse Hennum, over 1 month
Energy concepts developed a great plan for our cabin and due to unexpected events beyond their control had to fight through some pretty huge obstacles in this pandemic year. Despite those challenges they completed a beautiful 12 kw project in the expected time frame. Russel is extremely responsive for all questions and concerns.
4.53 15 Reviews
Latest review
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 />
Read more
Latest review
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
Latest review
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!
Read more
Latest review
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!
4.46 16 Reviews
Latest review
M.T. Mondovi, WI, over 1 month
Winona's quote proved the best value of three different quotes I received. They were professional and timely throughout the whole process. I found them to be honest and straightforward. I appreciated the staff's willingness to explain various details before, during and after installation. All members of the team gave the same professional courtesy and personal touch, which I felt confirmed a company with a great culture of service. I would not hesitate to recommend Winona Renewable Energy, in fact I would encourage anyone interested in solar to go with Winona Renewable!
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$19,050 ($3.81 per watt)
Latest review
M.T. Mondovi, WI, over 1 month
Winona's quote proved the best value of three different quotes I received. They were professional and timely throughout the whole process. I found them to be honest and straightforward. I appreciated the staff's willingness to explain various details before, during and after installation. All members of the team gave the same professional courtesy and personal touch, which I felt confirmed a company with a great culture of service. I would not hesitate to recommend Winona Renewable Energy, in fact I would encourage anyone interested in solar to go with Winona Renewable!
4.44 15 Reviews
Latest review
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.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$22,250 ($4.45 per watt)
Latest review
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
Latest review
Pete M, 3 weeks ago
The installers were quick and professional. Customer service is excellent. Any questions were answered and easy to understand.
Read more
Latest review
Pete M, 3 weeks ago
The installers were quick and professional. Customer service is excellent. Any questions were answered and easy to understand.
Useful links
Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing - Provides loans up to $20,000 with low interest rate terms up to 15 years.
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