Summary of Wisconsin solar incentives 2020
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% in 2021. Unless new legislation is introduced in Washington D.C., this program will be gone in 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
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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 2020
10.4kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Wisconsin
26 solar companies in Wisconsin provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.87 279 Reviews
Latest review
Brad Johnson, 1 week ago
AllEnergy Solar of St. Paul, MN had installed a grid-tied solar system on a friend's barn several years ago, and she has raved about it since. When my budget finally allowed, I contacted them to get my own system. AllEnergy did a site survey, looked at a years worth of my electric usage and designed a system to keep my house powered when the grid is down; grid-tied with batteries. I wanted to use a newer kind of batteries - LiFePo4 or LFP for short- which use lithium ferrous phosphate instead of the lithium-ion chemistry. AllEnergy has used Enphase microinverters for a long time, and the company has a great track record for reliability and customer support. I learned that they had developed an entire home energy management system, the Ensemble, which includes LFP storage, so I asked the powers-that-be at AllEnergy to install one on my home. Despite the newness of the system and the fact that they had never installed one before, they agreed. The system is so brand new that getting all the pieces in place to do the install took a while, but in September, the install got done. On the morning of the first day, the equipment arrived for digging the postholes for the ground-mounted solar array and trenching the cable ways from the array to the house. The install team arrived and quickly set to work, operating like a well-oiled machine. They were Luke Everson, lead, with Darion Evasku and Sam Newport as the install team and John McCarthy was the electrician. Despite having to overcome several distinct challenges involving my home's electrical system, the whole operation was done in three days, with an additional couple of visits to provision and update the system once it was up and running. Throughout the process, I was continually impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness of each member of the team. They treated me and my home with utmost respect, observing all the extraordinary safety measures we have come to consider essential these days. When they finished, I had the extreme delight of watching my electric meter spin merrily backwards as the sun lit up my array. From the beginning, AllEnergy has been great! They planned the system, filed building permit applications, connected me with lenders who specialize in solar energy loans, submitted applications for the state incentives and rebates, coordinated with the local utility and basically brought the whole thing together in one seamless operation. My project manager, Nick Judkins, was always available to answer questions and respond to my concerns. AllEnergy solar really is a "one-stop" provider, and I know that I would never have been able to bring my dream of solar power to reality without their help. I'd like to give a special recognition to Brian Allen, one of the founders of AllEnergy Solar, for agreeing to let me be the first of the Ensemble systems his company installed. He embraced my request with "can do" and then made it happen! I strongly recommend AllEnergy Solar!
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Latest review
Brad Johnson, 1 week ago
AllEnergy Solar of St. Paul, MN had installed a grid-tied solar system on a friend's barn several years ago, and she has raved about it since. When my budget finally allowed, I contacted them to get my own system. AllEnergy did a site survey, looked at a years worth of my electric usage and designed a system to keep my house powered when the grid is down; grid-tied with batteries. I wanted to use a newer kind of batteries - LiFePo4 or LFP for short- which use lithium ferrous phosphate instead of the lithium-ion chemistry. AllEnergy has used Enphase microinverters for a long time, and the company has a great track record for reliability and customer support. I learned that they had developed an entire home energy management system, the Ensemble, which includes LFP storage, so I asked the powers-that-be at AllEnergy to install one on my home. Despite the newness of the system and the fact that they had never installed one before, they agreed. The system is so brand new that getting all the pieces in place to do the install took a while, but in September, the install got done. On the morning of the first day, the equipment arrived for digging the postholes for the ground-mounted solar array and trenching the cable ways from the array to the house. The install team arrived and quickly set to work, operating like a well-oiled machine. They were Luke Everson, lead, with Darion Evasku and Sam Newport as the install team and John McCarthy was the electrician. Despite having to overcome several distinct challenges involving my home's electrical system, the whole operation was done in three days, with an additional couple of visits to provision and update the system once it was up and running. Throughout the process, I was continually impressed with the professionalism and thoroughness of each member of the team. They treated me and my home with utmost respect, observing all the extraordinary safety measures we have come to consider essential these days. When they finished, I had the extreme delight of watching my electric meter spin merrily backwards as the sun lit up my array. From the beginning, AllEnergy has been great! They planned the system, filed building permit applications, connected me with lenders who specialize in solar energy loans, submitted applications for the state incentives and rebates, coordinated with the local utility and basically brought the whole thing together in one seamless operation. My project manager, Nick Judkins, was always available to answer questions and respond to my concerns. AllEnergy solar really is a "one-stop" provider, and I know that I would never have been able to bring my dream of solar power to reality without their help. I'd like to give a special recognition to Brian Allen, one of the founders of AllEnergy Solar, for agreeing to let me be the first of the Ensemble systems his company installed. He embraced my request with "can do" and then made it happen! I strongly recommend AllEnergy Solar!
4.75 110 Reviews
Latest review
Sree, 1 week ago
I started looking into solar energy in April 2020. In May I finally selected Sun Badger Solar; I like their professionalism and how easy it was to work with them. Pricing was reasonable too. It did take a long time to go from there to the installation on Oct 29th. I give them a pass on this, as these COVID19 times makes everything challenging. After installation, the inspections and the work by WE Energies to install the new meter took place very quickly, and I was up and running on Nov 11th. I did not have to worry about paperwork, approvals or dealing with various government agencies. Sun Badger Solar took care of all that - I just had to sign some papers (we did all that online). All in all, I'm very happy with the work.
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Latest review
Sree, 1 week ago
I started looking into solar energy in April 2020. In May I finally selected Sun Badger Solar; I like their professionalism and how easy it was to work with them. Pricing was reasonable too. It did take a long time to go from there to the installation on Oct 29th. I give them a pass on this, as these COVID19 times makes everything challenging. After installation, the inspections and the work by WE Energies to install the new meter took place very quickly, and I was up and running on Nov 11th. I did not have to worry about paperwork, approvals or dealing with various government agencies. Sun Badger Solar took care of all that - I just had to sign some papers (we did all that online). All in all, I'm very happy with the work.
4.61 23 Reviews
Latest review
Blake , over 1 month
Arch Electric installed our roof mounted system and we began generating solar power on June 24th. We had designed the house to eventually go to solar, including conduit for the electrical cabling, so the install only took about 7 hours. Arch handled the paperwork and we have already received our FOCUS ON ENERGY rebate check. Great experience all around.
Read more
Latest review
Blake , over 1 month
Arch Electric installed our roof mounted system and we began generating solar power on June 24th. We had designed the house to eventually go to solar, including conduit for the electrical cabling, so the install only took about 7 hours. Arch handled the paperwork and we have already received our FOCUS ON ENERGY rebate check. Great experience all around.
4.55 61 Reviews
Latest review
Vicki D, over 1 month
We had an amazing experience working with Energy Concepts in Hudson, WI. From start to finish, they were detailed and professional in their proposal and explanations. Russel and Claudia were great to work with. They helped us with our Focus on Energy rebate info and did everything they said they were going to. Our panels are beautiful and absorbing tremendous amounts of energy already! We highly recommend Energy Concepts.
Read more
Latest review
Vicki D, over 1 month
We had an amazing experience working with Energy Concepts in Hudson, WI. From start to finish, they were detailed and professional in their proposal and explanations. Russel and Claudia were great to work with. They helped us with our Focus on Energy rebate info and did everything they said they were going to. Our panels are beautiful and absorbing tremendous amounts of energy already! We highly recommend Energy Concepts.
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 />
4.44 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.
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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.
4.44 11 Reviews
Latest review
Nick, 1 week ago
I am a huge believer in quality and Everlight delivered. Very reaponsive, and very professional.
Read more
Latest review
Nick, 1 week ago
I am a huge believer in quality and Everlight delivered. Very reaponsive, and very professional.
4.42 28 Reviews
Latest review
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.
Read more
Latest review
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.
4.40 36 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
We had a home installation that went very smoothly. Mike from Full Spectrum assisted us with applying for tax credits and in our hookup with the local power company. Things were seamless and we are currently up and fully functional. Staff was friendly and efficient and costs were as predicted. We are very happy with the results so far. Installation was in late December so we are about 3 months out.
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
We had a home installation that went very smoothly. Mike from Full Spectrum assisted us with applying for tax credits and in our hookup with the local power company. Things were seamless and we are currently up and fully functional. Staff was friendly and efficient and costs were as predicted. We are very happy with the results so far. Installation was in late December so we are about 3 months out.
4.38 7 Reviews
Latest review
Randi, over 1 month
Working with Olson Solar Energy was amazing from the quote, through installation, and after install when submitting documentation for the energy rebates. They made it easy for me as the homeowner, which I really appreciate. I highly recommend them if you are looking into adding solar to your home.
Read more
Latest review
Randi, over 1 month
Working with Olson Solar Energy was amazing from the quote, through installation, and after install when submitting documentation for the energy rebates. They made it easy for me as the homeowner, which I really appreciate. I highly recommend them if you are looking into adding solar to your home.
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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