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
31 solar companies in Wisconsin provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.87 357 Reviews
Latest review
Matt, 8 hours ago
The folks at All Energy were very helpful and informative during the entire process. I was happy with the entire experience and recommend them to all my friends considering solar.
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Latest review
Matt, 8 hours ago
The folks at All Energy were very helpful and informative during the entire process. I was happy with the entire experience and recommend them to all my friends considering solar.
4.81 75 Reviews
Latest review
Jania, 2 weeks ago
I was pleased with every element of this solar project. It started from the discussion with sales to answer questions and provide my proposal. Then to the communication during the process from site inspection to full installation. Everyone was on-time, accurate and professional. Then it ended with the electrician meeting our city inspector for final approval. All went smoothly. The only complaint was that I was only sent an email about how to access the monitoring APP, but was not given any instructions how to use it or what it means. Overall very happy.
Read more
Latest review
Jania, 2 weeks ago
I was pleased with every element of this solar project. It started from the discussion with sales to answer questions and provide my proposal. Then to the communication during the process from site inspection to full installation. Everyone was on-time, accurate and professional. Then it ended with the electrician meeting our city inspector for final approval. All went smoothly. The only complaint was that I was only sent an email about how to access the monitoring APP, but was not given any instructions how to use it or what it means. Overall very happy.
4.74 188 Reviews
Latest review
Tammy, 1 day ago
Sun Badger Solar has been great. Employees are excited about what they are doing and are very knowledgeable. Employees like who they work for and are supplied with all the tools they need to do the job. They are incredibly communicative. I was very impressed with the level of communication they provided up front about the process, how long it takes, what setbacks might be encountered, and were communicative throughout the process about next steps. They even tried to be careful while working in my garden!
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Latest review
Tammy, 1 day ago
Sun Badger Solar has been great. Employees are excited about what they are doing and are very knowledgeable. Employees like who they work for and are supplied with all the tools they need to do the job. They are incredibly communicative. I was very impressed with the level of communication they provided up front about the process, how long it takes, what setbacks might be encountered, and were communicative throughout the process about next steps. They even tried to be careful while working in my garden!
4.66 43 Reviews
Latest review
Jeremy , over 1 month
The EverlightSolar team should up and were very professional. They answered all the questions we had and made everything very smooth. Very easy to work with.
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Latest review
Jeremy , over 1 month
The EverlightSolar team should up and were very professional. They answered all the questions we had and made everything very smooth. Very easy to work with.
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.
4.57 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 />
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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!
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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!
4.46 9 Reviews
Latest review
Ryan R, over 1 month
I had always found solar really interesting but didn't understand how to do it or the ROI. Olson Solar made it super easy and an extremely painless, fast process. If you're in WI, call these guys first. Reliable and efficient.
Read more
Latest review
Ryan R, over 1 month
I had always found solar really interesting but didn't understand how to do it or the ROI. Olson Solar made it super easy and an extremely painless, fast process. If you're in WI, call these guys first. Reliable and efficient.
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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