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
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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 2021
10.4kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Wisconsin
29 solar companies in Wisconsin provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.86 305 Reviews
Latest review
Jeff Rakers, 2 days ago
My wife and I chose All Energy Solar for our solar installation and am happy to recommend them to anyone considering solar for their home. They did a great job of helping lead us through the process, providing all the technical, financial and utility company related information my wife and I needed in an understandable and professional manner. We never felt pressured or unsafe, even doing this in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The installation was easy and efficient and I was kept in the loop all the way. David D'Onofrio did a great job explaining the details of the system and the proposal, and after we went with All Energy Solar, Carlo Maloni did a great job as the Project Manager keeping us up to speed on what was happening and what we needed to do. We are very satisfied and glad we chose All Energy Solar! We started exploring our solar options last summer. After getting quotes from 5 different solar installers, reviewing and comparing their offerings and the financing options, All Energy gave us what we found is the right sized system with brand named components at the best value. They pointed us to and helped us with financing options. All of the people we engaged with were great people to deal with, including the designers and installers. So overall a great experience that we are happy with and feel we will be happy with for years to come!
Read more
Latest review
Jeff Rakers, 2 days ago
My wife and I chose All Energy Solar for our solar installation and am happy to recommend them to anyone considering solar for their home. They did a great job of helping lead us through the process, providing all the technical, financial and utility company related information my wife and I needed in an understandable and professional manner. We never felt pressured or unsafe, even doing this in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The installation was easy and efficient and I was kept in the loop all the way. David D'Onofrio did a great job explaining the details of the system and the proposal, and after we went with All Energy Solar, Carlo Maloni did a great job as the Project Manager keeping us up to speed on what was happening and what we needed to do. We are very satisfied and glad we chose All Energy Solar! We started exploring our solar options last summer. After getting quotes from 5 different solar installers, reviewing and comparing their offerings and the financing options, All Energy gave us what we found is the right sized system with brand named components at the best value. They pointed us to and helped us with financing options. All of the people we engaged with were great people to deal with, including the designers and installers. So overall a great experience that we are happy with and feel we will be happy with for years to come!
4.78 56 Reviews
Latest review
Satisfied customer, 2 days ago
My initial conversations with Jennifer and her subsequent help with explaining every detail to our satisfaction convinced us to get the system.
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Latest review
Satisfied customer, 2 days ago
My initial conversations with Jennifer and her subsequent help with explaining every detail to our satisfaction convinced us to get the system.
4.73 142 Reviews
Latest review
Lindsey, 1 week ago
Overall a good experience. Communication could have been a little better during the project. My panels are working great! Can't wait to see my Xcel bill go way down. Brenda was a great salesperson and Lindsey was very helpful after my panels were installed.
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Latest review
Lindsey, 1 week ago
Overall a good experience. Communication could have been a little better during the project. My panels are working great! Can't wait to see my Xcel bill go way down. Brenda was a great salesperson and Lindsey was very helpful after my panels were installed.
4.64 28 Reviews
Latest review
Mark D, over 1 month
We chose Arch Electric because their proposal was clear and concise while including all the relevant information. The panels they use are highly rated. The panel layout was right for our home and the cost per system size was better than the rest in part because the layout was smarter than other companies proposed.
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Latest review
Mark D, over 1 month
We chose Arch Electric because their proposal was clear and concise while including all the relevant information. The panels they use are highly rated. The panel layout was right for our home and the cost per system size was better than the rest in part because the layout was smarter than other companies proposed.
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.
Read more
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!
Latest review
Kim, over 1 month
Made the process very easy.
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.
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.
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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