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
32 solar companies in Wisconsin provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.85 328 Reviews
Latest review
AES customer in South Minneapoli, 1 week ago
The whole process went smoothly and we are very happy with our system. We are thinking of getting electric car & heat exchanger system and adding another system to cover the extra use.
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Latest review
AES customer in South Minneapoli, 1 week ago
The whole process went smoothly and we are very happy with our system. We are thinking of getting electric car & heat exchanger system and adding another system to cover the extra use.
4.81 65 Reviews
Latest review
tummala_reddy@hotmail.com, 1 week ago
I had a very good experience with Certasun going through my first ever solar installation. Paul was less of a sales person than a solar evangelist giving me the confidence to move forward with the solar project. Their team of project management handled all aspects of site assessment and obtaining required permits much faster than anticipated. Installation of the panels and net-metering connection was well organized and executed in half-day. Everyone I interacted with were very knowledgeable and patient to answer my questions very thoroughly.
Read more
Latest review
tummala_reddy@hotmail.com, 1 week ago
I had a very good experience with Certasun going through my first ever solar installation. Paul was less of a sales person than a solar evangelist giving me the confidence to move forward with the solar project. Their team of project management handled all aspects of site assessment and obtaining required permits much faster than anticipated. Installation of the panels and net-metering connection was well organized and executed in half-day. Everyone I interacted with were very knowledgeable and patient to answer my questions very thoroughly.
4.73 164 Reviews
Latest review
J. Tate, 2 weeks ago
Very professional employees!! Lindsey was great!! She’s was very responsive. Audrey was phenomenal as well. She kept me in loop of things and the daily status of my install. Ann was an awesome salesperson. Her customer service was great… Didn’t fell any pressure. Great company!!
Read more
Latest review
J. Tate, 2 weeks ago
Very professional employees!! Lindsey was great!! She’s was very responsive. Audrey was phenomenal as well. She kept me in loop of things and the daily status of my install. Ann was an awesome salesperson. Her customer service was great… Didn’t fell any pressure. Great company!!
4.67 27 Reviews
Latest review
Max, 1 week ago
They came well repaired for the install like a well oiled machine
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Latest review
Max, 1 week ago
They came well repaired for the install like a well oiled machine
4.65 24 Reviews
Latest review
Rashad & Cassie M, 2 weeks ago
From our very first interaction with the energy consultant, Garret Sorensen, to our final install commissioning with Megan and Dave, we had a wonderful experience working with Solar Connection. Garrett was extremely knowledgeable and demonstrated an obvious passion for renewable energy. It was clear why several of our friends and colleagues have recommended Solar Connection. We would highly recommend contacting Solar Connection to learn more about solar panels and the process.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,550 ($4.11 per watt)
Latest review
Rashad & Cassie M, 2 weeks ago
From our very first interaction with the energy consultant, Garret Sorensen, to our final install commissioning with Megan and Dave, we had a wonderful experience working with Solar Connection. Garrett was extremely knowledgeable and demonstrated an obvious passion for renewable energy. It was clear why several of our friends and colleagues have recommended Solar Connection. We would highly recommend contacting Solar Connection to learn more about solar panels and the process.
4.63 31 Reviews
Latest review
Marie N, 1 week ago
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, 1 week ago
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!
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!
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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