There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
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.
Learn what solar incentives are available to Wisconsin homeowners
See what Wisconsin solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Wisconsin solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Wisconsin
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% 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 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
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.
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:
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.
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Prices based on a 10.4kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
28 solar companies in Wisconsin provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.87 507 Reviews
Solar customer, 3 days ago
Great service and outstanding communication. Very happy with the entire process
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Solar customer, 3 days ago
Great service and outstanding communication. Very happy with the entire process
4.72 170 Reviews
Kim H, 6 days ago
*this review will be updated* This may be an OK company to work with at some point after all of the dust settles with their previous, exclusive systems supplier, SunPower. When we got the system installed originally in November of 2023, everything was rather smooth. The buying process with Certasun and a 3rd party lender was somewhat cumbersome since everything wasn't handled in-house but it wasn't unlike finding your own lending solutions for other large purchases. Our system worked as-advertised and out-performed specs during the early summer months--a common expectation during long, sunny days. Until one day, I noticed our system seemed to be hit-or-miss. My customer experience (CX) in dealing with post-sales support has been horrendous. Our system has had complete, catastrophic failure going into its 4th consecutive month (as of the author date of this review), we have had 2 separate crews from Certasun out here to reaffirm proper installation. Then they have the audacity to give me an excuse that the power supplied from ComEd is outside of spec (how can they explain that when it's the very same supply ComEd was providing us and those around us earlier?). Now, I'm here waiting on 2-3 day response times to emails to their customer success manager (Bill Wayne) and owner of the company (Josh Lutton) on copy. It's pathetic and such a shame because I contracted with CertaSun due to a handful of recommendations from nearby neighbors in Grosse Pointe Village--their systems are several years older and must've been using batches of equipment prior to SunPower's downfall. I have requested that our system built out of the defunct SunPower panels, inverters, monitoring equipment, etc. be replaced with their latest vendors to which they've declined to respond to in any of my inquiries. It won't be long until I build a case to bring against the firm.
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Kim H, 6 days ago
*this review will be updated* This may be an OK company to work with at some point after all of the dust settles with their previous, exclusive systems supplier, SunPower. When we got the system installed originally in November of 2023, everything was rather smooth. The buying process with Certasun and a 3rd party lender was somewhat cumbersome since everything wasn't handled in-house but it wasn't unlike finding your own lending solutions for other large purchases. Our system worked as-advertised and out-performed specs during the early summer months--a common expectation during long, sunny days. Until one day, I noticed our system seemed to be hit-or-miss. My customer experience (CX) in dealing with post-sales support has been horrendous. Our system has had complete, catastrophic failure going into its 4th consecutive month (as of the author date of this review), we have had 2 separate crews from Certasun out here to reaffirm proper installation. Then they have the audacity to give me an excuse that the power supplied from ComEd is outside of spec (how can they explain that when it's the very same supply ComEd was providing us and those around us earlier?). Now, I'm here waiting on 2-3 day response times to emails to their customer success manager (Bill Wayne) and owner of the company (Josh Lutton) on copy. It's pathetic and such a shame because I contracted with CertaSun due to a handful of recommendations from nearby neighbors in Grosse Pointe Village--their systems are several years older and must've been using batches of equipment prior to SunPower's downfall. I have requested that our system built out of the defunct SunPower panels, inverters, monitoring equipment, etc. be replaced with their latest vendors to which they've declined to respond to in any of my inquiries. It won't be long until I build a case to bring against the firm.
4.56 88 Reviews
Happy Homeowner, over 1 month
The entire team showed up on time, was polite and professional and were done in less than four hours. Liam, Oliver, David, Levi, Jason, Nathan, Josh, August were all friendly and efficient. Our salesperson, Graham even showed up and guided me through setting up the app. Great job Everlight!
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Happy Homeowner, over 1 month
The entire team showed up on time, was polite and professional and were done in less than four hours. Liam, Oliver, David, Levi, Jason, Nathan, Josh, August were all friendly and efficient. Our salesperson, Graham even showed up and guided me through setting up the app. Great job Everlight!
Dave Wagner, over 1 month
See Attached
4.53 15 Reviews
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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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 />
4.52 1,948 Reviews
Johnathan Williams, 1 week ago
Had panels installed last October and my utility company dragged their feet connecting it, but finally did so in early January. After almost a whole year i am happy to say that I am no longer worried about these coming rate hikes because my system covers my bill! Fixed payments for me! Sure my initial payments were a little higher than my average by a tad but it's an INVESTMENT!
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Johnathan Williams, 1 week ago
Had panels installed last October and my utility company dragged their feet connecting it, but finally did so in early January. After almost a whole year i am happy to say that I am no longer worried about these coming rate hikes because my system covers my bill! Fixed payments for me! Sure my initial payments were a little higher than my average by a tad but it's an INVESTMENT!
4.45 32 Reviews
Kristi, over 1 month
We had our 30 panel system installed in July of 2023. Arch did a great job and I have no problems with their product or installation. But I would recommend installing solar panels on newer roofs. Our roof was about 15 years old at the time and with panels rated for a 25-30 year life span, be sure to understand the cost of having panels removed and reinstalled when a roof needs to be re-shingled. When we bought through Arch we asked that question and were told by the sales rep that it was around $4000. In July of 2024 we had to have our roof shingles replaced due to hail damage, and Arch Electric charged $14,700 to have the panels removed and reinstalled. Luckily our insurance covered the cost but if that was not the case, this would have negated any long-term financial benefits of a solar system.
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Kristi, over 1 month
We had our 30 panel system installed in July of 2023. Arch did a great job and I have no problems with their product or installation. But I would recommend installing solar panels on newer roofs. Our roof was about 15 years old at the time and with panels rated for a 25-30 year life span, be sure to understand the cost of having panels removed and reinstalled when a roof needs to be re-shingled. When we bought through Arch we asked that question and were told by the sales rep that it was around $4000. In July of 2024 we had to have our roof shingles replaced due to hail damage, and Arch Electric charged $14,700 to have the panels removed and reinstalled. Luckily our insurance covered the cost but if that was not the case, this would have negated any long-term financial benefits of a solar system.
4.40 36 Reviews
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.
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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.
4.35 21 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
Steve and John were very helpful and professional from the beginning to the end on my solar panel project, the installation process went well and without any added costs. Their crew were also very professional, it sure is nice not having a electric bill.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
Steve and John were very helpful and professional from the beginning to the end on my solar panel project, the installation process went well and without any added costs. Their crew were also very professional, it sure is nice not having a electric bill.
4.35 22 Reviews
Dani, over 1 month
I had an awesome experience with Greenify Energy Savers. My upgrades included: window installation, solar panels, electric panel upgrade, attic insulation and radiant barrier. Wyck and Marleen were available and trustworthy throughout the process. Their team always showed up as planned, and did great work. The actual price matched the bid with different financing options, no surprises. Feels nice to run off the sun :)
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Dani, over 1 month
I had an awesome experience with Greenify Energy Savers. My upgrades included: window installation, solar panels, electric panel upgrade, attic insulation and radiant barrier. Wyck and Marleen were available and trustworthy throughout the process. Their team always showed up as planned, and did great work. The actual price matched the bid with different financing options, no surprises. Feels nice to run off the sun :)
Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing - Provides loans up to $20,000 with low interest rate terms up to 15 years.