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.
Showing data for:
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.
4.84 471 Reviews
P Bohacek, 1 week ago
We had a great experience with All Energy Solar. The installation team was efficient and comprehensive, finishing their work exactly on time. The project leads provided clear and professional communication so we always knew where the install was at and what to expect. The inspector showed up the day after the install was complete so presumably the team's external communications were also prompt and clear.
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P Bohacek, 1 week ago
We had a great experience with All Energy Solar. The installation team was efficient and comprehensive, finishing their work exactly on time. The project leads provided clear and professional communication so we always knew where the install was at and what to expect. The inspector showed up the day after the install was complete so presumably the team's external communications were also prompt and clear.
4.76 166 Reviews
Vern, over 1 month
I was very happy with Certasun and their work in designing and installing my solar power system. Questions I had were answered very quickly. It took less than a day for the installation and then less than 2 weeks to have the system inspected and approved and then have the power company comvert my account to net metering. Certasun handled all of the permitting process and all interactions with the power company and it all went smoothly. Overall it was a very good experience with Certasun.
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Vern, over 1 month
I was very happy with Certasun and their work in designing and installing my solar power system. Questions I had were answered very quickly. It took less than a day for the installation and then less than 2 weeks to have the system inspected and approved and then have the power company comvert my account to net metering. Certasun handled all of the permitting process and all interactions with the power company and it all went smoothly. Overall it was a very good experience with Certasun.
4.65 21 Reviews
Barb, 6 days ago
Centauri is a wonderful company! Very professional yet friendly, gave a fair price, kept in touch, did the work efficiently and skillfully while being responsive to what I needed. Everything was great in every way!
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Barb, 6 days ago
Centauri is a wonderful company! Very professional yet friendly, gave a fair price, kept in touch, did the work efficiently and skillfully while being responsive to what I needed. Everything was great in every way!
4.63 31 Reviews
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.
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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.
4.60 68 Reviews
Ron and Michele, over 1 month
We are extremely impressed with Energy Concepts. They designed and installed a residential solar system that has been functioning perfectly. The system (now in operation for a full year) has exceeded all expectations. Throughout the design and installation process Energy Concepts was consistently professional and they have remained responsive to any questions well after installation. Russel and Claudia represent what we all want from a business, honest and hardworking people who strive for excellence. We thank Energy Concepts for a great experience and give them our highest possible recommendation.
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Ron and Michele, over 1 month
We are extremely impressed with Energy Concepts. They designed and installed a residential solar system that has been functioning perfectly. The system (now in operation for a full year) has exceeded all expectations. Throughout the design and installation process Energy Concepts was consistently professional and they have remained responsive to any questions well after installation. Russel and Claudia represent what we all want from a business, honest and hardworking people who strive for excellence. We thank Energy Concepts for a great experience and give them our highest possible recommendation.
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 />
4.53 84 Reviews
Mike , 1 week ago
The installation started on time and was completed quickly. Great installation crew !
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Mike , 1 week ago
The installation started on time and was completed quickly. Great installation crew !
4.50 11 Reviews
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!
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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!
4.40 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.
Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing - Provides loans up to $20,000 with low interest rate terms up to 15 years.