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
29 solar companies in Wisconsin provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.87 515 Reviews
Bennett, 2 weeks ago
The team that installed our panels were great people. Helpful, competent, and with good senses of humor. Yea. AES for their employees!
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Bennett, 2 weeks ago
The team that installed our panels were great people. Helpful, competent, and with good senses of humor. Yea. AES for their employees!
4.73 662 Reviews
Joshua Bentley, over 1 month
They worked with me so professionally. The only slowdowns were on consumer end and they were so patient and polite. Tulsa shine solar office. Hmm. ;) Excellent work lads and lassies.
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Joshua Bentley, over 1 month
They worked with me so professionally. The only slowdowns were on consumer end and they were so patient and polite. Tulsa shine solar office. Hmm. ;) Excellent work lads and lassies.
4.68 171 Reviews
Luis Rodríguez, 2 weeks ago
It’s been more that 4 months that this whole process started, they installed the panels in the third month, wait one month for the inspection, and they did not do it right, because the inspection didn’t pass, 2 weeks after still waiting for them to fix the issues. I regretted picking this company for my solar system. Today like many sunny days for the past 44 days the panel in the roof not producing anything they are just getting the sun for nothing.
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Luis Rodríguez, 2 weeks ago
It’s been more that 4 months that this whole process started, they installed the panels in the third month, wait one month for the inspection, and they did not do it right, because the inspection didn’t pass, 2 weeks after still waiting for them to fix the issues. I regretted picking this company for my solar system. Today like many sunny days for the past 44 days the panel in the roof not producing anything they are just getting the sun for nothing.
Dave Wagner, over 1 month
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4.54 89 Reviews
Larry Flannery, 1 week ago
Fast & extremely efficient everyone was very friendly & helpful to helping us to understand every step
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Larry Flannery, 1 week ago
Fast & extremely efficient everyone was very friendly & helpful to helping us to understand every step
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 1,953 Reviews
Landon, 3 weeks ago
I had applied to a door to door sales position and scheduled a 1-1 zoom call from 1:50pm-2:10pm wed 10/30/2024. Interviewer never showed up. Didn't even bother to communicate if something came up. How can you trust a company that doesn't care about its employees... waisted 20min of my time.
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Landon, 3 weeks ago
I had applied to a door to door sales position and scheduled a 1-1 zoom call from 1:50pm-2:10pm wed 10/30/2024. Interviewer never showed up. Didn't even bother to communicate if something came up. How can you trust a company that doesn't care about its employees... waisted 20min of my time.
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.
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