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
27 solar companies in Wisconsin provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.84 481 Reviews
C , 3 days ago
After buying our first home we found that our electric and heating bills were unfathomably high. On average we were using 1500kwh per month and were spending $1,200 to $1,500 per month for oil and electric and it was untenable so after 6 months in our home we decided to look into Solar. The ecofriendly benefits were a bonus but realistically we desperately needed to stabilize our electric cost. I like to get as much information as possible to make the most financially sound decision and get the most bang for my buck. The first go around we received many quotes through Energy Sage, did a ton of research, and ultimately met with 8 different solar reps to review their proposals. We were pleased to learn that our house was somewhat of a golden goose for solar so we encountered so really aggressive salespeople who were promising the moon and 120% production estimates. Outside of the scheduled meetings we were getting doorknockers from newer companies frequently (sometimes multiple times per day) so it was important for me to find a company that had an established history in the business, were transparent, and realistic. Of all of the people we met with Molly Verville from All Energy Solar was the only one to tell me that it would be disingenuous to give us a production guarantee based on 6 months of electric usage data, recommended that we consult with an electrician, change our energy supplier, and prioritize weatherizing our home so that we can get a more accurate proposal. She gave one of the more conservative production estimates and actually raised some concerns about the impact that unnecessarily high production could have on our net metering credits due to some unimplemented legislative changes. I had a ton of questions and she knew her stuff. I never felt like she was trying to obfuscate or that she was just trying to make a quick sale which was a breath of fresh air. We followed her recs which were helpful and 6 months later we decided that buying solar panels still made the most sense and we had more reliable data to work from with updated proposals. We decided to go with All Energy knowing that we may be paying a bit more but would be getting top tier service. After signing our contract we were assigned to work with Carlo Maloni who was a great advocate for us through the process. He kept in communication with us with calls and emails every two weeks to keep us in the loop, ensured that if he didn’t know the answer to a question that he would get us in touch with someone who did, and made sure that we knew ahead of time if there were any potential delays. He coordinated a seamless transition of our project to his manager Annalise for the 2 months while he was on paternity leave, and when he came back he picked things up with us right were we left off fully up to speed. Our panels have been on for almost two months and they were so proactive with startup monitoring that in the first couple of weeks they identified a minor issue before I was even aware of it and their electrician Mike came over the same day to make sure it was fixed. So far our production has been exceeding our consumption and it the monitoring app has been extremely useful for us to be able to identify what is still contributing to high usage. Overall, working with him and everyone from All Energy made this a painless process. I am really happy we chose All Energy and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking to switch to solar.
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C , 3 days ago
After buying our first home we found that our electric and heating bills were unfathomably high. On average we were using 1500kwh per month and were spending $1,200 to $1,500 per month for oil and electric and it was untenable so after 6 months in our home we decided to look into Solar. The ecofriendly benefits were a bonus but realistically we desperately needed to stabilize our electric cost. I like to get as much information as possible to make the most financially sound decision and get the most bang for my buck. The first go around we received many quotes through Energy Sage, did a ton of research, and ultimately met with 8 different solar reps to review their proposals. We were pleased to learn that our house was somewhat of a golden goose for solar so we encountered so really aggressive salespeople who were promising the moon and 120% production estimates. Outside of the scheduled meetings we were getting doorknockers from newer companies frequently (sometimes multiple times per day) so it was important for me to find a company that had an established history in the business, were transparent, and realistic. Of all of the people we met with Molly Verville from All Energy Solar was the only one to tell me that it would be disingenuous to give us a production guarantee based on 6 months of electric usage data, recommended that we consult with an electrician, change our energy supplier, and prioritize weatherizing our home so that we can get a more accurate proposal. She gave one of the more conservative production estimates and actually raised some concerns about the impact that unnecessarily high production could have on our net metering credits due to some unimplemented legislative changes. I had a ton of questions and she knew her stuff. I never felt like she was trying to obfuscate or that she was just trying to make a quick sale which was a breath of fresh air. We followed her recs which were helpful and 6 months later we decided that buying solar panels still made the most sense and we had more reliable data to work from with updated proposals. We decided to go with All Energy knowing that we may be paying a bit more but would be getting top tier service. After signing our contract we were assigned to work with Carlo Maloni who was a great advocate for us through the process. He kept in communication with us with calls and emails every two weeks to keep us in the loop, ensured that if he didn’t know the answer to a question that he would get us in touch with someone who did, and made sure that we knew ahead of time if there were any potential delays. He coordinated a seamless transition of our project to his manager Annalise for the 2 months while he was on paternity leave, and when he came back he picked things up with us right were we left off fully up to speed. Our panels have been on for almost two months and they were so proactive with startup monitoring that in the first couple of weeks they identified a minor issue before I was even aware of it and their electrician Mike came over the same day to make sure it was fixed. So far our production has been exceeding our consumption and it the monitoring app has been extremely useful for us to be able to identify what is still contributing to high usage. Overall, working with him and everyone from All Energy made this a painless process. I am really happy we chose All Energy and I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone looking to switch to solar.
4.74 167 Reviews
Raj Prajapati, 3 days ago
Really great experience. They followed through as promised. Very quick response, very quick service, following the time guideline. They worked with ComEd, helped me with the rebates etc. Their app is pretty good, panels are pretty good as well producing really good energy as promised. I have had it for about 8 months and have no issues so far. They only thing they didn't mention is that you are paying taxes for the rebate money you received and it was a lot (close to $4000 for $18,304 rebate that I received from the state). I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.
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Raj Prajapati, 3 days ago
Really great experience. They followed through as promised. Very quick response, very quick service, following the time guideline. They worked with ComEd, helped me with the rebates etc. Their app is pretty good, panels are pretty good as well producing really good energy as promised. I have had it for about 8 months and have no issues so far. They only thing they didn't mention is that you are paying taxes for the rebate money you received and it was a lot (close to $4000 for $18,304 rebate that I received from the state). I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.
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.
Power, over 1 month
Installation was smooth as promised.
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 />
4.50 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.
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.