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.
4.84 469 Reviews
Chris Smith, over 1 month
We first started our adventure with All Energy Solar back in 2020. Carlo did a great job at walking us through everything virtually, from estimating our solar panel output, install cost, and state rebates. We had our install completed in September of 2020 by a very courteous and professional crew. All inspections passed, system worked fine, and we were able to stop paying National Grid after a few months. Fast forward to 2023 - we were in the market for some solar backup batteries. We live in an area prone to power outages due to downed tree branches, so it is common for us to lose power for a couple hours several times a year. Solar is great, but you're still required to be tied to the grid to keep the lights on. Carlo again walked us through the process, making sure we got a system that meets our needs without overselling. All Energy Solar's end of the install went great, as did the inspections. Our only hang-up was that MA state fire code requires a fire resistant closet to be built around the batteries, which meant hiring a different contractor to do that part of the job. This slowed down the process by a few months, but this shouldn't be held against All Energy since this part wasn't affiliated with them. They were quite good about checking up on the progress and trying to help as best they could through all that. Anyways, our batteries are working, everything is up to code, and we run off battery power through the night while retaining a few hours of backup power in case on an outage. Overall, both installs were exactly what we wanted, everything stayed within our budget and worked exactly as we wanted. All our interactions with the staff, whether over the phone or in person, were great. Everything seems to meet our needs for now but if we ever need another upgrade, we know where to look!
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Chris Smith, over 1 month
We first started our adventure with All Energy Solar back in 2020. Carlo did a great job at walking us through everything virtually, from estimating our solar panel output, install cost, and state rebates. We had our install completed in September of 2020 by a very courteous and professional crew. All inspections passed, system worked fine, and we were able to stop paying National Grid after a few months. Fast forward to 2023 - we were in the market for some solar backup batteries. We live in an area prone to power outages due to downed tree branches, so it is common for us to lose power for a couple hours several times a year. Solar is great, but you're still required to be tied to the grid to keep the lights on. Carlo again walked us through the process, making sure we got a system that meets our needs without overselling. All Energy Solar's end of the install went great, as did the inspections. Our only hang-up was that MA state fire code requires a fire resistant closet to be built around the batteries, which meant hiring a different contractor to do that part of the job. This slowed down the process by a few months, but this shouldn't be held against All Energy since this part wasn't affiliated with them. They were quite good about checking up on the progress and trying to help as best they could through all that. Anyways, our batteries are working, everything is up to code, and we run off battery power through the night while retaining a few hours of backup power in case on an outage. Overall, both installs were exactly what we wanted, everything stayed within our budget and worked exactly as we wanted. All our interactions with the staff, whether over the phone or in person, were great. Everything seems to meet our needs for now but if we ever need another upgrade, we know where to look!
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.
4.63 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.
4.62 19 Reviews
Micah, over 1 month
The Centauri team did a great job throughout the project. Everything went well, install looks good, and pricing was very competitive. I recommend!
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Micah, over 1 month
The Centauri team did a great job throughout the project. Everything went well, install looks good, and pricing was very competitive. I recommend!
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 , over 1 month
The installation started on time and was completed quickly. Great installation crew !
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Mike , over 1 month
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.