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Solar panels in Wisconsin
Wisconsin currently ranks 23rd in the country for solar energy generation, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). The state aims to be carbon-free by 2050, with the solar industry playing a large role.
Investing in solar energy for your home or business can be a big decision. Solar panels can lower your energy bills and help you become less dependent on the power grid. Keep reading to learn more about the advantages of switching to solar for your Wisconsin home.
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Cost of solar panels in Wisconsin
The total cost of residential solar systems can vary depending on your location, roof condition, energy usage, system size, and other factors. Based on data from Find Energy, the average price per watt for solar panel installation in Wisconsin is $3.88. This cost is higher than the U.S. average price per watt of $3.67, per the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
Based on the state’s average system size of 6 kilowatts (kW), the total cost of a Wisconsin solar system is about $23,280 before incentives. Your solar panel installation costs will vary based on the system components and configuration. The following table shows a range of system sizes and prices using the average $3.88 price per watt.
| System size | Total cost |
|---|---|
| 4 kW | $15,520 |
| 5 kW | $19,400 |
| 6 kW | $23,280 |
| 7 kW | $27,160 |
| 8 kW | $31,040 |
Solar incentives and rebates in Wisconsin
Solar panels come with a high price tag, but Wisconsin solar incentives and tax credits can help make the purchase more affordable.
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | This federal solar incentive offers a 30% tax credit to reduce the total cost of your green energy investment. The credit applies to systems purchased until 2032, decreasing to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034. It will expire in 2035 unless renewed. |
| Focus on Energy rebates | Focus on Energy is an organization partnering with Wisconsin utility companies to provide rebates for up to $500 to qualifying customers in eligible ZIP codes. |
| Tax exemptions | Wisconsin residents do not have to pay sales or additional property taxes for solar purchases. |
| Net metering | Net metering Wisconsin’s net metering policy allows homeowners to exchange their excess solar power for credits on electricity bills. |
Solar incentives in Milwaukee
The city of Milwaukee offers solar loans for up to $20,000 to residents installing solar panel systems up to 6 kW in size. It can cover the system purchase, installation, regulatory fees or structural or roofing work needed before installation. Loans can be repaid for up to 15 years. Visit the government website for more information.
Solar incentives in Madison
Madison has a city initiative, MadiSUN, offering solar grants and programs for homeowners and businesses. The Backyard Solar Grant provides funding for up to 20% of the solar project cost for non-profits or affordable housing providers installing solar panels. It has a maximum grant amount of $10,000 for installations of less than 75 kW. Solar installations larger than 75 kW can receive a maximum grant of $20,000. Grant recipients have 12 months to complete their solar installation, and the program has $50,000 of available funding. MadiSUN also has a group purchasing program for those interested in residential solar to help homeowners find the cheapest available solar bid from local installers.
Solar panel setup
Every solar panel installation is unique, but most setups share a few specific components. These include:
- Solar panels: Solar panels are an essential part of your solar system, capturing sunlight to power your home. Solar cells within the panels convert the sunlight into electricity. Solar panels can be monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or thin-film.
- Inverter: A solar panel inverter converts direct current (DC) power from your system into alternating current (AC) power to run your home’s appliances and outlets.
- Solar battery: This is an optional but wise investment, as the solar battery stores excess energy for later use or for selling back to the electricity grid.
Are you interested in solar?
Wisconsin residents stand to benefit in big ways from installing solar panels, but there’s a lot to consider. If you’re interested but unsure where to start, call the number on your screen to connect with one of our solar experts today.
Solar energy in Wisconsin may help lower your electric bills
You can save thousands on electricity bills by switching to solar panels for your home. For example, if you install a 6 kW solar system in Wisconsin priced at $3.88 per watt, the total cost after applying the federal solar tax credit is $16,296. Based on Wisconsin’s average monthly electric bill of $112.75, the solar system will take about 12 years to pay for itself. Over the lifespan of your solar system — typically 25–30 years — you could save thousands on energy bills.
It’s also worth noting solar panels represent an investment in your home value. Adding a solar array can increase your home value by about $15,000, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Energy independence in Wisconsin
A major benefit of solar power is energy independence, meaning you won’t only rely on the traditional electricity grid to power your home. Powering your home with solar helps you become less vulnerable to price hikes during periods of high demand.
If energy independence is important to you, consider adding a solar battery to your system. Solar batteries store excess energy for later use and can help you maintain power during a blackout. Having a battery or solar generator can prove handy during a Wisconsin winter storm.
Wisconsin’s net metering program can further reduce your electricity cost by allowing you to sell excess energy back to your utility for energy bill credits.
How to buy solar panels in Wisconsin
Adding solar to your roof is a significant investment. Homeowners should ensure their system can function efficiently to get their full money’s worth. Here are several important considerations to make before installing a solar system in Wisconsin.
- Roof angle and condition: South-facing roofs with 15–40 degree slopes are optimal for solar panels. If you have an old or damaged roof, you should make any necessary repairs before installing solar panels.
- Direct sunlight: Solar panels are most efficient when they receive at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. Consider removing any objects casting shade on your roof.
- HOA or community rules: Homeowners’ associations (HOAs) cannot prohibit solar panels in Wisconsin. Check with your HOA or other organization for any guidelines, and let your installer know so they can help you work through them.
Call the number on your screen if you are ready to start your solar journey today.
How should I pay for my solar panels?
Buying solar in Wisconsin is a major investment, and it’s important to research the pros and cons of each financing option.
| Buying option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Cash purchase | Higher return on investment, shorter payback period, ownership, eligible for tax incentives, save on energy bills | High initial costs |
| Solar loan | Lower upfront costs, eligible for tax incentives, save on energy bills, ownership | Interest fees, interest rate impacted by credit score |
| Solar lease | Little to no upfront cost, fixed monthly rates, no maintenance | Lower long-term savings, no ownership, ineligible for tax credits |
| Power purchase agreement | Little to no upfront cost, only pay for kWh of energy used, no maintenance | Long-term contract, subject to rate increases or early termination fees, no ownership, ineligible for tax credits |
| Community solar | No upfront costs, power home with clean energy, electric bill savings | No ownership |
Solar panel companies
Choosing the right solar installer is an important part of your solar journey. You should compare reviews, products, pricing, experience and other factors when selecting a solar company. Here are some of the top solar installers in Wisconsin to consider when researching your options.
| Solar installer | Year founded | Financing options | Warranty terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunrun | 2007 | Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease | 10-year quality warranty; customers who lease their systems receive coverage on maintenance and monitoring |
| Drews Solar | 2016 | No in-house financing. Offers local financing partnerships and recommendations | 20-25 years on solar panel brand |
| Home Team Energy | 2019 | Purchasing and financing systems | 25-year quality-of-work warranty and 25-year manufacturer guarantee |
The future of energy is solar in Wisconsin
Although only 1.88% of Wisconsin’s electricity currently comes from solar power, the state’s solar energy industry growth is on the rise. Several large retailers in the state, such as Ikea and Target, have adopted solar energy. The number of residential installations has also increased with efforts to meet carbon-free goals.
The SEIA predicts Wisconsin will rise to 11th in the country for solar energy generation in the next five years, installing 4,630 more megawatts of solar. No matter the pace of change in the Badger State, residents stand to benefit from solar panels in Wisconsin right now. This renewable energy source helps homeowners reduce their carbon footprint and increase their energy independence, leading to greater savings and environmental impact in the long run.
Solar energy FAQs
How many people use solar energy in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has installed 1,217 MW of solar thus far, which is enough to power 198,308 homes. The state is projected to increase solar capacity by 4,630 MW over the next five years.
How does solar power help the environment?
Traditional electricity generation emits harmful greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which pollute the air and water, contributing to climate change. As a green energy source, solar power does not produce harmful emissions after the panels are manufactured, making it a clean energy alternative. It is also a renewable energy source, meaning it cannot be depleted like fossil fuels.
Should I buy or lease solar panels?
Buying solar panels creates the most significant long-term savings and may increase the value of your home. The upfront costs of buying or financing a solar loan are not for every budget. Leasing solar panels may be an option for people who want lower upfront costs. However, in a solar lease, you are not the owner and are not eligible for incentives.
What percent of Wisconsin energy production is solar?
Solar power is responsible for 1.88% of Wisconsin’s electricity generation. The state’s primary renewable source is hydropower, providing roughly 4% of total generation.