Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Eau Claire homes. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to choose a reputable solar installer. That’s why we’ve analyzed the options and assembled a guide to the most trustworthy solar installation companies in Eau Claire. These top installers offer high-quality and dependable services.
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners reduce utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re determining whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
It's imperative that your solar installer has the proper licensing. This ensures that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed HVAC contractor or plumber to serve the crew if the work involves heating equipment or potable water. There are fewer restrictions for solar photovoltaic systems, but either the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings or your city government may have to review building plans before you begin.
Check Google Reviews, TrustPilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar installers. Detailed reviews can help you assess a provider's reliability and customer service. Stay away from companies with few or mainly poor reviews.
Call 3–5 solar companies for free, itemized quotes. These quotes should explain all costs and list the solar equipment included. Reviewing multiple quotes helps identify the option that aligns with your budget.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship warranty covers any installation issues such as poor wiring, poor alignment, or cracks in the panels. The performance guarantee ensures a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Solar energy can help lower your energy expenses. Be sure to weigh these aspects when judging the cost and value of solar panels.
In Eau Claire, solar panels cost an average of $3,880 per kilowatt, with an average system size of 7.4 kilowatts. The typical Eau Claire homeowner spends $20,102 on their solar array after federal tax refunds. An estimate from a local provider will take into account additional information based on your desired system's capacity, required preliminary work, size, and panel type. In some cases, homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels to reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system
Incentive Amount:
Clothes dryer: $25/unit
Heat pump clothes dryer: $50/unit
Clothes washer: $25/unit
Dishwashers: $25/unit
Refrigerators: $25/unit
Dehumidifier: $25/unit
Refrigerator/Freezer/Room AC Recycling: $25/unit
Electric Water Heater (75 - 99 Gallons or 85 Gallon Marathon): $125/unit
Electric Water Heater (100+ Gallons or 100 Gallon Marathon): $300/unit
Heat Pump Water Heater: $300/unit
Solar Storage Water Heater: $300/unit
Air Source Heat Pump/Mini-Split Heat Pumps: $200/Ton
Geothermal Heat Pump: $400/Ton
ECM Blower Motor: $35/unit
LED Bulbs: $1
Occupancy Sensor: $5 Each
LED Exit Sign: $5/sign
LED Fixture: $1/800 lumens
Home Performance Evaluation: Up to $100
Home Implementation Incentives: Up to $500
Touchstone Energy Home Program: $500
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) array can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the simplest case, you can use a solar water heater.
There are many benefits to home solar energy. You can save money, reduce emissions, and qualify for tax benefits. With the right storage equipment, solar panels can also give you additional energy security and offer some protection from power outages.
It depends on your home's location and what type of panels you're installing. Eau Claire can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Eau Claire amount to $1,466.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Eau Claire with moderate sunlight, the period could last 13.7 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.
The specific types of maintenance you need will depend on the type of panels you're using. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. A majority of solar contractors in the Eau Claire area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could increase your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
Solar panels are on par with other forms of renewable energy. They have inexpensive upkeep and today's systems can generate and manage energy under more conditions.
