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10 Best Solar Companies in Milwaukee, WI

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Milwaukee homes. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to hire a reputable solar installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and compiled a guide to the most trustworthy solar Installers in Milwaukee. These top providers offer high-quality and dependable services.

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Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Milwaukee

Arch Solar

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1553 S 38th St Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53215 (414) 444-2724 archelec.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Battery storage
Grid-tied solar system

Full Spectrum Solar

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2110 Pewaukee Rd Suite 103, Waukesha, WI 53188 (262) 216-6033 fullspectrumsolar.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Consultation
Permit assistance
Panel installation
Battery storage

Midwest Solutions Inc

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372 North Ave, Antioch, IL 60002 (888) 751-4511 midwestsolutions.info

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Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Consultation
Panel installation

Endries Solar And Electric

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200 S Business Park Dr Suite 5, Oostburg, WI 53070 (920) 889-8955 endriessolarandelectric.com

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance

Arch Electric Inc

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1237 Pilgrim Rd, Plymouth, WI 53073 (920) 893-8388 archelec.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Services Offered

Grid-tied solar system
Cleaning and maintenance
Battery storage
Panel installation

Solar Brite Ltd

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3613 SE Overton Dr, Richmond, IL 60071 (847) 417-8154 solarbrite.net

Clear pricing policy

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Services Offered

Panel installation
Skilled repairs

ilumen Solar

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4 N Hillview Dr C, Lake Barrington, IL 60010 (847) 852-3370 ilumen-solar.com

Informative resources

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Permit assistance
Consultation
Battery storage
Grid-tied solar system
Skilled repairs
Panel installation
Financing assistance

Certasun

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1582 Barclay Blvd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089 (312) 638-0800 certasun.com

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Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

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Consultation
Panel installation
Permit assistance
Battery storage
Financing assistance

Smart Sky Solar

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250 Parkway Dr Ste 150, Lincolnshire, IL 60069 (224) 219-0544 smartskysolar.com

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Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

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Consultation
Battery storage
Panel installation

SolarW - Solar Panel Installer

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1376 Cavell Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035 (224) 707-9003 solarpanelshighlandpark.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Panel installation
Cleaning and maintenance
Today's Homeowner Ranking Methodology

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:

  • Company Experience
  • Real User Reviews
  • Company Reputation
  • Accreditations and Licenses
  • Service Area
  • Customer Service
Have questions about our methodology or company ratings? Reach out to FindAPro@TodaysHomeowner.com.

How To Choose a Solar Company

Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while helping the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re deciding whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.

Check Licensing

Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This helps ensure that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed HVAC contractor or plumber to be a part of 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.

Read Customer Reviews

Check consumer review platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Google Reviews to see feedback from past customers about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you assess a company's dependability and level of service. Use caution with installers that have no reviews or mostly negative ones.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 solar companies. The quotes should describe all costs and identify the solar parts included. Comparing several quotes can help you find the most cost-effective option.

Ask About the Warranty

Quality solar installations should have strong workmanship and performance warranties. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as poor wiring, cracks in the panels, or poor alignment), while a performance guarantee ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees demonstrate a company's confidence in its work.

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar panels can help decrease your electricity costs long-term. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.

  • Compare system purchase options: Solar panels may be paid for outright or financed over time through leases or loans. Verify all terms when financing, such as fees, annual percentage rate (APR), payment schedule, and ownership implications.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: There’s a 26% federal tax credit available for total solar system costs until 2032. Many states also provide incentives. The credits can add up to significant savings for solar buyers.
  • Look into utility rebates: Local power companies may have extra financial benefits to encourage homeowners to go solar. Review the requirements to qualify and the rebate amounts with your local provider to figure out your potential savings.

Cost of Solar Installation in Milwaukee

The average Milwaukee homeowner will spend around $19,244 on a home solar system after federal tax refunds. Solar arrays in Milwaukee cost approximately $3,880 per kilowatt, with an average size of 7.1 kilowatts. An estimate from a local solar provider will include costs for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor, and will account for your system's size, panel type, and capacity. Some homeowners prefer to lease their solar panels to reduce upfront costs.

Milwaukee Solar Incentives Guide

Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive

Website: revenue.wi.gov

Incentive Amount:

100% exemption from sales and use tax for eligible purchases

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: focusonenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Solar PV: Residential - $200 per kW
Business - 0-5 kW: $200 per kW
5-10 kW: $1000 + $150 per kW over 5
10-100 kW: $1750 + $125 per kW over 10
100-300 kW: $13000 + $100 per kW over 100
300-500 kW: $33000 + $85 per kW over 300

Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive

Incentive Amount:

100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system

Incentive Type: Loan Program

Website: city.milwaukee.gov

Incentive Amount:

$20,000

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive Amount:

30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Milwaukee, WI

A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric system or appliance in your home. A more specific example is installing a solar water heating system.

With home solar energy, you can recoup the cost of the system over time, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.

It depends on where you live and what type of panels you're installing. Milwaukee can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the springtime to maximize your generation for the year.

Absolutely. The grid in Milwaukee already uses a large share of renewable energy sources, and you may be able to sell your excess generated energy to your utility for additional cost savings.

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 Milwaukee amount to $1,631.

With respect to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. As for insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should consult with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.

Some frequently-used types of home solar panels in Milwaukee include polycrystalline, thin-film and monocrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are balanced and efficient, while polycrystalline and thin-film panels pair good performance with greater upfront value. Ask your local provider about which solar panels they work with.

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