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4 Best Solar Companies in Rhinelander, WI

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Written By David Cusick

Last Updated April 2024

A solar panel array will provide you with a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Adopting solar energy can allow you to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, but you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we’ve conducted comprehensive research local solar providers and created a guide to the best solar companies in Rhinelander. These reputable providers are smart choices homeowners can depend on.

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Top 4 Best Solar Companies in Rhinelander

Northwind Solar

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578 Allen St, Amherst, WI 54406 (715) 223-0418 northwindre.com

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Panel installation
Consultation

Photovoltaic Systems LLC

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7910 WI-54, Amherst, WI 54406 (715) 217-3028 pvsolarwi.com

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Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Cleaning and maintenance
Consultation
Panel installation

Array Energy Solar

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W746 County Rd VV, Seymour, WI 54165 (920) 471-2333 array.solar

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Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Permit assistance
Panel installation
Battery storage
Financing assistance

Independent Solar Systems

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E2614 Bags Hill Rd Suite A, Waupaca, WI 54981 (920) 740-9123 independent-solar.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Panel installation
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

Installing solar panels can reduce your electricity costs and benefit the planet by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is a good fit for you, consider these key factors.

Check Licensing

Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current installation best practices. For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed HVAC contractor or plumber to serve the team if the work involves heating equipment or potable water. There are fewer restrictions for solar photovoltaic systems, but either your city government or the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings may have to review building plans before you begin.

Read Customer Reviews

Look at review platforms such as Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers say about local solar companies. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s reliability and customer service. Be cautious of companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.

Compare Multiple Quotes

Contact at least three solar companies to get free, detailed quotes. Quotes should clearly outline all costs and specify the exact solar components included. By comparing multiple quotes, you can identify the option that best fits your budget.

Ask About the Warranty

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

Evaluate Financing and Incentives

Solar power can help decrease your electricity costs over time. When evaluating solar panel's cost and value, be sure to factor in these considerations.

  • Look into utility rebates: More discounts might be available from local power companies looking to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. Contact your local utility provider to learn rebate values and qualification criteria, so you can calculate your possible savings.
  • Research federal and state tax credits: A 26% federal tax credit on total solar system costs is available through 2032. Many states also offer incentives. These credits can result in substantial savings for solar buyers.
  • Compare system purchase options: Homeowners can pay for solar panels upfront or spread out payments over time with leases or loans. Be sure to check key details like payment schedule, annual percentage rate (APR), fees, and what ownership means when financing solar panels.

Cost of Solar Installation in Rhinelander

The cost of home solar panels in Rhinelander depends on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of solar technology being used. Generally speaking, a typical solar energy system costs $3,880 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in Rhinelander are 7.5 kilowatts, and the typical Rhinelander homeowners spends $20,481 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.

Rhinelander 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: 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 Rhinelander, WI

Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heating system.

There are a number of advantages of home solar energy. You can reduce emissions, save money, 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 the kind of panels you plan to use. Rhinelander can experience long, hard winters, so we recommend installing your system in the spring months 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 Rhinelander amount to $1,416.

You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. In areas like Rhinelander with moderate sunlight, the period could last 14.5 years per 5 kW of power, but may be shorter if you have low electricity costs or a smaller energy capacity.

The type of solar panels you have will have specific maintenance steps to follow. Regardless of type, you should clean your panels regularly and inspect them for damage. Many solar contractors in the Rhinelander area offer comprehensive maintenance plans to help you make the most of your panels and keep them healthy for as long as possible.

The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Rhinelander. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you may want to consider thin-film or polycrystalline solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the different types of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.

Solar energy can be more efficient than other forms of renewable energy. They have low maintenance costs and today's systems can stand up to the worst conditions.

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