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10 Best Solar Companies in Wisconsin

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Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros

Last Updated February 2024

Top 10 Best Solar Companies in Wisconsin

Northwind Solar

Northwind Solar Logo

Our Rating

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

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Battery storage
Full-service
Permit assistance
Grid-tied solar system
Off-grid solar systems
Consultation
Ev charger
Residential panels

All Energy Solar

All Energy Solar Logo

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5 Marsh Ct, Madison, WI 53718 (800) 620-3370 allenergysolar.com

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Maintenance
Full-service
Permit assistance
Battery storage
Commercial panels
Residential panels

Benson Electric Company

Benson Electric Company Logo

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1102 N 3rd St, Superior, WI 54880 (715) 394-5547 bensonelectriccompany.com

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Informative resources

Services Offered

Skilled repairs
Emergency services
Maintenance
Commercial panels
Residential panels
Full-service

Drews Solar

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533 Spruce St, Madison, WI 53715 (608) 658-4285 drewssolar.com

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Prompt service delivery

Services Offered

Financing assistance
Commercial panels
Residential panels

Full Spectrum Solar

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1240 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53703 (608) 284-9495 fullspectrumsolar.com

Reliable customer support

Clear pricing policy

Informative resources

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Ev charger
Battery storage
Residential panels
Consultation

Independent Solar Systems

Independent Solar Systems Logo

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

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Consultation
Off-grid solar systems
Battery storage
Maintenance
Residential panels

ALL SKY ENERGY, LLC.

ALL SKY ENERGY, LLC. Logo

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S2810 County Hwy BD, Baraboo, WI 53913 (608) 356-0830 allskyenergy.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Off-grid solar systems
Commercial panels
Residential panels
Battery storage
Grid-tied solar system

Midwest Solar Power

Midwest Solar Power Logo

Our Rating

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816 Walsh Rd, Madison, WI 53714 (608) 354-2063 mwsolarpower.com

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Informative resources

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Commercial panels
Consultation
Residential panels

Olson Solar Energy

Olson Solar Energy Logo

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User Rating

1447 Oak Forest Dr, Onalaska, WI 54650 (608) 780-2347 olsonsolarenergy.com

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Reliable customer support

Free quotes

Services Offered

Solar roof assessment
Consultation
Residential panels

Arch Solar

Arch Solar Logo

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User Rating

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

Informative resources

Clear pricing policy

Free quotes

Reliable customer support

Services Offered

Battery storage
Commercial panels
Residential panels
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.

These 10 residential solar companies embody the highest level of professional achievement and responsibility in Wisconsin. You can trust they'll offer you honest opinions, reasonable prices and estimates, and a safe, professional work environment. The experts at Today's Homeowner are committed to finding, testing, and recommending you the most relevant, trustworthy, and innovative home improvement techniques, solutions, and companies. Click here to learn more about our mission and methods.

Annual Solar Facts For Wisconsin

Average Max Temp:

52°F

Average Min Temp:

36°F

Average Daily Sunlight:

51%

Average CO2 Savings Per 5kW System:

100lbs CO2e/yr

Average Monthly Precipitation:

2.78"

Average Solar Savings Per 5kW System:

$1,000/yr

The Main Types of Residential Solar Systems

Advanced solar panel technology means there's a reliable, tailored, and aesthetically-pleasing source of clean power for any home. You now have a variety of panel types to choose from, and your contractor can help you choose based on your home's design, energy needs, and budget.

Monocrystalline

Monocrystalline panels use a single silicon crystal per cell, making them the best option for high efficiency in a small footprint. You can identify them by their black hue and rounded cells. They're the costliest of the three types because of their more elaborate manufacturing process, but you'll save more money due to their higher efficiency under pressure.

Polycrystalline

If you're more concerned with cost than efficiency, a polycrystalline array might be right for you. These dark blue panels contain a composite of multiple different silicon fragments in each cell, with less material wasted at the factory.

However, polycrystalline panels are less space-efficient than monocrystalline panels, so you'll need more space on your property for a high-capacity array.

Thin-film

Thin-film panels are a good choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of Wisconsin. They keep their efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes. Thin-film solar panels use a variety of metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners pick them for their lower weight or greater compatibility with unique roof shapes. Others go with them for their superior heat resistance and low-light performance.

In spite of the fact that thin-film systems have the lowest cost per panel, they typically have a total cost on par with polycrystalline systems due to their significant space requirements.

Solar Purchase Options

Installing and using solar energy should never be a financial burden. After you select the panel type and brand you'd like, you can use one of the following options to help pay for your system and get a sooner return on investment:

  • Solar leases: With a solar lease, you'll make a monthly payment based on the energy the panels are predicted to produce. Your lease provider can offer benefits such as no money down, covered regular maintenance, and a guarantee which allows refunds if your panels aren't reach their predicted target efficiency. While leases may have an attractive price tag, a lessee can't make use of rebates, tax incentives, or other state programs since the leasing company retains ownership of the panels.
  • Power purchase agreements (PPAs): If you choose a PPA, in place of paying the cost of the panels upfront, you'll pay your retailer an agreed amount for the power you generate. Each payment will often be less than what you would pay your utility for the same amount of power. However, PPAs can be lengthy commitments, with some lasting 25 years. You could be subject to additional fees if you move out of your house or get out of the contract.
  • Financing: Solar loans operate like any other kind of financing. You'll own the system once you finish paying off the loan, and since you're buying the panels, you can take advantage of tax breaks and other incentives during the payback period. Bear in mind, however, the specific terms of a solar loan will often depend on on your credit score.
Your final bill will include the cost of the panels, your installer's labor, subcontracted plumbing, roofing, and electrical work, and application fees if you choose to connect your panels to the grid. Different financing options are usually all-inclusive.

Residential Solar Incentives and Cost Support

Utility companies and state governments incentivize solar panel installation through a variety of different programs, like:

  • Rebates: Rebates are direct incentives from utility companies or manufacturers. The application process for a rebate will vary from program to program, but usually, your contractor will have to submit plans or receipts and prove that they're certified to work on your project. Sometimes, the contractor will receive the payment and give you a discount on their work. With other programs, you'll receive the money as a direct payment or a credit on your power bill.
  • Tax credits: Depending on where you live, your local authorities may offer income tax credits or even property tax exemptions on new solar panels. The U.S. government further has a 30% tax credit on "residential clean energy" equipment, which you can apply for by filing Form 5695 for the installation year.
  • Net metering: Net metering is a program that utilities and states use to add renewable energy capacity and fortify their grid. If your solar panels generate more energy than you actually use, you can send the excess energy to the grid in exchange for bill credits.
  • Net billing: There's a national trend toward more utilities retiring net metering in favor of net billing schemes. Fundamentally speaking, both programs work the same. However, with net billing, you sell the power to your utility company instead of receiving credits for your excess solar generation. Compensation will usually be at a wholesale or avoided-cost rate, which is less than retail.

Solar Energy By the Numbers in Wisconsin

Here's a brief look at the state of solar energy in Wisconsin.

  • Without solar, the average family spends about $1,291 a year on their electricity bill.
  • A 5 kW solar energy system in Wisconsin has an average payback period of 10.0 years. However, you would also save $1,042.06 on your energy bill.
  • Wisconsin generates 64 MW of residential solar energy, powering 34,935 homes and counting.
  • In Wisconsin, the average new home solar array is rated for up to 10.5 kW and costs $27,246.
  • Solar energy has enabled the creation of 2,871 jobs in Wisconsin, with more added as companies grow and technology continues to improve.

Useful Resources

If you'd like to learn more about solar energy in your area, take a look at these pages and resources:

  • PVWatts: Developed by the U.S. Department of Energy, this tool lets you enter your zip code and get predictions of how much energy a solar panel system could generate at your specific location.
  • Best solar companies by city: If you're looking for tailored solar company recommendations in your area, Today's Homeowner has just what you need. We can recommend you the best companies in cities like MILWAUKEE,WI, MADISON,WI, GREEN BAY,WI, KENOSHA,WI and RACINE,WI.
  • DSIRE: You can use DSIRE to track solar incentive programs in your area, including net metering or billing programs, public policies in your state, solar photovoltaic incentives, and solar thermal rebates.

Wisconsin 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: 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 Wisconsin

A solar water heating system might be the ideal starting point if you don't have much roof space or want to install fewer panels. However, if you have the budget and space for a photovoltaic array that can power your entire home, you'll have the best possible versatility and value.

When it comes to your renewable energy choices, solar is the most flexible. You can use it more continuously to power your appliances and light fixtures, or use it as you need it to support your HVAC system or water heater. It's easy to expand a solar array if you need more capacity, and you can usually send energy back to the local grid for credit.

There are three available types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. Each type has different characteristics and disadvantages that make it ideal for specific applications. Monocrystalline panels are the gold standard for efficiency, while other types may be better if you're on a tight budget or you have a uniquely-shaped roof.

Before hiring any contractor, you should double-check their experience and expertise to ensure they're qualified for your project. A quality contractor will keep an unobtrusive and safe work environment, practice clear and regular communication, and find ways to minimize your costs without compromising on safety or efficiency.

With modern technology, solar energy has become viable in many more places. However, the amount of sunlight someplace gets is still the most impactful factor impacting solar viability. In Wisconsin, the number of hours of direct sunlight per day is on the lower side, but with a battery backup, your system can harness sunny periods to their full potential.

With a solar loan, you can immediately save quite a bit of money on your electric bills, but your payback period will be somewhat longer. In Wisconsin, the average payback period is about 10.0 years for a 5 kW system.

On average, a solar system can generate between 10.5 and 20 kW. The bigger your system is, the more electricity you'll generate and the higher your up-front costs will be.

Find a Solar Company In Wisconsin