Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By Todays Homeowner Local Pros
Last Updated February 2024
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Prompt service delivery
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
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:
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.
52°F
36°F
51%
100lbs CO2e/yr
2.78"
$1,000/yr
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 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.
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 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.
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:
Utility companies and state governments incentivize solar panel installation through a variety of different programs, like:
Here's a brief look at the state of solar energy in Wisconsin.
If you'd like to learn more about solar energy in your area, take a look at these pages and resources:
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.