There has never been a better time to buy solar panels for your home. With rising energy prices forcing you to look for ways to cut costs, solar energy systems offer a great way to save lots of money. In fact, after the initial investment needed to install your new solar energy system, you could save thousands of dollars per year for more than two decades.
Plus, now is an excellent time to buy solar panel systems in Wisconsin because there are so many tax credits and rebates available to lower the costs associated with your purchase. Keep reading to learn how your purchase and installation of solar panels in Wisconsin can be made more financially accessible.
Why Go Solar in Wisconsin?
While Wisconsin isn’t known for producing solar power, this may change soon. Solar is a great energy source that has been expanding and improving over the past decade in Wisconsin. This is partially because the state has incentivized industrial, commercial, and residential solar power. Because solar policies in Wisconsin have proven very helpful to those in the market for solar panels, the Wisconsin solar market will likely continue to grow for years to come.
There are many reasons to buy solar panels for residents of any state. Still, Wisconsin is an especially great state to purchase and install a solar energy system on your property. Wisconsin receives nearly 188 sunny days per year, just below the national average of 205 days. But because improved solar panel technology has increased the energy-producing capabilities of solar panels in less sunny environments, homeowners in Wisconsin are well-positioned to reap the benefits of installing solar energy systems on their properties. Plus, installing solar panels will reduce your reliance on fossil fuels, reduce your carbon footprint, and ultimately help mitigate the onset of climate change.
According to Zillow, solar panels can increase your home’s value. The average home experiences a 4.1% increase in value after adding a solar power system. This means that, with an average home value of $254,680 in Wisconsin, the average value increase from solar panels will be close to $10,442. The additional value could be higher if you live in more expensive areas, such as Madison or Milwaukee.
Sold on solar for your home? Get a free quote from local solar installers.
Wisconsin Solar Cost
Solar panel installation in Wisconsin ranges from an average cost of $14,025 to $18,975. On a cost-per-watt basis, solar panel installation in Wisconsin can be between $2.80 and $3.80. Solar panels have fallen in price in Wisconsin by more than 80% over the past decade. Although these costs are already quite low, they appear even lower when compared to the rising cost of other energy sources like oil, gas, and coal. As these other sources of energy rise, the relative cost of solar power will decline.
How Much Can You Save on Solar in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin residents can save money on electricity bills when purchasing solar panels. When solar panels produce electricity for your home, they can decrease your bills by reducing the energy you pull from the grid. With an average cost of electricity in Wisconsin of $0.16/kilowatt-hour (kWh), homeowners can save $44,600 over 20 years by installing a 5kW solar system. These energy savings are aided by the fact solar panels can last more than 25 years before needing to be replaced.
The Best Solar Incentives, Tax Credits, & Rebates in Wisconsin
There are several public and private incentives in Wisconsin that help you save on your purchase of solar panels:
| Incentive | Summary | End Date |
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) | Residents of Wisconsin can take advantage of the Federal Solar Tax Credit and get a rebate of 30% applied to their tax returns. In Wisconsin, residents enjoy an average ITC of $5,460. | 2032 |
Wisconsin Solar Sales Tax Exemption | If you live in Wisconsin, you can get a sales tax exemption when purchasing solar power energy systems. This amounts to a 5% tax exemption, which saves you an average of $910 per purchase. | None |
Wisconsin Solar Property Tax Exemption | In Wisconsin, residents and property owners will not have to pay additional property taxes for the added value to their homes created when they install solar energy systems. | None |
Net Metering | Net metering enables homeowners that produce extra energy to use it as a credit on their next electric bill. All energy providers are required to offer this option to homeowners. | None |
Focus on Energy | Homeowners in Wisconsin can access rebates of up to $500 for qualified solar installations. Rural customers can receive an additional $500 per solar project. | None |
USDA REAP GRANT | REAP assists agricultural producers and rural small businesses in reducing energy costs and consumption by providing loan financing and grant funding to purchase and install renewable energy systems. Eligible participants in the REAP program are agricultural producers, with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and small businesses in eligible rural areas. | None |
Milwaukee Shines Solar Program | Through this program, the city of Milwaukee provides low-APR solar loans of up to $20,000 to homeowners. | None |
Greenpenny | This virtual bank offers solar loans to homeowners installing new renewable energy systems in Wisconsin. These loans are highly accessible and come with low-interest rates. | None |
Clean Energy Credit Union | Customers can access solar financing and loans up to $90,000 if they are Wisconsin residents. Many of the loans come with below-average interest rates. | None |
RENEW Wisconsin | If a nonprofit installs a solar system smaller than 75 kilowatts, it can be awarded up to 50% of the solar panels required or up to 75 panels (approximately a $15,000 value). For systems larger than 75 kilowatts, nonprofits can be awarded up to 50% of the solar panels required or up to 150 panels (approximately a $30,000 value). | None |
Property Assessment Clean Energy (PACE) Program | Wisconsin’s commercial and industrial property owners can access low-cost, long-term loans for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation improvements. | None |
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a 30% federal tax credit for purchased home solar systems installed by the end of 2032. In Wisconsin, with an average system price of $18,200, residents enjoy an average ITC of $5,460. This credit will be applied to any federal income taxes you owe during the year your solar energy system is installed.
Wisconsin Solar Sales Tax Exemption
The Wisconsin solar sales tax exemption provides residents of Wisconsin with an exemption from the sales tax on the purchase of solar energy systems. This amounts to a 5% tax exemption that averages around $910.
Wisconsin Solar Property Tax Exemption
The Wisconsin solar property tax exemption excludes the added value of a solar installation in Wisconsin from your home’s value for tax purposes. This is a great policy if you are worried about rising property taxes in your area.
Wisconsin Net Metering
Net metering is a policy that enables your solar panels to be connected to the public-utility power grid. When your panels create surplus power, it will be transferred to the grid. You can offset the cost of power drawn from the electricity grid due to net metering. The minimum compensation you’ll receive is the avoided-cost rate, which is below the retail rate. While the policy specifics of net metering programs will vary among providers, this remains massively beneficial for solar owners.
Milwaukee Shines Solar Program
Through this program, the city of Milwaukee provides low-APR solar loans of up to $20,000 to homeowners.
Focus on Energy
Focus on Energy is a state-wide energy program that provides homeowners in Wisconsin with rebates of up to $500 for qualified solar installations. Rural customers can receive an additional $500 per solar project.
Greenpenny
Greenpenny is a virtual bank that offers solar loans to homeowners installing new renewable energy systems in Wisconsin. These loans are highly accessible and come with low-interest rates.
Clean Energy Credit Union
Like Greenpenny, Clean Energy Credit Union offers solar financing and loans up to $90,000 to Wisconsin residents. Many of the loans come with below-average interest rates.
Commercial Wisconsin Solar Incentives
Solar Incentives for Nonprofits and Businesses in Wisconsin
Nonprofits in Wisconsin have access to RENEW Wisconsin’s solar panel financial assistance program with the assistance of Couillard Solar Foundation. If a nonprofit installs a solar system smaller than 75 kilowatts, it can be awarded up to 50% of the solar panels required or up to 75 panels (approximately a $15,000 value). For systems larger than 75 kilowatts, nonprofits can be awarded up to 50% of the solar panels required or up to 150 panels (approximately a $30,000 value).
Non-tax-exempt businesses are also eligible for the ITC through the Inflation Reduction Act. This tax rebate totals up to 30% of the value of a given solar system installed during the previous year.
USDA REAP Grant
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created a program designed to increase investments in clean energy called the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). REAP assists agricultural producers and rural small businesses to reduce their energy costs and consumption by providing loan financing and grant funding to purchase and install renewable energy systems. Eligible participants in the REAP program are agricultural producers, with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations and small businesses in eligible rural areas.
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program
This program provides property owners with low-cost, long-term loans for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation improvements. PACE is available in Wisconsin to commercial and industrial properties in participating communities.
Final Thoughts: The Best Wisconsin Solar Incentives
Wisconsin is a great state to invest in residential, commercial, or industrial solar energy systems. With financial assistance from the federal government, the state government, and additional local tax incentives, Wisconsin residents have a wealth of support to draw from when purchasing solar panels. The time is right to get into the solar game, with utility prices soaring and the cost of solar energy dropping fast. If you are interested in purchasing, there are plenty of great companies in your area that can help.
Read more details in our in-depth dive into Sunrun vs Sunpower.
Wisconsin Solar Incentives FAQs
Is solar worth it in Wisconsin?
Yes, you should consider buying a solar energy system in Wisconsin. Solar will save you loads of money on your utility bills and help reduce your production of emissions and your carbon footprint. Many federal, state, and local financial incentives are available to purchase solar panels accessible to anyone.
How much will my electricity bill go down with solar in Wisconsin?
With an average cost of electricity in Wisconsin of $0.16/kilowatt-hour (kWh), homeowners can save $44,600 over 20 years by installing a 5kW solar system. These savings are helped by the fact solar panels can last more than 25 years before needing to be replaced.
How much does it cost for solar panels in Wisconsin?
The average cost of a solar panel installation in Wisconsin ranges from $14,025 to $18,975. On a cost-per-watt basis, solar panel installation in Wisconsin falls between $2.80 and $3.80. Solar panels have fallen in price in Wisconsin by more than 80% over the past decade.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wisconsin?
While you won’t be able to get free solar panels in Wisconsin, many federal, state, and local financial incentives will significantly lower the costs associated with purchasing a new solar energy system.
What solar rebates are available in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has many federal, state, and local financial incentives for purchasers of solar energy systems. These include the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the Wisconsin Sales Tax Exemption, the Wisconsin Property Tax Exemption, and many private or non-government incentive programs.
How many homes in Wisconsin have solar panels?
There is enough solar installed in Wisconsin to power more than 100,000 homes, which accounts for 0.75% of the state’s electricity production.
Do solar panels increase property taxes in Wisconsin?
No, the Wisconsin Solar Property Tax exemption excludes the added value of a solar installation in Wisconsin from your home’s value for tax purposes. This means you will not have to pay additional property taxes for your solar panel purchase.
How much can you write off for solar panels on taxes in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin taxpayers can write off many costs associated with purchasing new solar energy systems. For more information about incentive programs, check out this database of state incentives.
Today's Homeowner’s Solar Ranking and Review Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, transparency and trust are our most important values for the reader. That’s why we took the time to create an objective rating system and score each solar energy company/service according to our methodology.
Our research team dug deep into the fine print of contracts, combed through more than one hundred customer reviews, and thoroughly investigated each solar energy company’s services, costs, and products. We’ve done the homework for you by researching nearly all the solar energy companies on the market so you can have the information you need to make the best choice for your home.
We developed a formula to objectively determine the top-notch solar power installers and give each a score out of 10 based on the following criteria:
- Services Offered (2.0): What does each solar provider offer as a basic service with any solar installation plan? In-house labor led to companies being ranked higher than those that contracted their labor out to third parties. Similarly, battery installation and panel monitoring were key factors that we looked for in each provider.
- Warranty Period (2.0): Solar warranties can cover labor, components, or both. The length of these warranty plans is of chief importance. Companies that offer 25-year warranty coverage got our highest score in this category.
- Other Offerings (2.0): Solar companies that provide secondary services are rated highly. These include obtaining permits to operate (PTO), providing financing and price matching options, and mobile performance tracking options.
- Company Reputation (1.5): Our main metrics for rating company reputation were BBB accreditation and rating and complaint response rate. These are reliable indicators of quality. Many of our best providers have a 100% complaint response rate.
- Customer Service (1.5): Availability via phone and online is key for modern home service providers in any niche. Those that offer both, along with clearly posted business hours and in-person estimates, are rated highly.
- Availability (1.0): Companies with availability in more than 40 states received our highest score in this category. We rated providers with a more limited presence progressively lower, depending on exact reach.
