Best 5 Solar Companies in Eau Claire, WI

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Eau Claire

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Here are some key items to consider while shopping for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed HVAC contractor or plumber to be the team if the work involves heating equipment or potable water. There are fewer restrictions for solar PV systems, but either your city government or the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings may have to review building plans before you begin. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Eau Claire

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

Additional components, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers include these add-ons, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Eau Claire homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $19,400 to install, considering both materials and labor. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Eau Claire

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, solar loans, solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs). Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're considering about the payment plans it offers. A staff member can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Eau Claire.

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.