Best 5 Solar Companies in Fond du Lac, WI

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Fond du Lac

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Consider all of these aspects in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed HVAC contractor or plumber to be the crew 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. Solar providers can also earn certifications from trade groups and standards organizations. The most prestigious ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Fond du Lac

The kind of solar panels you purchase dictates how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors include these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Fond du Lac. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Fond du Lac

Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, solar leases and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most economical choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for valuable solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) permits you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and cannot use solar incentives. We suggest working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Fond du Lac.

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