Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Lowered energy bills: You can dodge the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Green Bay Homeowners?
Wisconsin homeowners who choose solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Website: revenue.wi.govIncentive Amount:
100% exemption from sales and use tax for eligible purchases
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: focusonenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Solar PV: Residential - $200 per kW
Business - 0-5 kW: $200 per kW
5-10 kW: $1000 + $150 per kW over 5
10-100 kW: $1750 + $125 per kW over 10
100-300 kW: $13000 + $100 per kW over 100
300-500 kW: $33000 + $85 per kW over 300
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive 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.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Green Bay
The more comprehensive your provider search is, the better your solar installation will ultimately operate. Consider each of these elements in your business search.
Licensing and Training
For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor to serve the team if the work involves heating equipment or potable water. There are fewer restrictions for solar photovoltaic systems, but either the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings or your city government may have to review building plans before you begin. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Green Bay
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.
If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more productive and user-friendly. Not all solar companies offer these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's crucial for you.
Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Green Bay. This table displays more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,078 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $841 |
| Thin-Film | $492 |
| Solar Battery | $690 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,588 |
Financing Solar Energy in Green Bay
There are numerous ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and loans. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid 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 car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Green Bay.
A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.0 years |
| 2 kW | 4.0 years |
| 5 kW | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | 20.0 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Green Bay
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy common in Green Bay?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after installing solar panels?
What can I do to predict my home's solar potential?
How long does the solar panel installation process take?
What's the average solar system size in Green Bay?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- High-pressure sales tactics
- Dodging questions about cost, credentials and training, warranties and references
- Limited or no customization
- Rushing through the site assessment
- Limited online information
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might look into a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
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