Best 5 Solar Companies in Janesville, WI

With Janesville's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's a perfect area for families and businesses seeking to harness the extra sunlight by buying panels from one of the best solar installers. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like coal. A skilled solar company can help you install and optimize a system that fits your energy needs without being too expensive. In this guide, we'll highlight Janesville's best solar installers and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the ideal one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best Janesville solar companies.

• Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Janesville community for a decade or longer.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Janesville solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your monthly electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Reduced carbon footprint: The sun is a highly abundant clean energy source, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Janesville Homeowners?

Wisconsin agencies and electric companies offer a range of solar incentives to help reduce your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Janesville

The purchase price and efficiency of solar panels often depend on the provider that installed them. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed plumber or HVAC contractor to serve 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 installers can also earn certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The top 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 Janesville

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. 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 system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors include these additional features, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's essential for you.

If you're a resident of Janesville and are looking into a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $19,400 for parts and installation. See more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Janesville

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 solar leases, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a fluctuating rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you won't own your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. Ask each installer you're considering about the payment options it offers. A staff member can help you determine the optimal option for your financial situation.

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

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy