Best 3 Solar Companies in La Crosse, WI

La Crosse homeowners are privileged to live in abundant sunlight, both to bask in and use for energy. Many are hiring top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like coal. An experienced solar installer can help you set up and tune a system that fits your energy needs without costing a fortune. Discover La Crosse's best solar companies and learn essential decision-making advice on this page.

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated dozens of La Crosse solar installers, using the following criteria to determine the top-notch:

• Customer reviews and feedback: Most La Crosse solar contractors have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licenses and credentials: Each provider on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the La Crosse community for over 15 years.
• Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to maintain your system and optimize its performance.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar contractors should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.

• Lower utility costs: Producing some or all of your own power will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
• 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: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to La Crosse Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often reward homeowners for going solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in La Crosse

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your solar installation will ultimately function. Make your choice based on the following key factors.

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 the Wisconsin Division of Safety and Buildings or your city government may have to review building plans before you begin. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, backed 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 La Crosse

The style of solar panels you choose determines how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and cost more but give you the best performance. 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 car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can increase your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies offer these additional features, so look for a company that sells them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in La Crosse

Choosing the correct financing plan will affect your overall solar system cost and potential savings. Common payment options include loans, leases, cash payments, and power purchase agreements. 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) enables you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new home solar systems purchased through 2032. Additional incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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