Best 5 Solar Companies in Madison, WI

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Madison

Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Consider all of these factors in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed HVAC contractor or plumber to serve the team 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. Solar installers can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. 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 Madison

Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar contractor provides these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.

Most Madison homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $19,400 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Madison

Choosing the optimal financing plan will impact your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, cash payments, leases, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases allow you to use 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. We recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your spending limits.

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

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.