Best 5 Solar Companies in Racine, WI

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Racine

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar energy system. Consider each of these criteria in your contractor 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 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 prestigious 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 Racine

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.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar contractors offer these optional components, so look for a provider that installs them if it's essential for you.

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

Financing Solar Energy in Racine

There are a plethora of ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. We advise paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to 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 a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your financial plan.

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

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