Best 5 Solar Companies in Sun Prairie, WI

With Sun Prairie's clear skies and below-average rainfall, it's an excellent area for families and businesses looking to harness the extra sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. With all the options to choose from in this vibrant community, you might feel overwhelmed searching for a great provider. On this page, we'll show you Sun Prairie's most reputable solar companies and give valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We reviewed dozens of Sun Prairie solar companies, using the following criteria to determine the superior:

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Sun Prairie solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Sun Prairie community for more than a decade.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The best solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and improve its performance.

Benefits of Solar Energy

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

• Lowered energy bills: With solar energy systems, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. 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: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.
• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery backup system.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Sun Prairie Homeowners?

Wisconsin homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the area's incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Sun Prairie

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your solar panels will ultimately operate. Consider each of these factors in your company search.

Licensing and Training

For solar thermal installations, Wisconsin requires a licensed HVAC contractor or plumber to be a part of 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 companies can also pursue certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected 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 Sun Prairie

The type of solar panels you select determines how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't meant for large home installations, but they're excellent for small projects like sheds and RVs.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers provide these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

You can expect to pay about $19,400 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Sun Prairie. Use the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Sun Prairie solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Sun Prairie

Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, cash payments, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment 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. Much like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each installer you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A representative 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 Sun Prairie.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment 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