Best 3 Solar Companies in Wausau, WI

With Wausau's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses aiming to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like coal. A professional solar company can help you set up and optimize a system that fits your energy needs without breaking the bank. On this page, we'll showcase Wausau's premier solar companies and give insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

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

• Reviews and feedback from customers: Most Wausau solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each contractor on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Wausau community for more than a decade.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar companies should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer satisfaction.
• Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy comes with multiple perks. Here are some highlights.

• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, lowering your regular electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
• Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through power outages and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the grid for your safety and well-being.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Wausau Homeowners?

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

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Wausau

The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Wausau

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.

Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's important for you.

You can plan to spend about $19,400 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Wausau. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Wausau solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Wausau

There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include cash payments, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and loans. We recommend 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 cut 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 spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each provider you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the best option for your financial situation.

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

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

Sources

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