3 Best Solar Companies in Wisconsin (2024 Guide)
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Wisconsin may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of sunny skies, but many homeowners in the state have found value investing in clean energy. Wisconsin offers competitively priced solar energy systems and several incentives to make the conversion process more affordable.
Our team has spent numerous hours researching the best solar panel providers available. We analyzed warranties and product specifications, secret-shopped at various providers, interviewed industry experts, and conducted homeowner surveys. These are the solar panel companies we most recommend for The Badger State.
Key Takeaways
- The best solar company in Wisconsin is Blue Raven, for its excellent installation process. Our findings are based on a synthesis of expert interviews, user reviews, and a survey of 1,000 homeowners.
- Wisconsin is one of the 34 states that offer net metering, which allows homeowners to sell excess energy back to their utility company in exchange for a credit on their power bill.
- The average solar system in Wisconsin costs between $14,195–$19,205 before applying solar incentives, which is well below the national average. Homeowners can also take advantage of property and sales tax exemptions on solar equipment in Wisconsin.
The Best Solar Companies in Wisconsin
Our Top Picks for Solar Panels in Wisconsin
Blue Raven Solar
Venture Solar
Solar Energy World
Sunrun
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What Are the Available Solar Incentives in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin offers several tax incentives and rebates to make solar more affordable and further reduce your electricity bills. Our list details some of the state’s most significant incentives, but we recommend checking the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for more localized, city-specific options.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
All Wisconsin residents qualify for the federal tax credit. This program allows you to claim 30% of your solar panel costs on your federal taxes. This also applies to stand-alone solar battery installations. The federal tax credit is not a rebate or cash payment. Instead, it helps to reduce or eliminate any owed taxes at tax time.
Net Metering in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s net-metering program is backed by the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin. This program allows you to send excess energy produced by your system back to the power grid in exchange for credits on your utility bills. Terms vary based on how much power your solar panels produce and your specific utility company’s rate. Xcel Energy provides one of the most extensive net metering programs in the state.
Other State Solar Rebates
Wisconsin legislation also offers the following incentives to reduce your up-front costs.
- Focus on Energy Home Solar Rebate: Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy Program provides residential solar customers with cash rebates for installing solar panels. It awards approximately $500 to Wisconsin homeowners in populated areas and up to $1,000 to rural residents.
- Solar Energy System Property Tax Exemption: Installing solar panels increases your home value. This would typically raise your property taxes, but Wisconsin’s property tax exemption prevents this.
- Renewable Energy State Sales Tax Exemption: Wisconsin imposes a 5% sales tax on all purchases. However, the state’s solar sales tax exemption exempts any qualifying solar equipment from this tax. It applies to photovoltaic (PV) cells, modules, arrays, and any tracking equipment that maintains the system’s orientation to the sun.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
Finding a reliable and reputable solar installer is essential, but there’s a lot of information to sift through. Consider the following factors to help you narrow down your choices as you compare solar companies.
Solar Services
Some companies only offer solar panel installation, while others have more comprehensive services that give you more value for your money. For example, some providers also install solar batteries and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, while others offer system monitoring after installation. These extra services show the company is committed to treating your solar investment as a long-term project.
Warranties
We recommend looking for solar companies with 25-year warranties on equipment and workmanship. Solar panels last 25 years on average, so this ensures coverage throughout their lifetime. Some companies also provide power performance guarantees that promise a certain level of output for a set time frame.
Payment Options
Most companies offer at least two solar financing options. Up-front cash payments and solar loans offer the best return on investment (ROI). These financing options grant you system ownership and qualify you for federal and state solar incentives.
Solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) offer the least financial advantages because the solar company remains the system owner. Though you’ll reduce up-front costs and save on electric bills, you can’t qualify for solar rebates or tax incentives and won’t increase your property value. We recommend considering cash payments or loans to reap the most solar benefits.
Customer Support
A solar company should offer easy ways to get in touch, whether for emergency repairs or routine cleaning. We recommend seeking out companies that provide customer support via phone, email, and an online service request form. A company that offers educational materials, such as an online blog, is a sign that it cares about keeping its customers knowledgeable and prepared for the ongoing support a solar panel system requires.
How To Get a Solar Quote in Wisconsin
It’s easy to get a solar quote in Wisconsin by following the steps below. This process typically only takes a few minutes.
- Contact the solar company: Visit the solar installation company’s website and fill out its online quote form or call the customer support team by phone. When we called solar companies for sample quotes, we spoke with representatives who verified we were eligible for solar and that the installer serviced our area. You’ll need to provide your address for this confirmation. After speaking with a representative, you’ll schedule an in-person or virtual consultation.
- Assess your energy needs: During your consultation, you’ll review your average energy usage and determine the right system for your home. You’ll need your most current energy bill for this step. During our shopping experiences, we found that some companies ask for multiple months of bills to check for seasonal fluctuations. We recommend having at least three months of statements handy for your consultation.
- Review your home design and roof space: The representative will check your roof space to determine your system size. They’ll then assess your roof condition and recommend repairs and updates. Virtual consultations use satellite imaging to assess your home design.
- Build your project: You’ll receive a final, itemized quote with a detailed inventory of all the required equipment. If available, you can add solar batteries or electric vehicle chargers to your system. Review your quote for all pricing and warranty information. You’ll also talk through available financing options and local solar incentives during this step.
Our Conclusion
We recommend All Energy Solar for Wisconsin homeowners. The company is NABCEP certified and offers a wide range of solar products.
We suggest getting quotes from at least three providers before choosing. This will help you compare each provider’s products, warranties, and additional services.
Other Wisconsin Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in WI
Is solar in Wisconsin worth it?
Yes, going solar in Wisconsin is worth it. The state has clear access to sunlight, numerous reputable solar installers, and several incentives to reduce installation costs.
Does hail damage solar panels?
Hail does not typically cause severe damage to solar panels. Most solar panel manufacturers design their products to withstand the elements in all weather conditions. However, more powerful storms may cause chipping or cracking, so we recommend working with a solar installer that offers maintenance services.
Does solar increase home value in Wisconsin?
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Wisconsin by an average of $15,000, according to a study conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).
What happens when solar panels are covered in snow?
Light snow has little effect on solar panels, given that wind can blow it off and light can still reach the panel. However, heavy snow that accumulates on panels can prevent them from generating power.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.