5 Best Solar Companies in Wisconsin (2023)

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 companies 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.

These companies are the best solar companies in Wisconsin, according to our research and ranking methodology:

• SunPower: Best High-Efficiency System
• Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
• Palmetto Solar: Best Customer Support 
• Tesla: Best Solar Tech 
• LGCY: Best Solar Consultation

Use our table below to compare Wisconsin solar installers at a glance.

SunPower offers some of the most high-quality, energy-efficient solar power systems available. It’s one of the few solar installers that uses in-house system components to create a streamlined system designed for optimal performance, rather than using multiple brands.

Learn more: SunPower Review

Sunrun offers unique leasing options for homeowners who don’t want the commitment of owning their systems. Prepaid and leased systems include 25 years of system servicing and monitoring plus theft insurance. However, keep in mind that leasing your system disqualifies you from solar incentives, such as the federal solar tax credit.

Learn more: Sunrun Review

Palmetto Solar offers some of the best customer support of the providers we reviewed. The company has a comprehensive solar installation process and an additional protection plan, the Palmetto Protect Plan, to give you further peace of mind. The Palmetto Protect Plan starts at an affordable $12 per month and includes system monitoring plus discounts on services that keep your solar system operating at its full potential.

Learn more: Palmetto Solar Review

Tesla is known for its high-end solar energy technology. The company provides sleek, minimalistic solar panels with no visible grid, a concealed edge, and a low profile. The panels are also durable, withstanding temperatures up to 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Homeowners concerned about the bulky look of rooftop panels can opt for Tesla’s solar roof, which is designed to mimic traditional roofing. You can also add the Tesla Powerwall, one of the most popular batteries in the solar industry.

Learn more: Tesla Solar Review

LGCY Power has provided a straightforward, transparent solar installation process since 2014. The company stands out for its thorough consultation, which includes sending an energy consultant and site surveyor to your home to examine your roof and electrical system. LGCY will note your preferences and energy needs and walk you through the process of designing your system. 

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.

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 customer knowledgeable and prepared for the ongoing support a solar panel system requires.

It’s easy to get a solar quote in Wisconsin by following the steps below. This process typically only takes a few minutes.

1. 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.
2. 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.  
3. 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. 
4. 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.

We recommend SunPower for Wisconsin homeowners. The company offers one of the most efficient solar systems, guaranteeing long-term performance and energy savings. It also uses in-house components, creating a streamlined system with each part designed to work together.

We suggest getting quotes from at least three providers before choosing. This will help you compare each provider’s products, warranties, and additional services.

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The This Old House Reviews Team is 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.