Wisconsin solar panels: The complete guide in 2026
Data updated Jan 23, 2026
Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 12.1 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Wisconsin, which will cost you about $37,219.
Cost for an average system in Wisconsin
| Cash price | $37,219 |
| 25-year savings | Payback period | Electricity offset |
|---|---|---|
| $37,458 | 14 Years | 93% |
Some states, towns, and utility companies offer incentives that can help lower the cost of solar.
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Going solar in Wisconsin
Wisconsin is known for its brutal winters, but luckily, today's solar panel technology can withstand even its coldest winter days.
The Badger State even has some great incentives that make going solar well worth it, like rebates, tax exemptions, and net metering.
Here's what you should know about getting solar panels in Wisconsin.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Wisconsin?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Wisconsin homeowner needs a 12.1 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $37,219 before incentives. Prices range from $31,636 to $42,802, but Wisconsin also has some great local incentives.
While this may sound high, it will pay off in Wisconsin. That's why over 18,000 Wisconsin homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 14.3 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
There are a few ways to finance your solar panel system so you don't have to provide all that money upfront.
Cash purchase: You'll own the system and pay for it up front. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). These typically deliver immediate savings and can make a lot of sense if you’re looking to keep your capital flexible. Just make sure to choose an offering with low annual escalators to ensure it will continue to provide long-term savings.
Solar loan: This allows you to retain ownership of your system while owing little to no money upfront. Solar loans aren't all created equal. If you have access to subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs, that's usually your best bet. A home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options—private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Wisconsin?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Wisconsin. Here are the major ones to know about:
| Incentive | Average savings in Wisconsin | Description |
|---|---|---|
Focus on Energy rebate | $600 | Provides a cash rebate worth $300 toward your solar panel system. Rural customers may receive an additional $300 rebate. |
Wisconsin solar sales tax exemption | 5% of your system costs | You don't need to pay any sales tax on new solar panel systems in Wisconsin, saving at least 5% of your system costs. |
Wisconsin solar property tax exemption | 1.76% of your system's value, annually on average | If you use solar energy as a source of power, you won't need to pay a tax on the value your solar panels add to your property. |
Is net metering available in Wisconsin?
Some states grant you bill credits that you earn from your utility company whenever your solar panel system generates excess electricity and sends it to the grid. This incentive is known as net metering, and it can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—your electric bill.
All investor-owned and municipal utilities in Wisconsin must offer net metering to their customers. However, the utilities differ quite a bit in their rules for carrying over credits month-to-month or year-to-year.
Get all the details on net metering in Wisconsin, or check out program specifics below:
Equipment
Equipment quality
Solar panel efficiency continues to improve every year—that is, they produce more power per square foot. As of 2025, many top-selling solar panels produce around 450 watts in full sunlight. To maximize your roof’s production potential, look for panels with at least that level of output.
It’s also important to choose an inverter setup that fits the design of your roof.
And if you plan to add a solar battery, make sure it’s compatible with your inverter setup for smooth integration.
While higher-end equipment can be more expensive upfront, it often leads to greater savings over time. Premium products usually come with longer warranties—up to 25 years or more—and are built to last. They also degrade more slowly, meaning you’ll get more consistent energy production further into the future.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Wisconsin?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Wisconsin:
Ready to start looking for a solar installer?
Here are some of the most popular ones near you:
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resources
Top solar resources for Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- Public Service Commission of Wisconsin
Read more about utility services in WI.
- Wisconsin Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about WI energy production and prices.
- WI State Solar Factsheet (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in WI.
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