Cost of solar panels in Wisconsin (2024)

How much do solar panels cost in Wisconsin?

With professional installation, a typical 8-kilowatt residential solar panel system in Wisconsin costs $24,800. That price drops to $17,360 after the full federal solar investment tax credit (ITC).

This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid.

The size of your system can play a big factor in how much your overall solar costs. The average size of solar systems in Wisconsin is 10.26 kW (kilowatts). Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

Average solar installation cost by system size in Wisconsin

Are solar panels worth it in Wisconsin?

Solar panels can be a great investment in Wisconsin. Often, solar energy is worth it for the savings on energy bills and better energy independence. On average, you’ll spend $10,850 to $31,000 for panels that last about 25 years. Over that same period, you’d avoid approximately $54,553 in total utility costs.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

We’ve talked to several residents who went solar there, and most seem happy with the decision. “I wanted to save the planet and save a little money,” Nathaniel in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, told us. Now, his system is “pumping out a lot of power and it's billing us only a few bucks.”

Tim in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, also said he’s happy going solar overall. “The biggest hiccup,” he said, “was the disconnect between the local people and the corporate office.” The issue was resolved, and Tim expects the panels to pay for themselves fairly quickly.

But it doesn't work out for everyone. We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

If your house is a good candidate for solar, it’s worth considering if you like the idea of lower monthly utility bills and more energy independence.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Wisconsin

The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Wisconsin ranked 36th in 2024

Solar panels

Most of your solar equipment costs come down to how much you pay for solar panels. You’ll hear installers talk about how “efficient” their panels are.

Solar panel efficiency is a measure of how well a panel makes electricity. The more efficient the solar panels you buy are, the fewer panels you need. While more efficient panels cost a little more, you save by buying fewer panels.

In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline. The difference comes down to efficiency and materials: Monocrystalline panels are made from pure, single silicon crystals; various silicon fragments melted together are used to make polycrystalline panels.

Additional solar equipment costs

Solar arrays also contain mounting equipment, wiring and other devices, such as inverters, batteries or a monitoring system.

• Solar batteries: A battery stores energy for later use. It’s a must if you want real energy independence, and it sometimes costs as much as the panels. Prices often depend on the battery’s storage capacity, life span, brand and other factors. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some cost $30,000 or more.
• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. If not, you can buy a stand-alone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long. If your roof is more than 10 years old, get it inspected, fixed or replaced before going solar.

We’ve heard from many disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their panels were installed. It sounds like a frustrating and expensive process. Avoid it if you can.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

Labor costs

Solar equipment costs are decreasing, but labor costs are higher than ever in some areas. Installing solar panels yourself might initially seem cheaper because you'll save on labor costs. However, it's crucial to consider several factors for safety before going the do-it-yourself route. If not installed correctly, solar panels pose safety risks, causing roof leaks and other problems.

Local permits and fees

Permits and interconnection fees, though relatively cheap, are worth mentioning. Typical residential solar permitting fees across the U.S. average around $500 or higher, but Wisconsin's panel installation permit costs generally fall between $25 and $350. An interconnection fee from the local electric company is also necessary to approve the connection of solar panels to the grid.

Permit processes and fees can vary quite a bit by location. A good solar installer will often handle it for you. You can also contact your municipality’s building department directly for accurate information.

» GREENEST STATES: Wisconsin ranked 41st in 2024

How to save money on solar panels in Wisconsin

There’s no way around it — solar panel installations are expensive. Here are some tips to maximize your savings on solar panels in Wisconsin:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies in Wisconsin. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production to find the best overall value. Don't just go with the cheapest option without vetting quality and services.
• Lower your electrical load: Upgrading any old appliances is smart. Replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load, which also helps lower your utility bill. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.
• Use incentives: Wisconsin doesn’t have as many solar incentives as other states, but it does have a few ways to save. Some solar equipment manufacturers offer rebates on their products. While these may not be specific to Wisconsin, they still provide additional savings.

» MORE: Why are solar panels so expensive?

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Wisconsin

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best financial incentive for going solar in Wisconsin. The ITC credits 30% of the system’s total cost — including equipment, labor and permits — toward what you owe on federal income taxes.

The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.

For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the credit reduces your debt to $12,000. The ITC only offsets your tax liability; you can't take advantage of it if you don’t owe taxes in the first place.

Additional solar incentives in Wisconsin include:

• Sales tax exemptions: Eligible purchases of solar panels and other equipment are 100% exempt from sales and use tax.
• Property tax incentives: This is an exemption for the value added to your home by a renewable energy system (solar, wind or synthetic gas).
• Focus on Energy rebates: Residents who invest in solar panels can get a rebate of up to $300 per system.
• Milwaukee Shines loans: Milwaukee residents can sign up for a solar loan with a relatively low interest rate through the Milwaukee Shines Solar Program. These loans are up to $20,000.

» EXPLORE: Where your solar savings go the furthest

How can I pay for solar panels in Wisconsin?

Affordable financing makes the upfront costs of solar more manageable. For instance, most leases let you start saving from day one with little or no money down.

• Loan: A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest) each month. In an ideal financing scenario, your system generates enough extra power to pay off the loan. Solar loan terms typically last eight to 20 years.
• Lease: Leasing solar panels is a great way to set up a system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same tax incentives.
• Home equity: Using a home equity line of credit or loan to finance a solar installation can be a financially beneficial option — home equity interest rates are relatively low, and homeowners can still take advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Compare solar installation companies in Wisconsin

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Wisconsin.

Bottom line

Residential solar panel costs typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000, depending on the system's size, local labor rates and available incentives. Wisconsin homeowners with solar panels can typically save more than that in total avoided energy costs over the lifetime of a system.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Wisconsin and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Wisconsin and nearby states