Cost of Solar Panels in Wisconsin (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Wisconsin?

Before considering any incentives, a 7-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system costs $21,381 in Wisconsin.

Prices in Milwaukee are comparable, ranging from $15,712 to $31,423. It costs between $15,617 and $31,234 to go solar in Madison.

Average solar panel installation costs by system size in Wisconsin

NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs.

How to compare solar quotes

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage. Similar to “cost per square foot” when buying a house, “cost per watt” allows you to compare the relative value of a solar panel system. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.

Solar prices in Wisconsin have decreased 42% over the last decade.

Get quotes from at least three to four different solar companies in Wisconsin. Make sure the estimated price includes all the equipment you want, labor and grid hookup fees. Watch for hidden costs for system monitoring or maintenance service charges.

According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $3.05 in Wisconsin.

Solar panel costs in Wisconsin

Are solar panels worth it in Wisconsin?

We’ve talked to several Wisconsin residents who have already gone solar. It’s often worth it for the long-term savings on utility bills. Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $42,249 in utility costs on average.

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

“I wanted to save the planet and save a little money,” Nathaniel in Eau Claire said. Now, his system is “pumping out a lot of power and it's billing us only a few bucks.”

Another resident, Lynda in Madison, told us, “I paid the electric bill today and it was $37, which is low. $25 of that is the fee they charge us every month for being attached to the grid.” A $37 electric bill is especially low considering they work remotely and have an electric vehicle charger. “My husband goes in the app all the time and likes looking at it. He's very happy with it. It's like a new toy,” Lynda added.

Regional solar considerations in Wisconsin

Whether going solar is worth it depends on where you live in Wisconsin. The state only averages 3 to 4 peak sun hours daily. Lots of shading — like tall trees above your roof — will make your system less efficient. Since solar panels generate more power with more sunlight, this can affect the financial returns on your investment.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Wisconsin

How much you pay to go solar largely depends on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Size of your system

A typical Wisconsin household needs about a 7 kW system, which costs $21,350 on average. Depending on your energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.

How to estimate what system size you need: First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, which makes the entire system more cost-effective.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Solar equipment

The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).

• Solar panels: Prices vary by efficiency rating. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best value. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.
• Solar batteries: Solar battery costs generally range from $7,000 to $18,000. Batteries store any excess energy your panels produce during the day, allowing you to keep your lights on at night. Without a battery, that unused clean energy goes to the power grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
• Solar inverters: Inverters convert solar power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track energy production and identify potential issues. If not, you can buy a standalone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

High-quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from customers who were blindsided by expensive roof repairs discovered after their solar panels were already installed. This is a frustrating and expensive process — avoid it if you can.

To ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

Local labor costs

Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your solar system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30% of total costs. Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are still relatively high in some parts of the state.

You might be tempted to install the system yourself. DIY solar panels are cheaper, but there are potential issues: Incorrectly installed solar panels can cause roof leaks, electrical safety risks and other dangerous problems.

Local permits and fees

Wisconsin’s solar panel installation permit costs generally fall between $25 and $350. An interconnection fee from the local electric company is also required to approve the connection of solar panels to the grid.

Pro tip

If you have an electric car, ask about EV charger options. Homeowners in rural parts of Wisconsin should also consider critter guards to protect the panels.

» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?

How can I pay for solar panels in Wisconsin?

Financing options and leasing programs make solar more affordable for Wisconsin homeowners. In an ideal scenario, your solar power system generates enough extra power to cancel out your monthly payment.

• Solar financing: A solar loan works like any other home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
• Solar leases: Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without high upfront costs. A solar company installs and maintains the panels on your property, and you pay a monthly fee to use them.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives in Wisconsin

The federal solar tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

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.

In addition to government incentives, you might be able to save money through manufacturers’ rebates.

Compare solar companies in Wisconsin

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Wisconsin. Read our guides to solar companies in Milwaukee and solar companies in Madison for more information.

Bottom line

Home solar system costs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 or higher, depending on factors such as system size, local labor rates and available incentives.

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