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Best Solar Companies In Wisconsin

Audited & Verified: Jan 28, 2025, 1:18pm

Nick Gerhardt Contributor

After 10 years in print journalism, Nick transitioned to the home improvement space. He has specialized in maintenance, mortgages, home warranties, moving, car shipping, home security and more for 7 years. Nick contributes to publications like Angi,...

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Nick Gerhardt

Nick Gerhardt Contributor

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Contributor

Samantha Allen Staff Editor

Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.

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Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen Staff Editor

Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.

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Reviewed By

| Staff Editor

& 1 other

Audited & Verified: Jan 28, 2025, 1:18pm

We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Home. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

Looking for the best solar panel installation company in the Badger state? We’ve conducted thorough research to sort through the many solar installers in Wisconsin and evaluated them based on a stringent set of criteria. Wisconsin has a mix of national solar companies and local solar panel installers competing. It can be tough to distinguish between the two and which offers the best deals. Learn more about Wisconsin solar companies to find the right one for your solar panel project.

The solar installers Tesla and Green Home Systems top our best solar companies in Wisconsin list. Tesla scored 4.6 out of 5 stars when reviewed against our methodology and features some of the best solar equipment in the industry.

Solar Guides

Featured Partners

Momentum Solar

BBB Grade

A+

Financing Options

Purchase, loan

Number of States Covered

Momentum Solar

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Blue Raven Solar

BBB

A+

Financing Options

$0 upfront for 18 months

Number of States Covered

Blue Raven Solar

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Key Takeaways

The best solar companies in Wisconsin are Tesla and Green Home Systems based on our research of 26 companies.
Top solar installers in Wisconsin can cost around $2.70 per watt or around $16,425 for a 6kWh solar system.
When asked in the Forbes solar survey how likely they were to recommend solar installation, 83% of Midwest residents said they’d be very likely or somewhat likely.

Wisconsin’s Top Solar Panel Installation Companies

Wisconsin has experienced a growing solar power industry as more national companies expand into the state. The move has increased competition with local solar companies and made it easier for homeowners to find deals. National companies can often offer deals compared to local solar companies, but the longtime local Wisconsin solar companies have unmatched customer service and local expertise.

We thoroughly analyzed solar providers in Wisconsin to provide a list of the top solar panel installation companies so you can find the best solar company for your home.

Tesla: Best Overall
RxSun: Best for Workmanship
Arch Solar: Best for Local Expertise
Green Home Systems: Best for Warranties

Compare Solar Companies in Wisconsin

We compared the ratings and costs of Wisconsin solar panel companies after completing our research and analysis across criteria including solar panel price, efficiency, warranties, customer reviews and experiences.

Tesla

4.6

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Best For

Best Overall

Warranty Options

25-year panel performance warranty, 10 year comprehensive warranty

Bbb Rating

A+

RxSun

4.1

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Best For

Best for Workmanship

Warranty Options

20-25-year product warranties, 10-year workmanship warranty

Bbb Rating

Arch Solar

4.0

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Best For

Best for Local Expertise

Warranty Options

Manufacturer warranty for panels and inverters, 5-year workmanship warranty

Bbb Rating

A+

Green Home Systems

3.9

Get Started

From Participating Partners

Best For

Best for Warranties

Warranty Options

25-year warranty on panels and inverters, 25-year performance guarantee, 10-year battery warranty

Bbb Rating

COMPANY	FORBES HOME RATING	BEST FOR	WARRANTY OPTIONS	BBB RATING	LEARN MORE
Tesla	4.6	Best Overall	25-year panel performance warranty, 10 year comprehensive warranty	A+	Get Started From Participating Partners
RxSun	4.1	Best for Workmanship	20-25-year product warranties, 10-year workmanship warranty	NA	Get Started From Participating Partners
Arch Solar	4.0	Best for Local Expertise	Manufacturer warranty for panels and inverters, 5-year workmanship warranty	A+	Get Started From Participating Partners
Green Home Systems	3.9	Best for Warranties	25-year warranty on panels and inverters, 25-year performance guarantee, 10-year battery warranty	NR	Get Started From Participating Partners

Best Overall

Tesla

From Participating Partners

BBB Rating:

A+

Warranty Options

25-year panel performance warranty, 10-year comprehensive warranty

States Covered

50 states

Best Overall

Tesla

BBB Rating:

A+

Warranty Options

25-year panel performance warranty, 10-year comprehensive warranty

States Covered

50 states

From Participating Partners

Tesla is our pick for the solar company with the best availability. We gave it a score of 4.6 out of five stars. Since its start in 2009, Tesla has offered its products to third-party, certified installers. Its Powerwall battery storage system is considered top-of-the-line in the solar industry.

Learn more: Tesla Solar Panels review

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Payment Options

Customer Experience and Ratings

Best for Workmanship

RxSun

From Participating Partners

BBB Rating

A+

Warranty Options

20-25-year product warranties, 10-year workmanship warranty

States Covered

FL, IL, MI, WI

Best for Workmanship

RxSun

BBB Rating

A+

Warranty Options

20-25-year product warranties, 10-year workmanship warranty

States Covered

FL, IL, MI, WI

From Participating Partners

RxSun started in 2012 in Chicago and has since grown to include service in Florida, Michigan and Wisconsin. It primarily serves Illinois but expanded into Wisconsin. The company uses NABCEP-certified installers for projects and doesn’t use subcontractors. The company has established a reputation for responding and resolving any customer issues in a timely manner.

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Services and Payment Options

Customer Experience and Ratings

Best for Local Expertise

Arch Solar

From Participating Partners

BBB Rating

A+

Warranty Options

Manufacturer’s warranty with panels and inverters, five-year workmanship warranty

States Covered

Best for Local Expertise

Arch Solar

BBB Rating

A+

Warranty Options

Manufacturer’s warranty with panels and inverters, five-year workmanship warranty

States Covered

From Participating Partners

Arch Solar started operating in Wisconsin as a solar installer in 2003 in the basement of Ed and Mindy Zinthefer’s home. Since that time, it has become one of the best solar companies in Wisconsin. It now has offices in Plymouth, Milwaukee and Madison. Arch Solar sets itself apart by using North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) installers.

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Services and Payment Options

Customer Experience and Ratings

Best for Warranties

Green Home Systems

From Participating Partners

BBB Rating

Warranty Options

25-year product, performance and labor

States Covered

CA, NV, NM, MN, CO, IL, KS, NC, PA, WI, AZ, FL, IN, MT, TX, WY, MO, AR, GA, IA, SC

Best for Warranties

Green Home Systems

BBB Rating

Warranty Options

25-year product, performance and labor

States Covered

CA, NV, NM, MN, CO, IL, KS, NC, PA, WI, AZ, FL, IN, MT, TX, WY, MO, AR, GA, IA, SC

From Participating Partners

We selected Green Home Systems as the top pick for solar warranties. Founded in 2017, the company has some of the most comprehensive warranties in the industry. Green Home Systems offers a 25-year warranty for its products, performance and installation labor.

Learn more: Green Home Systems review

Why We Picked It

Pros & Cons

Services and Payment Options

Customer Experience and Ratings

What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Installer in Wisconsin

There are many factors to consider when searching for a Wisconsin solar installer. The industry has experience exponential growth and many companies have come and gone in that time. It’s important to consider a company’s reputation and years in business, the type of solar equipment it offers, financing options, service area and warranties.

Company Reputation

The reputation of a company should rise to the top of your list of priorities when you begin searching for a solar company in Wisconsin. There are many young solar companies where quality can vary. You can do research by checking the BBB and review sites. It’s a good idea to search the company’s name to see if it has faced any litigation.

Equipment

The type of equipment and brands a company offers makes a difference. Some solar panel brands have better efficiency than others. Other companies might offer just one type of brand and you might want to look at multiple options. Additionally, it’s important to find out whether the company installs the equipment itself or if it hires subcontractors for the work.

Financing Options

Solar companies primarily offer a cash payment or loan option. Some used to offer leasing or a power-purchase agreement, but those have become rarer options. If you decide to pursue a loan, be sure to check the interest rates to estimate the monthly payments so the project falls within your budget.

Service Area

Service areas within states can vary. A solar company that says it serves Wisconsin may only serve a portion of the state. Before you start reaching out to businesses, check the location on a solar company’s website to see if it has a physical address.

Warranties

Warranties vary between solar companies. Some offer only manufacturer warranties with the products they install, while others back up the products with longer warranties. Solar companies often have different workmanship warranty lengths. Some feature 10-year warranties, while others have 25-year warranties.

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How Much Does Solar Installation Cost in Wisconsin?

The cost of solar panels in Wisconsin can range between $18,604 and $49,280 on average. The typical residential solar system has about 6kW of power and costs about $20,548. The estimated prices don’t include incentives and tax credits, which can lower the final price. The average solar panel system in Wisconsin costs around $3.08 per watt.

SOLAR SYSTEM SIZE	AVERAGE ANNUAL SYSTEM OUTPUT* (KWH)	AVERAGE COST BEFORE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT	AVERAGE COST AFTER FEDERAL TAX CREDIT (30%)
6kW	8,000 – 10,000	$24,640	$17,248
8kW	10,500 – 13,300	$32,025	$22,418
10kW	13,300 – 16,700	$40,964	$28,675
12kW	16,000 – 20,000	$49,280	$34,496

Solar Incentives in Wisconsin

Wisconsin features several solar incentives in addition to federal tax credits.

INCENTIVE	DESCRIPTION	TYPE	OCCURRENCE
Focus on Energy	$300	Rebate	Once
Sales Tax Exemption	5% of purchase cost	Tax exemption	Once
Property Tax Exemption	Varies	Tax exemption	Once
Net Metering	Varies	Rebate	Monthly

Focus on Energy

Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program offers up to a $300 rebate for individuals who install a solar system in their homes. Multi-family buildings can receive up to $35,000. The rebate applies to rural residents. Focus on Energy provides a zip code finder for rural residents to see if they’re eligible.

Wisconsin Solar Sales Tax Exemption

Wisconsin’s state tax rate of 5% does not apply to solar projects, meaning homeowners can save around $910, according to EcoWatch.

Wisconsin Property Tax Exemption

Wisconsin excludes solar projects from raising property value assessments. While solar projects can increase property values, homeowners won’t get taxed on the increased property value following solar installation.

Net Metering

Wisconsin is a net metering state. That means homeowners who generate more power than they consume can sell the excess power back to a utility company. The utility company provides a credit to the homeowner that can result in a deduction on their utility bill.

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Wisconsin?

Yes, solar panels can be worth it in Wisconsin. The state experiences around 187 sunny days per year, making it a good state for solar power. Residential solar systems can utilize intentional design to capture sun rays from the south more to work more effectively in Wisconsin, especially in winter when daylight shortens.

WISCONSIN SOLAR SAVINGS: CALCULATING THE BREAK-EVEN POINT
Average Cost of 6kW Solar System w/Installation	$18,604
Wisconsin Incentives (30%)	$5,581
Estimated System Cost (inc. Incentives)	$13,023
Break Even Period	8 - 12 years
20-Year Savings	$33,621
25-Year Savings	$42,026

*Based on energy costs within the location/state all data is estimated, calculations assume all electricity usage is covered by solar energy and the cost of 16.01 ¢/kWh within Wisconsin

Wisconsin Solar Trends

Forbes Home conducted a solar panel homeowner survey in 2023 to gauge consumer sentiment and discover trends in the solar industry to better understand how Wisconsin solar companies tailor service to homeowners. Our survey revealed valuable insights. The survey concluded:

Satisfied Production: 41% of Midwest residents reported being very satisfied with their solar panel’s energy generation.
Decreased Energy Bills: Around 20% of residents reported a little decrease in their energy bill since installing solar panels. Nearly an additional 15% said their energy bill decreased a lot.
Desire for Energy Independence: 71% of Midwest residents cited a desire for energy independence as a motivator to install solar panels at their home.

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Methodology: How We Rated Solar Companies in Wisconsin

To determine the best solar company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 26 major companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including years in business, equipment options, app and customer reviews and support, nationwide availability, price and warranty, product specifications and features.

All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.

You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates solar companies in our detailed methodology page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Wisconsin a good state for solar?

Yes, Wisconsin is a good state for solar. More than half the year Wisconsin experiences sunny days, which means ample time for solar panels to collect energy and store it. Though the initial costs run high, it can take between eight to 12 years to recoup the investment costs.

Does Wisconsin have a solar tax credit?

Wisconsin does not offer a state-specific solar tax credit. However, it waives the state sales tax with a solar project. Wisconsin also exempts solar projects from property tax valuations, meaning any increased property value from a solar project will not get taxed.

What is the most cost-effective solar setup?

The most cost-effective solar setup is usually a roof array using solar panels, like Silfab and Qcells. Ground-mounted solar systems can cost a little more because of construction costs, like excavation work and footings associated with ground-mounted systems. Pivoting solar systems also increase costs as they move with the direction of the sun during the day.

How many solar companies are there in Wisconsin?

Around 185 solar companies operate in Wisconsin. Of that number, around 75 are solar installers.

Information provided on Forbes Home is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.

Forbes Home adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

Nick Gerhardt Contributor

Samantha Allen Staff Editor

Sami Allen is the managing editor at Forbes Home, with over seven years of experience in the home space and 10 years of editing experience.

Solar Guides

Best Solar Companies In Wisconsin

Why you can trust Forbes Home

Wisconsin’s Top Solar Panel Installation Companies

Compare Solar Companies in Wisconsin

Tesla

RxSun

Arch Solar

Green Home Systems

What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Installer in Wisconsin

Company Reputation

Equipment

Financing Options

Service Area

Warranties

How Much Does Solar Installation Cost in Wisconsin?

Solar Incentives in Wisconsin

Focus on Energy

Wisconsin Solar Sales Tax Exemption

Wisconsin Property Tax Exemption

Net Metering

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin Solar Trends

Methodology: How We Rated Solar Companies in Wisconsin

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Wisconsin a good state for solar?

Does Wisconsin have a solar tax credit?

What is the most cost-effective solar setup?

How many solar companies are there in Wisconsin?

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