WISCONSIN
Solar in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a reputation for its dense forests that cover roughly half the state, but it’s also a sunny place. The region receives an average of 188 sunny days compared to the country’s annual average of 205 days of sunshine.* Studies have found that about 80% of buildings in Wisconsin are solar-viable, making it an ideal region for producing clean solar energy.*
Solar potential in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin has significant potential for solar energy. The state receives an average of 4.7 hours of sunlight per day, which is well above the national average of 3.8 hours of sunlight per day. This means that Wisconsin has a good potential for solar energy generation.
As of 2020, Wisconsin is in 19th place in the nation for solar capacity, with a five-year growth projection of 2,414 MW capacity that will soon push the state to 13th place. The region currently produces enough solar energy to power 71,572 homes.*
Upcoming clean energy projects are plentiful in Wisconsin. The Crawfish River Solar Project in Jefferson, alone, will provide electricity to almost 20,000 homes in the area with its 500-acre, 75 MW solar farm.*
Cost of solar in Wisconsin?
The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:
Quality of solar panels
Size and type of solar system
Solar provider
Installation quality
State, local, and federal incentives, benefits, and rebates
In Wisconsin, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,650 to $15,150, or, in other words, from $2.73 to $3.03 per watt—and that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
Wisconsin offers several incentives for residents to switch to solar power in addition to the federal tax incentive that many property owners use.* Residents can also take advantage of net metering after installing a solar system. This program compensates solar owners who send extra clean energy to their utility company’s electrical grid through credits on their utility bills.*
Now is an excellent time to get solar panels for homes in Wisconsin. Thanks to the abundance of year-long sunshine (even in the frigid winter!), residents can reduce or eliminate their electric bills. Unfortunately, electricity in Wisconsin is rising to 14.62 cents per kWh as of April 2021, which is a 6% increase over the national average.*
By offsetting electrical consumption with clean solar energy, homeowners can have the power they need without incurring high monthly expenses. Installing solar panels may have substantial upfront costs, but the long-term return on investment is too high to ignore.
Advantages?
Reduced electricity bills: Solar panels can generate electricity for your home, which can help you reduce your electricity bills. The amount of savings you can expect will vary depending on the size of your solar system, the amount of sunlight your home receives, and your current electricity rates.
Increased home value: Solar panels can increase the value of your home. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that homes with solar panels sell for an average of \$15,000 more than homes without solar panels.
Environmental benefits: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy. It does not produce any emissions, which can help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy can also help to make Wisconsin a more sustainable state.
Job creation: The solar industry is a growing industry in Wisconsin. The industry employs thousands of people in the state, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Self-reliance: Solar panels can help you become more self-reliant on energy. This can be a valuable asset in the event of a power outage.
Disadvantages?
Shade: Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity. If your home is in a shady area, or things are covering your panels you may not be able to generate as much electricity with solar panels.
Weather: Some Solar panels can be damaged by hail, snow, and strong winds. However, our solar panels are designed to withstand these conditions and even extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornado, and blizzards.
Panels aesthetic: Our solar panels are different. They are all black, sleek, and thin. They have a more modern look. Some people find solar panels on homes unattractive and if your feel like that we also offer Ground mount installations. It’s a great option if you have open land that receives good sunlight.
Wisconsin state policies?
Net metering: Wisconsin has a net metering policy that allows homeowners to sell excess solar power back to their utility company at the retail rate. This means that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power that you generate and send back to the grid, you will receive a credit on your electricity bill.
Property tax exemptions: Wisconsin exempts homeowners from paying property taxes on the increased value of their home that is due to solar panels. This means that if you install solar panels and your home value increases by $15,000, you will not have to pay property taxes on that $15,000.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): Wisconsin offers Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to homeowners who generate solar power. SRECs are tradable certificates that represent 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar generation. Utilities are required to purchase SRECs from solar generators in order to meet their renewable energy goals. The price of SRECs varies depending on the market, but they can provide an additional source of income for homeowners who generate solar power.
Rebate: The state of Wisconsin offers a rebate of up to $2,500 for homeowners who install solar panels. The rebate is available for systems that are installed on single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes.
Tax credit: The federal government offers a tax credit of 26% for the cost of installing solar panels. The tax credit is available for systems that are installed on homes and businesses.
Maintaining solar panels?
Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. However, you should have them cleaned every few years to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You can clean your solar panels yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
What's the best way to go solar?
Are you interested in going solar in Wisconsin? If so, we can help!
Before going solar, be sure to keep in mind factors that will affect the output of clean energy to your home. For instance, South-facing roofs generate the most energy, followed by west-facing roofs. North-facing roofs generate the least amount of energy. We look into multiple aspects to make sure you have the most effective setup such as roof orientation, roof pitch, shade, and weather.
We offer a free virtual consultation and savings report to help you determine if solar is right for you. We will also help you access solar incentives and rebates to reduce the cost of installation.
Freedom Forever solar panels system is Top-Tier and backed by a 25-year full system production guarantee. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that you are making the right decision and test it out stress free.
If you are interested in learning more about solar power in Wisconsin, please contact us today for a free virtual consultation.
We look forward to helping you make the switch to solar!