Wisconsin Solar Power: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar in Wisconsin
Wisconsin electricity rates have climbed 20% since 2020 — and at 17.22 cents per kWh, they’re now above the national average of 16.6 cents. It’s no surprise that more homeowners across the state are turning to solar to take back control of their energy bills.
If you’re exploring home solar panels for the first time, this guide is built for you. Palmetto has helped homeowners across Wisconsin navigate the switch to solar — and we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect.
WISCONSIN by the Numbers
- 31st Most residential solar in the United States
- 15k Households have installed solar panels
- 4.5 Average daily peak sun hours
- ~$93k Wisconsin average savings over 25 years
Wisconsin Solar Panel Cost
Wondering what solar actually costs in Wisconsin? This calculator uses real installation data from Palmetto customers across the state — from Milwaukee and Madison to Green Bay and beyond. See your estimated monthly lease payment through our LightReach program (no upfront cost required), or explore a cash purchase option. Both are shown so you can compare.
Lease Cash Purchase
System Size
This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home in Wisconsin.
Recommended System
11.11 kW Typical for your home size in WI
Your Monthly Payment Estimated monthly cost with LightReach
$142/mo As low as
$142/mo
Why Lease Solar?
Following the 2025 Big Beautiful Bill, the federal 30% solar tax credit is no longer available for cash purchases. With a LightReach lease, Palmetto owns the system and still qualifies for the commercial ITC — passing those savings through to you via lower monthly payments.
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
Cost Breakdown
Your estimated investment
System Cost
$34,173
Cost Per Watt
$3.08/W
Final Cost
$34,173
Savings
Your total financial benefit
Monthly Savings
Average utility bill reduction
$212
Payback Period
Break-even point
11.4 years
25-Year Savings
$92,972
Palmetto Reviews
This was a good choice for us. Everything was explained in advance. Installation happened on time. Palmetto responds quickly when we have questions. We are enjoying the savings every month.
Linda Pischke
Mukwonago, Wisconsin
I have been working with London to get my solar panels. He has been tremendously thorough in explaining the process and letting me know what to expect. He calculated that if we can put the maximum amount of panels on spatially I can almost cut my electric bill down significantly which should offset the cost of the solar panel loan. Plus, I will be getting a hefty amount of money back in the form of tax credits federally and with my state — not to mention, the value of my house will go up about $13,000. I feel like they are very cautious and take their time to make sure they are doing things correctly. So far, I’m very pleased with the way things are going.
Caleah Heim
Edgerton, Wisconsin
The site visit was accommodating and Tannen was personable, efficient, and skilled. He overcame cold and rain to take photographs of the attics, rooftops, and beams to prepare for the installation. I like that we could communicate via text to arrange an exact time to start — great customer service throughout the entire solar installation process.
Margot Mcmahon
Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Key Takeaways
Wisconsin electricity rates have risen 20% since 2020 — and are now above the national average, making solar a smart way to take control of your energy costs.
Palmetto’s LightReach lease lets you go solar with no upfront cost — a fixed monthly payment, and Palmetto handles all maintenance and includes a 90% Production Guarantee.
Wisconsin offers meaningful solar incentives including Focus on Energy rebates, a full sales tax exemption, and a property tax exemption on your home’s added solar value.
Wisconsin Electricity Prices
Wisconsin electricity rates are rising — and they’re already above the national average. Here’s what that means for your energy bill.
Since 2021, Wisconsin’s average electricity rate has climbed from 14.5¢ to 17.2¢ per kWh — a nearly 19% increase in just three years. That’s outpacing the national average, which rose from 13.7¢ to 16.5¢ over the same period.
Solar panels let homeowners generate their own electricity and reduce reliance on the grid. As Wisconsin utility rates continue to climb, producing your own clean energy becomes an increasingly practical long-term decision.
Programs like Palmetto’s LightReach make solar accessible with no upfront cost. You lease the system, lock in a low fixed monthly rate, and Palmetto owns, monitors, and maintains everything — helping you stay ahead of rising utility costs.
Price of Energy: Wisconsin vs National Average
| Year | US Average | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13.7¢ | 14.5¢ |
| 2022 | 16.5¢ | 17.0¢ |
| 2023 | - | 17.2¢ |
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, Form 861
Wisconsin Solar Incentives
Wisconsin homeowners have access to several meaningful solar incentives in Wisconsin — at both the state and utility level — that can help reduce the cost of going solar.
The Focus on Energy program offers rebates on solar and battery storage. Wisconsin also provides a full sales tax exemption on solar equipment and a property tax exemption on the added home value a solar system creates. Utilities across the state are required to offer net metering, so you earn bill credits for any excess energy your system sends to the grid.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus on Energy Residential Solar Rebate | Rebate | Wisconsin’s statewide Focus on Energy program offers residential solar rebates of $600 per kW, up to a maximum of $2,400 per system. | Learn More |
| Focus on Energy Battery Storage Rebate | Rebate | Focus on Energy offers a $600 rebate for battery storage systems paired with a solar installation. | Learn More |
| Wisconsin Sales Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems | Sales Tax Exemption | Wisconsin provides a 100% state sales tax exemption on the purchase of solar energy systems. | Learn More |
| USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) | Rebate | USDA REAP grants cover up to 50% of eligible solar project costs for agricultural operations. | Learn More |
Wisconsin Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Wisconsin’s cold winters and snowy skies may seem limiting, but ample summer sun and cool temperatures actually boost panel efficiency.
What Can the Average Wisconsin Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
51.0 kWh/day
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average Wisconsin homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
20.7 kWh/day
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average Wisconsin homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
13329 kWh/year
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Go Solar with LightReach — No Upfront Cost
For Wisconsin homeowners, Palmetto’s LightReach energy plan is the most accessible way to go solar today. Important note: third-party ownership (TPO) models are currently prohibited by Wisconsin’s three largest utilities.
With LightReach, there’s no upfront cost. Palmetto designs, installs, and maintains your system — handling everything from permitting and solar mapping to premium black panels and high-efficiency inverters. Since Palmetto owns the system, all maintenance and service are covered at no cost to you. You simply pay a predictable monthly amount and start saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wisconsin have net metering?
Yes, Wisconsin requires all investor-owned and municipal utilities to offer net metering. However, the crediting method varies by utility.
Do solar panels increase your home value in Wisconsin?
Yes — homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them.
How much does it cost to go solar in Wisconsin?
The most accessible way to go solar is through Palmetto’s LightReach lease — with no upfront cost and a low fixed monthly payment starting around $142/month.
What solar incentives are available in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin offers several solar incentives, including rebates and tax exemptions that can significantly reduce the cost of installation.
What’s the best solar company in Wisconsin?
Palmetto is a top choice for Wisconsin homeowners looking to go solar.