The best solar installers in Wisconsin
Our top picks below are local installers we re-verified in October 2026 — each has a verified website or Google business listing (use the Google listing for current phone numbers and hours). For Green Bay/NE WI and Eau Claire/NW WI, see the Honorable mentions below.
Arch Electric Local
Why listed: 4.6-star Google rating from 64 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Home Team Energy Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 89 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
SunBadger Solar Avoid — defunct
Why listed (as warning): SunBadger Solar is no longer operating. Its former president and former COO were charged in Dane County in March 2026 with felony theft by contractor (charges are allegations, not convictions) after customers across WI, MN, and IL reported paid-for projects that never completed. The company went into court-ordered receivership in 2023. If a salesperson contacts you under this brand or a successor name, verify the current legal entity and license status with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services before signing.
Current Electric Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 2255 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
North Wind Renewable Energy Cooperative Local
Why listed: 4.9-star Google rating from 99 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new Wisconsin residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the WI-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve the Great Lakes), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026, converted to Chapter 7 liquidation August 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong Wisconsin-based alternatives and EnergySage-screened regional installers that serve Wisconsin from neighboring states.
Other Wisconsin-based installers
Full Spectrum Solar Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 206 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Drews Solar Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 163 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Midwest Solar Power Local
Why listed: 5-star Google rating from 137 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Regional installers serving Wisconsin
Worth a quote if you're near the state border — expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully WI-based installer.
All Energy Solar Regional
Why listed: 4.8-star Google rating from 1356 reviews on an owner-verified Google business listing, with a working website (checked October 2026).
Verify any installer's current Wisconsin electrical contractor license at the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services before signing. Also check the RENEW Wisconsin installer directory for additional verified options. Get bids from a mix of installers (including at least one from the top five above) and compare objectively rather than relying on any one list. Upload your bids to the analyzer for an apples-to-apples comparison.
Wisconsin solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Wisconsin average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.14–$0.16 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $22,000–$28,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.75–3.50 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,250–1,400 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net metering at retail (varies by utility) |
| Average cash payback | 11–14 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Wisconsin solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Wisconsin stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Wisconsin state-level incentives
- Focus on Energy: Statewide energy-efficiency program offering rebates for solar in some years (verify 2026 — solar rebate has been periodic).
- Property tax exemption: WI Statute §70.111(18) — property tax exemption for solar.
- Sales tax: WI does not specifically exempt residential solar.
Net metering & utility programs in Wisconsin
WI NEM rules vary by utility — most IOUs offer retail-rate NEM up to 20 kW. See also net metering explained.
- We Energies: NEM www.we-energies.com
- Alliant Energy WI: NEM www.alliantenergy.com
- Madison Gas & Electric: NEM www.mge.com
- Xcel Energy WI: NEM (Western WI)
Wisconsin city-level programs
- Milwaukee Shines: City solar program
- Madison Solar Group Buy / Climate Plan: Periodic group-buy programs
Wisconsin EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Wisconsin utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- WI Public Service Commission: psc.wi.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=WI — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Wisconsin
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Wisconsin installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Wisconsin installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Frequently asked questions about Wisconsin solar
Does solar make sense in Wisconsin?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Wisconsin's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Wisconsin solar install cost in 2026?
$22,000–$28,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Wisconsin solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Wisconsin; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.