Solar Opportunities - Wisconsin

Solar Offerings and Incentives

All across Wisconsin, it is possible to find a qualified contractor to install rooftop solar on homes and businesses. Depending on where you live, you may be eligible to purchase solar power without actually installing the equipment on your property.  These  opportunities are listed below.  Of course, you can always install solar on your home by hiring a qualified solar installer, even if you don’t live in one of these program areas.  If so, don’t forget to claim the available state and federal tax incentives .

State and Local Incentives

Solar and Wind Energy Equipment Exemption  

In Wisconsin, value added to a property by the installation of a wind or solar energy system is exempt from property taxes. The incentive varies by sector and type of renewable energy. Eligibility requirements and more information on how to claim this exemption can be found here.

Renewable Sales Tax Exemption

Solar equipment is exempt from sales tax in the state of Wisconsin. The solar exemption include the following systems: solar water heat, solar space heat, solar thermal process heat, photovoltaic, and solar pool heating systems. More information is available here.

Property-Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing

This financing program allows homeowners to borrow money to make energy improvements to their home. Improvements eligible for this type of financing include solar photovoltaics, solar water heat, and others that are determined by local governments.

More information is available here.

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

A federal-level investment tax credit (ITC) is now available to consumers wanting to purchase small wind turbines, solar panels, or geothermal heat pumps.  The ITC, written into law through the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008, is available for equipment installed from Oct. 3, 2008 through Dec. 31, 2016. The credit covers 30% of the equipment cost, though some technologies have a credit cap of $2000. More details and a complete list of eligible technologies can be found here.

Local projects

Vernon Electric Community Solar Farm

Customers can buy solar power from this facility by purchasing shares in the equipment, and receiving a bill credit every month. More information can be found here.