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Simplify your search
Switch to solar with a system built for you.
Average solar panel installation costs generally start between $15,272 and $30,545 in Wisconsin.
How much you actually pay depends on several factors, including system size, whether you add a battery and the condition of your roof.
For many residents, the investment pays off over time. Wisconsin homeowners with solar panels avoid $42,249 in total utility costs over 25 years on average.
But it doesn’t work out for everyone. This article explains average solar panel prices and the overall cost benefits to consider before making the switch to solar energy.
Going solar is like buying a car. You could pay cash, but most people finance or lease with minimal upfront costs.
Compare quotes from three or four different solar companies before making a decision.
Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 12.12 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).
Before considering any incentives, a 7-kilowatt (kW) solar panel system costs $21,381 in Wisconsin.
Prices in Milwaukee are comparable, ranging from $15,712 to $31,423. It costs between $15,617 and $31,234 to go solar in Madison.
Average solar panel installation costs by system size in Wisconsin
NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs.
Most installers set the price according to the system’s wattage. Similar to “cost per square foot” when buying a house, “cost per watt” allows you to compare the relative value of a solar panel system. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.
Get quotes from at least three to four different solar companies in Wisconsin. Make sure the estimated price includes all the equipment you want, labor and grid hookup fees. Watch for hidden costs for system monitoring or maintenance service charges.
According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $3.05 in Wisconsin.
Solar panel costs in Wisconsin
We’ve talked to several Wisconsin residents who have already gone solar. It’s often worth it for the long-term savings on utility bills. Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $42,249 in utility costs on average.
“I wanted to save the planet and save a little money,” Nathaniel in Eau Claire said. Now, his system is “pumping out a lot of power and it’s billing us only a few bucks.”
Another resident, Lynda in Madison, told us, “I paid the electric bill today and it was $37, which is low. $25 of that is the fee they charge us every month for being attached to the grid.” A $37 electric bill is especially low considering they work remotely and have an electric vehicle charger. “My husband goes in the app all the time and likes looking at it. He’s very happy with it. It’s like a new toy,” Lynda added.
Whether going solar is worth it depends on where you live in Wisconsin. The state only averages 3 to 4 peak sun hours daily. Lots of shading — like tall trees above your roof — will make your system less efficient. Since solar panels generate more power with more sunlight, this can affect the financial returns on your investment.
» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons
How much you pay to go solar largely depends on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.
A typical Wisconsin household needs about a 7 kW system, which costs $21,350 on average. Depending on your energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.
How to estimate what system size you need: First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).
For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.
Pro tip
Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, which makes the entire system more cost-effective.
» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh
The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).
High-quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long.
ConsumerAffairs often hears from customers who were blindsided by expensive roof repairs discovered after their solar panels were already installed. This is a frustrating and expensive process — avoid it if you can.
To ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system’s longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.
Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your solar system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30% of total costs. Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are still relatively high in some parts of the state.
You might be tempted to install the system yourself. DIY solar panels are cheaper, but there are potential issues: Incorrectly installed solar panels can cause roof leaks, electrical safety risks and other dangerous problems.
Wisconsin’s solar panel installation permit costs generally fall between $25 and $350. An interconnection fee from the local electric company is also required to approve the connection of solar panels to the grid.
Pro tip
If you have an electric car, ask about EV charger options. Homeowners in rural parts of Wisconsin should also consider critter guards to protect the panels.
» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?
Financing options and leasing programs make solar more affordable for Wisconsin homeowners. In an ideal scenario, your solar power system generates enough extra power to cancel out your monthly payment.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
The federal solar tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.
Additional solar incentives in Wisconsin include:
In addition to government incentives, you might be able to save money through manufacturers’ rebates.
We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Wisconsin. Read our guides to solar companies in Milwaukee and solar companies in Madison for more information.
Simplify your search
Switch to solar with a system built for you.
We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Wisconsin. Unfortunately, solar scams that promise free solar panels often end up costing people quite a bit of money.
» FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?
Net metering lets you earn credits for sending excess solar energy to the grid. It also lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity. Wisconsin’s net metering policies vary by utility, so check with your provider for specific requirements.
The difference comes down to efficiency and materials: monocrystalline panels are made from pure, single silicon crystals, whereas polycrystalline panels are made from various silicon fragments melted together. Both are types of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels.
No, solar panels have relatively low maintenance costs. If you clean the solar panels yourself, the only maintenance cost will be the water used to hose them down. Hiring a professional to clean your solar panels typically costs between $100 and $350.
Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. A solar battery stores the extra energy your panels produce during the day so you can use it at night or during a power outage.
Without a battery, that unused energy goes to the grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
Home solar system costs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 or higher, depending on factors such as system size, local labor rates and available incentives.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Wisconsin and other states.
Solar costs vs. savings: Wisconsin and nearby states
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