Solar Quotes in Wisconsin
How it works statewide
- The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin says net metering is available to investor-owned and municipal utility customers below a size threshold. Utilities also offer "buyback rates" for excess electricity, and those rates differ by utility. Source: https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/ForConsumers/MoreResources/CustomerOwnedGeneration.aspx (accessed 2026-10-20)
We Energies (CGS NM, under 300 kW)
- If you export more than you use in a billing period, the excess kWh are credited at the Avoided Energy Cost Rate. For residential flat-rate customers, that's $0.03636/kWh. Time-of-use customers get $0.04906 on-peak and $0.03290 off-peak in summer, and $0.03863 and $0.03289 outside summer. There's no payment for reduced demand. Source: https://www.we-energies.com/pdfs/etariffs/wisconsin/cgs-nm.pdf (effective 1-1-2026; accessed 2026-10-20)
Wisconsin Public Service (Pg-4, 20 kW or less)
- Excess energy is credited at $0.03584/kWh. Source: https://www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/company/wi_tariffs/PG4.pdf (issued 12-22-2025; accessed 2026-10-20)
Alliant Energy / WPL (PgS-3, 20 kW AC or less)
- The meter nets usage and generation. Net overgeneration at the end of the billing cycle is cashed out at tariff pricing, which Alliant lists as an average of $0.04254/kWh as of 1/1/2026. Systems over 20 kW use PgS-1, where exports don't offset usage one to one. Source: https://www.alliantenergy.com/ways-to-save/customer-interconnection/wisconsin (accessed 2026-10-20)
MGE (Pg-2, 100 kW AC or less)
- Net excess energy is credited at your own energy rate if you're a net purchaser over the previous 12 months. If you're a net seller, it's credited at MGE's Parallel Generation Buyback rate. Credits are reduced by the monthly customer and grid connection charges. You can request a check for a net credit over $100 once every 12 months. Source: https://www.mge.com/MGE/media/MGE-Library/documents/rates-electric/e11-2-0-SchedulePg-2-12302025.pdf (effective 01/01/2026; accessed 2026-10-20)
Xcel Energy (Northern States Power-Wisconsin)
Xcel's net energy billing terms are in its Wisconsin electric rate book, Schedule Pg-1. We couldn't confirm the current 2026 version, so we don't summarize it here. Ask Xcel or your installer for the current terms. The PSC's tariff listing for Xcel points to Xcel's rate books: https://www.xcelenergy.com/company/rates_and_regulations/rates/rate_books (accessed 2026-10-20)
Rates above are generally reset each year. Municipal utilities and co-ops have their own terms.
Little else at the state level
We didn't find a statewide incentive as of October 2026 on an official state source. Alliant Energy suggests checking Focus on Energy, which it calls Wisconsin utilities' statewide program for energy efficiency and renewable energy, for possible grants. Source: Alliant page above (accessed 2026-10-20)
A note on the federal tax credit
The federal residential clean energy credit (25D) doesn't apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025. The IRS treats an expenditure as made when installation is completed. Source: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/faqs-for-modification-of-sections-25c-25d-25e-30c-30d-45l-45w-and-179d-under-public-law-119-21-139-stat-72-july-4-2025-commonly-known-as-the-one-big-beautiful-bill-obbb (accessed 2026-10-20). This page isn't tax advice.
Is solar worth it in Wisconsin?
It depends on your bill, roof and utility rules. Here is an estimate for a home with a $150 monthly electric bill and a south-facing, unshaded roof, before any incentives:
- Residential electricity averaged an estimated 19.00¢/kWh in Wisconsin (January–July 2026), above the U.S. average of 18.19¢ (17 of 51, highest first). Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Small rooftop systems in Wisconsin produced an estimated 1,516 kWh per kW of panels in 2024 (2024 small-scale solar generation divided by average 2023–2024 small-scale capacity). Source: EIA Electric Power Annual 2024, Tables 3.21 and 4.7.B (accessed 2026-10-20)
- Estimated system size: 4.7–6.3 kW, producing about 8,338 kWh a year (estimated).
- Estimated installed cost: $16,500–$28,600 before incentives, using $3.00–$5.20 per watt. Source: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (2024 installed prices, 20th–80th percentile; accessed 2026-10-20)
- Estimated simple payback: 9–21 years. Savings depend on how your utility credits exported energy (see above).
Estimates only, based on public data and simple assumptions. Actual production, cost, and savings vary by home, utility, rate plan, and installer. Not a quote, and not a guarantee of savings. Ask your installer about any state, local, or utility incentives that apply. State and local programs: DSIRE.
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