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Discover the Power of Solar Energy in Wisconsin!

Welcome to Wisconsin, a state known for its diverse landscapes, dairy heritage, and a growing enthusiasm for renewable energy. With its ample sunshine during the spring and summer months, Wisconsin is exploring the potential of solar power to complement its energy portfolio. The state?s commitment to sustainability is evident through various incentives, including tax credits and rebate programs, making solar installations an increasingly attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike. This shift towards solar energy not only promises to reduce electricity costs but also aligns with Wisconsin?s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote a cleaner, healthier environment. Learn how tapping into solar power can light up your home, decrease energy bills, and support Wisconsin?s journey towards a more sustainable future. Join us in harnessing the abundant energy of the sun and stepping into a brighter, more sustainable future in the Badger State.

Solar State Incentives

Wisconsin State Solar Incentives

Energy Innovation Grant Program
The Wisconsin Public Service Commission's Office of Energy Innovation offers grants for energy projects to municipal or tribal governments, schools, and manufacturers.
Commercial Retro-Commissioning and New Construction Program
Focus on Energy offers tools and incentives for businesses to optimize building performance, providing free, customized energy-saving design options and custom incentives.
City of Milwaukee - Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing
City of Milwaukee launches Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing program, offering low-interest loans for solar energy to homeowners.
Energy Efficiency Standard for Focus on Energy
Wisconsin's Act 141 requires the Public Service Commission to update energy efficiency goals every 4 years, with funding provided by utility ratepayers.
Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemptions
Wisconsin offers sales tax exemptions for renewable energy, including biomass used for residential and business purposes, and products powered by wind or solar energy.
Focus on Energy - Business & Marketing Grant
Focus on Energy's Business and Marketing Grant is discontinued. However, similar grants for renewable energy projects and industry infrastructure are still available.
Riverland Energy Cooperative - Commercial, Industrial, and Agricultural Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Riverland Energy Cooperative offers various rebates for energy-efficient installations, requiring load management control. Also available for home energy audits.
We Energies - Focus-On-Energy Agriculture Rebate Program
We Energies provides incentives for agriculture customers through the Focus-On-Energy program, offering facility assessments, building tune-ups, and more.
Focus on Energy Program
Focus on Energy assists Wisconsin residents, businesses, & institutions with energy efficiency & renewable energy through rebates, grants, & loans.
Energy Efficiency and Green Building Standards for State Buildings
Wisconsin's Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act mandates energy efficiency standards for equipment and buildings, aiming to exceed federal EPA standards.
Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program
The Wisconsin Focus on Energy offers grants for renewable energy projects through its RECIP program, with incentives based on energy production or offset.
Green Power Purchasing
Wisconsin has not set new green power purchasing targets since 2011, but aims for carbon neutrality by 2050. State departments had a goal to generate or purchase 10% renewable power by 2007 and 20% by 2011.
Interconnection Standards
In 2004, Wisconsin's Public Service Commission established interconnection standards for distributed generation systems up to 15 MW. The standards apply to all public utilities with varying requirements based on system size.
Residential and Commercial Solar Rebate Program
Focus on Energy provides rebates for residential and business solar installations, with additional incentives for rural and agricultural customers.
Public Benefits Fund
Wisconsin's public benefits fund supports energy-efficiency programs, renewable-energy initiatives, and low-income households. In 2020, over 134,000 participants reaped benefits from the program.
City of Madison - Solar and Wind Access and Planning Laws
Madison, Wisconsin has implemented laws to promote solar and wind energy systems, including planning regulations for subdivisions and permitting processes.
City of Madison - Contractor Licensing
Madison, Wisconsin requires contractors installing solar thermal equipment to have a Class A-4 license, unless certified by NABCEP. Homeowners can install systems themselves.
Wisconsin Solar and Wind Rights
Wisconsin laws protect residents' rights to install and operate solar or wind energy systems, limiting local zoning and private land use restrictions to ensure unobstructed resource access.
Net Metering
In 1982, Wisconsin PSC required utilities to allow net metering for customers generating electricity with up to 20 kW systems. This applies to various utilities and DG systems.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
Wisconsin's Act 9 established a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) aiming for 10% of all electricity to come from renewable sources. It includes various technologies and strengthened requirements in 2006.
Biogas, Solar, and Wind Energy Equipment Exemption
Biogas, synthetic gas, solar, and wind energy systems are exempt from general property taxes in Wisconsin, regardless of the equipment classification.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.