Solar incentives in Wisconsin
Federal tax credits, Wisconsin rebates, utility programs, and Net metering (PSC-regulated, investor-owned utilities) net metering - everything that lowers your solar payback.
Incentives & rebates
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Federal solar tax credit (Section 25D, ended for 2026 purchases)
The 30 percent federal residential tax credit (Section 25D) applied through December 31, 2025 and is not available for a purchased home system placed in service after that date, so most 2026 homeowner purchases cannot claim it. If you go solar through a lease or a power purchase agreement, the provider may still claim the business version of the credit (Section 48E) and pass part of the value through in your rate. Confirm your eligibility with your installer and a tax advisor.
Focus on Energy Residential Renewable Rewards
Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's statewide energy-efficiency program, offers a cash-back reward for homeowners who install a qualifying solar photovoltaic system. The reward is paid per installed watt of capacity. Eligibility requires using a participating contractor and connecting to a participating utility. Check the current reward amount on the Focus on Energy website before your project is quoted, as incentive levels are updated periodically.
Net metering: Net metering (PSC-regulated, investor-owned utilities)
Wisconsin requires its investor-owned utilities to offer net metering under Public Service Commission rules. Excess energy your panels send to the grid is credited against the power you draw at other times, typically at the retail rate. We Energies, Madison Gas & Electric, Alliant Energy Wisconsin, Wisconsin Public Service, and Xcel Energy (northern Wisconsin) each administer their own tariff under PSC oversight. Your installer confirms the current net-metering schedule for your specific utility before the project is quoted.
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