If you live in Northern Wisconsin, you’re already familiar with the challenging weather conditions, so you’re likely seeking an affordable way to achieve energy independence. Solar electricity can power your house even during the coldest winters.
With pleasing incentives and advances in green technologies designed to withstand the harsh Wisconsin climate, there’s never been a better time to explore the local green power market.
Whether you’re in Rhinelander, Ashland, or a rural spot in between, solar power isn’t just for the southwest anymore. To save you time, we’ve gathered all the information that helps you find the best solar companies in Wisconsin.
Benefits of Going Solar in Northern Wisconsin
While this area may not seem like the obvious place to go green due to its snowy winters and shorter days, you still can generate clean electricity to reduce your bills or even go off-grid. Experts from Solar Power Systems have found 6 advantages of solar energy even in such a northern spot:
- Lower energy bills all year round since panels can generate power even during short winter days.
- Federal solar incentives, such as the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), cover 30% of your total system cost through at least 2032, including installation and battery storage.
- Net metering credits enable you to sell excess power generated during the summer to offset your winter bills.
- State-wide energy rebates, such as the Focus on Energy program.
- Increased property value, as homes with solar panels can typically be sold 3-5% higher than similar buildings in the same city.
- Energy independence to reduce your reliance on the grid.
Thanks to falling panel prices and state and federal incentives, custom solar panel solutions have become a feasible answer to offset rising electricity bill costs.
What to Expect in Northern Wisconsin
Installing photovoltaic panels in Northern Wisconsin comes with its unique set of conditions. While the region gets fewer sunny days than other states, solar panel efficiency here is still enough to power a house.
Winter production will dip due to fewer daylight hours and occasional snow cover, but the summer months more than make up for it. You can sell excess power generated by your sustainable energy solutions during the summer to your utility company and receive billing credits. Later, in winter, you can use those credits to lower your bills.
Meanwhile, cold temperatures can actually boost the efficiency of the solar energy system, as photovoltaic panels exhibit maximum productivity when the air temperature is between 35°F and 75°F outside.
So in Northern Wisconsin, where winter daytime weather ranges from 10°F to 40°F, and even summer highs may only reach 80°F, you’re in a sweet spot for panel efficiency. Just ensure that you install panels at a steep angle (30°–45°) to help snow naturally slide off during cold times.
How to Choose the Best Installer in Northern Wisconsin
Choosing solar companies in Wisconsin requires more than picking the cheapest quote. You need to select a team that understands all local specifics. Leverage this checklist to ensure you’ll make the best decision:
- Great local experience: A сhosen company should have completed installations in Northern Wisconsin, understanding cold weather challenges, typical snow load, and roof pitch adaptations.
- Ask for certifications: Ensure that chosen electricians are licensed and have NABCEP certification.
- Evaluate installer reputation: Check solar installer reviews both on local platforms and Google, or Reddit. Look for the installer rankings on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website, and consider examining local references or case studies.
- Ask about the warranty: Look for a 25-year panel performance warranty, 10+ years on inverters, and a workmanship warranty (typically 5–10 years).
- Check financing options: Look for installers who can help you access Focus on Energy rebates, federal tax credits (ITC), and utility incentives. If you can’t afford panels with cash now, ensure that your installers partner with loan or lease providers.
- Request a detailed quote: It should include system size (kW) and estimated output, equipment brands (panels, inverters, racking), total cost, payback period, and interconnection support (with your utility).
We also recommend that you double-check the availability of chosen solar companies in Wisconsin. The northern area of the state is more rural, so some teams are booked months out or don’t service remote areas.
Best Solar Installers in Northern Wisconsin
Choosing the best installers near you is just as important as selecting the right equipment. You’ll want a company that understands local challenges of snow load, limited winter sunlight, and rural permitting. We’ve gathered five top-rated solar companies in Wisconsin known for their quality work, experience, and customer support.
Arch Solar
Founded in 2003, Arch Solar is a Wisconsin‑based, in‑house solar installer headquartered in Plymouth, with offices in Milwaukee and Madison.
They mount solar systems across residential, commercial, and utility markets. Arch Electric holds an A+ accreditation from the Better Business Bureau, making this provider one of the best options in the Midwest.
Arch Solar is known as one of the best solar companies in Wisconsin since it provides a full-service solar experience (from design and permitting to maintenance, etc.), and has a vertically integrated team with no subcontractors that features licensed electricians, NABCEP-certified specialists, and local apprenticeships.
Everlight Solar
Founded in 2018, Everlight Solar is a fast-growing solar installer headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. The company provides residential solar power systems installation across Wisconsin and several other states, including Minnesota, Iowa, and Utah. While newer to the market compared to legacy installers, Everlight Solar has quickly expanded thanks to its streamlined process and tech-driven approach.
Everlight offers a full-service solar experience, from design and permitting to installation and activation, handled in-house without subcontractors. The team includes NABCEP-certified professionals and licensed electricians.
Northwind Solar
Established in 2007, this team has deep expertise in solar design and installation. They provide a 10-year workmanship warranty on all their installed panels, so you can be sure of their quality of work.
In 2017, Northwind Solar transitioned to a worker-owned cooperative model, fostering an even more democratic approach to operations. Their team members are NABCEP-certified installers and licensed electricians with years of experience.
Eagle Point Solar
Founded in 2010, Eagle Point Solar operates out of Dubuque, Iowa, and provides turnkey solar installations across the Midwest states, including Wisconsin. They may not serve some far-north remote areas, but they still work in most of northern Wisconsin upon request.
The team includes NABCEP-certified designers, master electricians, and licensed installers backed by decades of experience. They’re frequently recognized in Solar Power World’s Top Solar Contractors list.
Eagle Point offers full-service solar from design and permitting up to regular maintenance. They also provide 5-year workmanship warranties and equipment warranty support.
Next Energy Solution
Founded in 2013, Next Energy Solution Inc. (often referred to as NES) actively serves a wide range of Northern Wisconsin communities, including rural and lake-area locations.
They specialize in residential, agricultural, and commercial solar systems, including hybrid and off-grid models. NES also provides DIY “Ready‑To‑Install” kits (RTI), full-service installations, and custom solutions for energy independence. However, they aren’t accredited by the BBB, unlike other providers on our list.
Final Thoughts
Switching to solar energy is all about investing in your future. The initial cost of this switch may be high, but this purchase will pay for itself in under 10 years. Meanwhile, a typical solar system works for 20-25 years, providing you with decades of free electricity.
However, to ensure the best results, you need to collaborate with reputable installers who know the specifics of your region. They help you find the solar system to ensure your sustainability in the long run. Take the first step today and start exploring electricity generation options for your comfortable northern living.
By Victoria Berezhetska
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