Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Fitchburg. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, requires you to hire a solar technician that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To assist your search for the right installer, we've put together a list of the top solar companies in Fitchburg.
Before deciding on an installer, ask others for suggestions, vet the installers you're considering and get quotes from multiple companies to find the one that suits your needs. You can go with a local solar company in Fitchburg or choose a well-known national brand.
Although solar panels require a major upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy enables Fitchburg homeowners to save $1,600 on average each year.
Not every solar company boats the same offerings. Prior to scheduling your solar panel installation, look at different companies' offerings and get multiple quotes.
When evaluating Fitchburg solar companies, search for those with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on sites like Google Reviews and similar platforms, as well as a decent reputation on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reading through previous customer reviews will provide a sense of how other homeowners felt about the company, so take note if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Even areas with changing sun amounts, including rainier and overcast places such as Fitchburg, can still use solar panels. Major reasons to switch to solar include these:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
What you'll pay to install solar panels is influenced by factors such as your region, sunlight levels, roof positioning, shading, system size and labor. The price goes up if you pick any accessories like solar trackers, animal guards or batteries.
According to data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Fitchburg typically costs $19,756.
Though installing solar panels requires a large investment to start, you can achieve considerable savings on your energy bills in the long term.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Fitchburg homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the approximated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are several solar incentives available to homeowners in Fitchburg. Various programs extend to all Wisconsin residents, while others are dependent on your municipality, city and utility company.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives available for Wisconsin residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Sales Tax Incentive Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemptions | 100% exemption from sales and use tax for eligible purchases |
Rebate Program Renewable Rewards Program | Solar PV: Residential - $200 per kW Business - 0-5 kW: $200 per kW 5-10 kW: $1000 + $150 per kW over 5 10-100 kW: $1750 + $125 per kW over 10 100-300 kW: $13000 + $100 per kW over 100 300-500 kW: $33000 + $85 per kW over 300 |
Property Tax Incentive Biogas, Solar, and Wind Energy Equipment Exemption | 100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
The size of your system relies on your household’s energy consumption and the solar panel system's production ratio. Larger households typically use more energy and may require a larger system. If the system isn’t big enough, it may lack enough energy to power your entire home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local laws. You must secure proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not every house gets the same level of sunlight. Trees, precipitation and harsh weather conditions can limit sunlight. If your home lacks enough sunlight, you may need a higher amount of panels with increased wattage.
A lot of solar panel systems provide a battery. Solar batteries preserve extra power, which is incredibly helpful when you want to avoid power loss during inclement weather. Installing battery storage may increase the installation cost.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in design, life expectancy and efficiency. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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