Wisconsin Solar Rebates

Here in America's cheese mecca, it's all about "Cash-Back." That's the path the state has taken to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy installations. Homeowners can get a good amount of their solar system rebated to them. For wind systems it is required; for solar systems it is strongly encouraged that homeowners get a site assessment in order to gauge the solar energy potential of their home. Fortunately, Focus On Energy, the organization that oversees the rewards, will pay 60% of the assessment cost. That being said, here is what's in store for Wisconsin residents that want to go solar:

TAX CREDITS & EXEMPTIONS

Solar and Wind Energy Equipment Exemption

Under Wisconsin law, any value added to a home by a solar system – including solar water and space heat, solar pool heat, solar thermal electric and solar PV – is totally exempt from general property taxes. Passive solar design is not eligible under current rules.
There is NO maximum limit on the exemption amount.

REBATES & INCENTIVES

NOTE: In order to qualify for the following rebates or incentives, you must be a customer of a utility participating in Wisconson's Focus on Energy Program. Verify your eligibility here.

Focus on Energy - Renewable Energy Cash-Back Awards

Solar water heat and photovoltaics are eligible for the state rebate program.
Maximum system size of 20 kW or 5,000 therms per year (solar hot water).
Incentives vary based on the application.
- Solar PV: 25% of project cost up to $35,000
- Solar Hot Water: 25% of costs up to $2,500
All systems require at least a 2-year installation warranty and 1-year equipment warranty. Systems must be grid-tied.
See Focus on Energy for more information.

NET METERING

Solar thermal electric and PV systems up to 20 kW are eligible for Wisconsin net metering. There is NO limit on overall enrollment.
Investor-owned and municipal utilities must comply and the treatment of net-excess generation (NEG) varies by utility. NEG is generally credited to the customer's future bills at the retail rate. If the NEG surplus exceeds $25, then the utility must write the customer a check.

Although it is dependent on your service provider, Wisconsin's rebate plan is pretty generous. Although, at least in its current form, the plan will expire at the end of 2008. So eligible homeowners should get the ball rolling ASAP. There is nothing on the website to imply that December 31 will be the end of all rebates, but there is also no guarantee that they will not be lowered or otherwise altered.

Several Wisconsin utilities also have solar buy-back programs which are worth a look. See the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE).

USEFUL LINKS