Commercial Solar Incentives in Wisconsin

This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. Greentech Renewables does not provide tax, legal, or accounting advice. Information displayed is not project-specific and will require an official written proposal by a certified installer. 

Wisconsin Focus on Energy Program

The Focus on Energy Program partners with all Wisconsin utility companies to offer rebates to commercial businesses and agricultural producers for installing solar systems on their properties. Businesses can receive $50 for each kW of their system's capacity to receive a maximum of $25,000, and agricultural producers can qualify for an incentive match of up to $10,000. Connect with a Wisconsin installer to learn more. 

Sales Tax Exemption

Wisconsin businesses who install solar systems are exempt from 100% of Wisconsin's 5% sales use tax with the purchase of solar equipment

Property Tax Exemption

In Wisconsin, the purchase of commercial solar equipment exempts WI business owners from property taxes for the added assessed value of the solar system.

Net metering Program

Wisconsin's net metering policy allows commercial businesses to receive credits for excess energy that their solar system produces. Credits can be applied to future utility bills to alleviate energy costs. 

In addition to WI's solar incentives, business owners may take advantage of the federal solar incentives available. When applied, these solar incentives have the potential to significantly reduce the cost of installing a solar system. 

Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The Business Energy Investment Tax Credit program allows businesses to claim 30% of their solar system costs as a federal tax credit. Additional tax credits are available depending on the district. 

Connect with a local installer to find out if you qualify for additional tax credits. 

Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)

Business owners in Wisconsin may take advantage of the federal renewable electricity production tax credit (PTC). This provides an inflation-adjusted per-kilowatt-hour (kWh) tax credit for electricity generated by qualifying energy sources. Projects under 1 megawatt (MW) can receive 1.5 to 2.75 cents/kWh depending on the type of facility. Projects over 1 MW will receive a base tax credit of 0.5 cents/kWh.

Keep in mind that solar project owners cannot claim both the ITC and PTC for the same property. Discuss with a solar installer to understand which tax credit incentive you should claim for your solar system.

Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)

Wisconsin business owners can take advantage of the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS). This program allows business owners to recover some of the costs of solar panel installation through a five-year MACRS schedule.

Wisconsin Commercial Property-Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE)

C-PACE is a financing program that allows approved commercial property owners to borrow money to pay for energy improvements without a large upfront cost coming out of the business' pocket.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP Grant) 

The USDA's "Rural Energy for America Program," or “REAP,” offers a grant to cover 50% of commercial solar system costs to encourage agricultural and rural businesses to maximize their energy efficiency with solar.

This grant is only available if you own a small business in an area with less than 50,000 in total population. 

FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY!

Connect with a local Wisconsin installer to see which federal incentives can contribute to your solar system. 

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