Is solar worth it in Wisconsin?

With an average payback period of 11.7 years and 25-year savings of $30,375, solar panels in Wisconsin are a solid investment.

How much do solar panels cost in Wisconsin?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Wisconsin is $14,200 before incentives and tax credits.

How much can I save with solar panels in Wisconsin?

Homeowners in Wisconsin save an average of $1,215 per year with solar panels, totaling approximately $30,375 over 25 years.

Solar Panel ROI in Wisconsin

Last updated April 14, 2026 · Source: NREL PVWatts

Is solar worth it in WI? Here's what the data says.

2.1x ROI Score

11.7 yrs Payback Period

$1,215/yr Annual Savings

$30,375 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $1,215

Payback 11.7 yrs

25-yr savings $30,375

25-Year ROI Timeline

With a 11.7-year payback, your system spends 13.3 years in profit after breaking even.

Payback (11.7 yrs)

Profit (13.3 yrs)

Year 0 Year 6 Year 13 Year 19 Year 25

System Cost $14,200

25-Year Savings $30,375

Net Profit $16,175

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Solar Calculator for Wisconsin

Adjust the values below to see your personalized solar ROI estimate.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

4.53 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Wisconsin

ROI Score 2.1x

Annual Production 7,840 kWh

Annual Savings $1,215

Payback Period 11.7 years

25-Year Savings $30,375

System Cost $14,200

Wisconsin vs National Average

Solar Irradiance 4.53 kWh/m²/day

-12% vs national avg

Payback Period 11.7 years Slower than avg

Electricity Rate $0.155 /kWh Below avg

How We Calculated This

Our solar ROI calculations use data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts API, which models solar energy production based on location-specific solar irradiance, weather patterns, and panel tilt angles. We assume a standard 6kW residential system with south-facing panels at optimal tilt.

Electricity rates are sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Annual savings are calculated by multiplying estimated production by the local electricity rate. The ROI score represents total 25-year savings divided by system cost.

These estimates do not include the federal 30% ITC tax credit, state incentives, SRECs, or utility rebates, which can significantly reduce the effective payback period.

Solar ROI by Zip Code in Wisconsin

Explore solar data for specific zip codes in Wisconsin. Click any zip code for a full local breakdown.

53201 Milwaukee 2.1x 11.7yr 53204 Milwaukee 2.1x 11.7yr 53206 Milwaukee 2.1x 11.7yr 53209 Milwaukee 2.1x 11.7yr 53215 Milwaukee 2.1x 11.7yr 53222 Milwaukee 2.1x 11.7yr 53703 Madison 2.1x 11.7yr 54901 Oshkosh 2.1x 11.9yr View all zip codes →

Compare with Nearby States

Minnesota 2.0x

12.7 yr payback · $1,151/yr

Iowa 2.0x

12.4 yr payback · $1,110/yr

Illinois 2.2x

11.6 yr payback · $1,227/yr

Michigan 2.4x

10.4 yr payback · $1,383/yr

Solar Outlook for Wisconsin

Wisconsin's solar irradiance of 4.53 kWh/m²/day is 8.7% below the national average. With electricity at $0.155/kWh, the 11.7-year payback is moderate — though incentives and tax credits can significantly shorten it.

Solar Equipment Worth Considering

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