15 Best Solar Companies in Appleton, WI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Appleton based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Appleton, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Appleton homeowner saves $1,603/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Appleton
As a homeowner in Appleton, you may be interested in switching to solar power and curious about the best solar companies in your city. Solar could be a great choice since it has lots of perks. Plus, the solar industry is growing in Appleton, giving homeowners access to some of the most reputable solar companies in the country.
If you're planning on going solar, the first step you should take is to find the best solar companies in Appleton and compare quotes. The good news is we did the hard work and put together a list of the best solar companies to make your life easier. Interested in seeing how much you would pay to install a solar system on your roof? Click "get quote" below to get a free, no-obligation quote from a highly rated Appleton solar installer.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Appleton
Endries Solar And Electric
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Reliable Customer Support - Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Home installations - Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
Winnebago Solar Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
Appleton Solar, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Werner Electric Supply
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Array Energy Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Eland Electric Corporation
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Home installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Tailored solutions
Constellation - America's Energy Choice
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Solar Optics Window Tinting
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Independent Solar Systems
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
Northwind Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- End-to-end services
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Arch Electric Inc
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Photovoltaic Systems, LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Lake Michigan Wind & Sun Ltd
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
Energybank Inc - Energy Smarter
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Appleton
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Appleton based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Appleton
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Wisconsin solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Appleton
Solar panels run off a free energy source — the sun — but to take advantage of this you must first pay to set up your system. There are several factors you should consider when trying to determine how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:
- The cost of electricity in your area: If your local energy rates are especially high, there's a better chance you'll get a higher return on your investment in solar panels. In Appleton, you can save an average of $121 a month on your electricity bills.
- The type of solar panels you can purchase: This is dependent on how much you're willing to spend upfront.
- The amount of sunlight your area gets: Thanks to Appleton's high amount of average daily sunlight, you should be able to save a decent amount on your electricity bills.
- Incentives: Tax-paying citizens who install a solar system this year can save 30% of their installation costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $19,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years not including incentives.
So is a solar system worth it? Whether you're trying to lower your electricity costs, greenhouse gas emissions or both, solar panels are a solid investment for many Appleton homeowners.
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For an idea of both how much you could save and impact the environment by switching to solar power, you can test out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Appleton, WI.
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Solar Incentives in Appleton
In order to increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make going solar more affordable and accessible. There are several federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that let you earn some money back after paying for solar panels. Our article on solar incentives goes over more in-depth information on the incentives you can take advantage of in Appleton.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Appleton
There are a few big reasons why homeowners are considering solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet. Many homeowners might be wondering how much exactly they can impact the environment by switching to solar in Appleton, though. The more energy you use, the better off the planet will be from you switching to solar as you won't have to use as much nonrenewable energy. In Appleton, the average person can lower their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year once they go solar. The benefits of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with making the switch to solar.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Appleton, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best in Appleton?
The top local solar company in Appleton is Winnebago Solar Solutions, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
Are solar panels really bad for the environment?
Manufacturing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.1 years, but the exact period varies by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.
What is the best kind of solar panel?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. In regard to efficiency and price, monocrystalline has the highest for both, then polycrystalline, and then thin-film. The best choice for you is highly influenced by your roof layout, how much you're willing to spend and how much energy generation you want.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.