5 Best Solar Companies in Eau Claire, WI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 5 in Eau Claire based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Eau Claire, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Eau Claire homeowner saves $1,585/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Eau Claire
If you're a home or business owner looking to make use of the solar incentives in Eau Claire, it can be difficult to narrow down which installer to go with. But, the hard work is worth it since switching to solar energy is typically a great choice. Because solar panels produce their own electrical power, they can greatly lower your electricity bill each month, if not completely eliminate it. In fact, you could end up with about $19,000 of savings over 20 years.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary a lot depending on your home's framework and your household energy usage. For an idea of how much you might have to pay to put up a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Eau Claire by clicking the "get quote" button below.
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 Eau Claire
Champion Solar
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Reliable Customer Support - Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Integrated roofing - Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
Next Step Energy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Solar Chippewa Valley
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Integrated roofing
- Skilled repairs
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
Midwest Solars
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
U.S. Solar Mounts Corp
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Home installations
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Eau Claire
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire
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 Eau Claire
For a lot of homeowners, whether or not you should invest in solar energy depends the most on the cost. The cost of solar and the savings it generates vary depending on a few key factors such as:
- Electricity consumption: The average home in Eau Claire uses a decent amount of, and therefore may save on their energy bills.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, lets you deduct 30% of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $19,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can dramatically lower, or totally eradicate, your utility bills. In Eau Claire, you can save an average of $122 a month.
- Your income and budget: This guides what model of solar panels you can buy.
Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can make your own power instead of paying for it from the grid and take advantage of solar incentives, all while helping protect the Earth.
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If you're wondering what your impact could be if you switch to solar, you can use the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Eau Claire, WI.
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Solar Incentives in Eau Claire
If you're considering making the switch to solar energy, a variety of government incentives and solar rebates can greatly bring down the installation costs and expedite the return on your investment. There are quite a few federal, state and local rebates and tax credits that can earn you a decent amount of money back after buying solar panels. You can find out about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Eau Claire
One of the most compelling reasons to embrace solar power is to cut your dependence on nonrenewable energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are destructive for the environment. But you may be curious — how much exactly can you help by using solar power? In Eau Claire, where the energy generation produces a lot of greenhouse gasses, going solar can have a big effect on the Earth since solar power has a lower carbon footprint. Once you go solar, your carbon emissions can be reduced by about 90 pounds each year. For people who are concerned about the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for offsetting your carbon emissions.
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 Eau Claire, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Eau Claire?
In Eau Claire, Next Step Energy is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a great choice if you're planning on installing solar panels on your house.
What is the negative environmental impact of making solar panels?
Solar panels can be bad for the environment when manufacturers use toxic chemicals in the construction. Chemicals can make solar panels difficult to recycle safely once they've reached the end of their lifespan. Making solar panels requires a lot of energy as well. The energy payback period is about 1 to 4 years.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 9.2 years, but the exact period varies by the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
What are the different types of solar panels?
The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are less expensive but also less efficient than monocrystalline. Thin-film solar panels are flexible, so they can be used where the other types can't, such as on curved surfaces or cars, but they are also less efficient. The best one for you depends on your budget, roof layout and desired energy output.
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.