12 Best Solar Companies in Franklin, WI (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 12 in Franklin based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Franklin, WI
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Franklin homeowner saves $1,900/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Franklin

Finding the right solar panel installation company for your home is a huge decision, but it's one that can save you a lot of money in Franklin. On average, you can save $23,000 over 20 years with solar panels. And because solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be much higher than that overall.

The cost of installing solar panels can vary substantially based on your home's setup and your household energy usage. To get free quotes from the leading solar companies in Franklin, click the "get quote" button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Franklin

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

ilumen Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.ilumen-solar.com/
Address: Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 8478523370
Best for Leasing
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Sunrun

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Many financing options
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.sunrun.com/
Best Social Impact
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Palmetto Solar

  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Pros icon Makes charitable contributions
  • Pros icon Certified B Corp
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs
  • Con icon Quality of installation may vary by location

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
  • Service icon Maintenance & Repairs

Website: https://palmetto.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Tesla Solar Milwaukee

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://teslasolarmilwaukee.business.site/
Address: Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: 4145195863
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

We Energies

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://we-energies.com/
Address: West Allis, WI 53214
Phone: 8667160716
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Arch Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://archelec.com/archsolar/
Address: Milwaukee, WI 53215
Phone: 4144442724
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Co of Milwaukee

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.solar-milwaukee.com/
Address: Milwaukee, WI 53213
Phone: 305N76thSt
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Co of Milwaukee

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.solar-milwaukee.com/
Address: Milwaukee, WI 53213
Phone: 4143382077
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Wisconsin Solar Energy Industries Association

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.seia.org/
Address: Milwaukee, WI 53208
Phone: 7152078931
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Toboa Energy Resources LLC

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.toboaenergy.com/
Address: Brookfield, WI 53005
Phone: 2626543833

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Franklin

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Franklin 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 Franklin


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 Franklin

When picking a solar company, most homeowners or business owners think about the costs above all. There are a few factors you should take into consideration when determining how much it will cost and how much you can save, such as:

  • Your household's power bills: Due to very high monthly energy bills in Franklin, you could save about $1,600 a year with solar.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your total installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that can help you save even more. Not including incentives, you can save an average of $23,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
  • The model of solar panels you're planning on getting: Some have higher prices, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
  • How much sunlight your roof gets: If your roof doesn't see much direct sunlight, your solar panels won't be able to generate as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than a roof that gets lots of sunlight.

Solar is a fruitful investment for most homeowners. You can make your own energy instead of paying for it from the grid and benefit from solar incentives, all while helping protect the environment.

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Solar Incentives in Franklin

To increase solar panel installation and usage, federal, state and local governments — and even some utility companies — offer incentives to help make switching to solar power more economically viable and accessible. Regardless of where you live, you can take advantage of the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which allows you to claim 30% of how much your solar project cost on your tax return, reducing the amount of taxes you owe that year. In addition, there may be some state and city incentives you can benefit from too. Check out our article on solar incentives to see what incentives are available to you.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Franklin

There are a few important reasons why many people are interested in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet. Something many homeowners might have in mind is how much can they really help preserve the environment by going solar anyway? No matter where you are, you can help the environment by switching to solar energy, but homes that use lots of energy will have a bigger impact. Even though making solar panels emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by significantly reducing the amount of CO2 you would have been responsible for if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Franklin, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. For homeowners who want to help the environment, the upfront cost of solar is a small price to pay for reducing your carbon footprint.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Franklin, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar installer in Franklin?

In Franklin, WindSoleil Solar and Wind Energy Services is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 5.00 stars, so it's a good choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your roof.

What are the best and worst things about solar power?

A few of the biggest pros are that it decreases your power bills, it's eco-friendly, and it can provide a significant return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the startup costs are high and solar panels can be an eyesore.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after buying solar panels?

Solar panels usually pay for themselves in about 7.7 years, but your solar payback period will vary based on your utility costs. The higher your typical power bill, the quicker your solar panel system will pay for itself.

What is the best type of solar panel?

The different types of solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient but also more costly. Polycrystalline panels are cheaper 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, the layout of your roof and how much efficiency you're looking for.

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.