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
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Average Franklin homeowner saves $1,900/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 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 Franklin
Average Cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
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Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
ilumen Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Average Cost
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
- Maintenance & Repairs
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
Tesla Solar Milwaukee
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
We Energies
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
Arch Solar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Solar Co of Milwaukee
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Solar Co of Milwaukee
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Wisconsin Solar Energy Industries Association
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Toboa Energy Resources LLC
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
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 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 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.