15 Best Solar Companies in Madison, WI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Madison based on:
-
Customer review scores - Service area for Madison, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Madison homeowner saves $1,824/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Best Solar Companies in Madison
When deciding on the best solar companies, Madison homeowners have more providers to choose from than ever before, which can be a lot to consider, but we're here to make switching to solar energy simpler. Solar panels aren't just good for the environment — your bank account will benefit too. After switching to solar power, you can save an average of $22,000 over 20 years, and this doesn't even include incentives.
In this article, we'll help you narrow down the best companies in your area. We recommend shopping around for multiple quotes and comparing them to figure out which is the best installer for your home. To get started with free, no-obligation quotes from the top solar companies in Madison, click the link 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 Madison
Bright Skies Solar
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Clear Pricing Policy - Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
-
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
-
Home installations - Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
Sunpower by Sun N Us Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
Arch Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
SunPeak
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
Drews Solar
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Midwest Solar Power
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Business installations
- Energy storage solutions
- Integrated roofing
Full Spectrum Solar
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Integrated roofing
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
All Energy Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
Renew Wisconsin Inc
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Epic Electric and Solar Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
SOLENERGY
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- End-to-end services
- Integrated roofing
SunVest Solar, LLC
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Integrated roofing
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Business installations
Greenlink Energy Solutions
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Prompt Service Delivery
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Glow Solar
- Informative Resources
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Synergy Renewable Systems, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Tailored solutions
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Madison
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Madison 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 Madison
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 Madison
For many readers, the decision of which solar installer to go with depends on how much it'll cost. Some main factors that determine how much it will cost to install solar panels on your home and how much money you could save over time are:
- Your energy bills: This will impact how much money you might save. In Madison, the average resident can save about $1,700 a year on their electricity bills.
- Typical energy usage: The more energy your home consumes on average and the greater your current energy bills are, the more money you could save by going solar.
- System size and type: Some models are more expensive than others, so the one you decide on can raise or lower your upfront cost. Plus, the more solar panels you need to get, the more it'll cost.
- Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which gives you a tax credit currently worth 30% of your overall 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 $22,000 over 20 years with your system, too.
Even though a solar panel system costs a good chunk of money upfront, it can save you thousands of dollars in the long term. The question of how much, though, depends on several factors, such as the size of your solar panel system and your local electricity rates.
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Solar Incentives in Madison
There are many good reasons why going solar is a great investment. One of them includes some government incentives that can save you money. These incentives usually take the form of cash rebates, tax credits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can cut the cost you pay for going solar by 30%, upwards of 50% in some cases. You can learn about the incentives available to you in our article on solar incentives
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Madison
Installing solar panels can have a beneficial effect on the environment. But — how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? For people who want to do their part for the planet, using solar power is a no-brainer, especially since Madison produces a very high amount of carbon dioxide emissions from its energy generation. In fact, if you install solar panels, you could lower your carbon dioxide emissions by about 100 pounds each year. The advantages of solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with using solar energy.
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 Madison, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar installation company is the best near me?
The best local solar company in Madison is Mad City Solar Experts, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
Are solar panels really environmentally friendly?
Producing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.
Is it worth putting solar panels on my roof?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but admittedly, they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What are the different kinds of solar panels?
There are three main types of solar panels: monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. As for 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, your budget 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.