15 Best Solar Companies in Rochester, WI (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 15 in Rochester based on:

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

Average Rochester homeowner saves $1,821/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Rochester

Looking to go solar but still deciding on which solar panel installer would be best for you? Although it can be hard to settle on a solar company, the search will pay off because going solar has many great perks. The average home can save $22,000 over 20 years when you use solar power. And since solar panels last about 25 to 30 years, the amount of money you'll save in the long run will be even more than that overall.

In this article, we'll give you a list of the top Rochester solar installers so you can make the best choice for your home's clean energy needs. To see how much you would pay to install a solar panel system on your roof, you can get a free quote from one of the top solar companies in Rochester by clicking 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 Rochester

Best Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.6/5

SunPower by Sun N Us

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.sunpowerbysunnus.com/
Address: 1400 E Touhy Ave Unit 255, Des Plaines, IL 60018
Phone: 8337866878
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Midwest Solutions Inc

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.midwestsolutions.info/
Address: 372 North Ave, Antioch, IL 60002
Phone: 8887514511
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Full Spectrum Solar

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon End-to-end services
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation

Website: https://fullspectrumsolar.com/
Address: 2110 Pewaukee Rd Suite 103, Waukesha, WI 53188
Phone: 9202547471
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Tesla Solar Milwaukee

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://teslasolarmilwaukee.business.site/
Address: 4650 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
Phone: 4145195863
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Arch Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://archelec.com/archsolar/
Address: 1553 S 38th St Suite 300, Milwaukee, WI 53215
Phone: 4144442724
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Solar Co of Milwaukee

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.solar-milwaukee.com/
Address: 305 N 76th St, Milwaukee, WI 53213
Phone: 4143382077
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Home Team Energy Company

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Prompt Service Delivery
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.hometeamenergy.com/
Address: 3725 N 126th St Suite J, Brookfield, WI 53005
Phone: 2622288701
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Toboa Energy Resources LLC

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.toboaenergy.com/
Address: 200 S Executive Dr Suite 101, Brookfield, WI 53005
Phone: 2626543833
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Solar Brite Ltd

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://solarbrite.net/
Address: 3613 SE Overton Dr, Richmond, IL 60071
Phone: 8474178154
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Convergence Energy, LLC

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

Services Offered

  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Tailored solutions

Website: https://convergence-energy.com/
Address: N1595 Hardwood Dr, Lake Geneva, WI 53147
Phone: 6302329200
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

ilumen Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://www.ilumen-solar.com/
Address: 27948 N Kelsey Rd, Barrington, IL 60010
Phone: 8478523370
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

E-GSI Energy Glazed Systems Inc.

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.gsiskylights.com/
Address: 350 Cty A27, Grayslake, IL 60030
Phone: 8472234500
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Smart Sky Solar

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://www.smartskysolar.com/
Address: 250 Parkway Dr Ste 150, Lincolnshire, IL 60069
Phone: 2246228336
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Greentech Renewables North Chicago

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

Services Offered

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

Website: http://greentechrenewables.com/
Address: 1305 Busch Pkwy, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 8475490300
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.8/5

Certasun

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

Services Offered

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

Website: https://certasun.com/
Address: 1582 Barclay Blvd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
Phone: 3126380800

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rochester

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


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 Rochester

For many readers, the decision of which solar company to choose comes down to pricing. Some important factors that affect how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:

  • Incentives: One thing that can make your solar project cost less is the solar investment tax credit (ITC), which is a tax credit that lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the project cost. You can also save money on your power bills, which can lead to an average of $22,000 of savings over 20 years.
  • The amount of sunlight your roof gets: If your roof gets limited direct sunlight, your solar system won't be able to make as much energy, which will leave you with lower savings on power bills than a roof that gets a lot of sunlight.
  • How much energy costs for you: If your local electricity rates are especially high, there's a better chance you'll get a higher return on your investment in a solar panel system. In Rochester, you can save an average of $132 a month on your electricity bills.
  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you buy will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels are more expensive upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can opt for a higher number of more affordable panels.

There are many great benefits of solar in spite of the upfront cost of installation. It can help the Earth and your bank account. Additionally, it can increase the value of your home, resulting in even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.

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Solar Incentives in Rochester

To increase the adoption of solar power, incentives are offered by the government — and even some utility companies — to help make solar power more financially viable and accessible. Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. A lot of states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. For comprehensive information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rochester

Switching to solar energy can have a beneficial impact on the environment. But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually help the environment? If your household consumes lots of energy, you can help the environment even more by switching to solar energy. Even though solar panel production emits carbon dioxide, the panels make up for it by considerably decreasing the amount of CO2 you would have released if you still used nonrenewable energy. In Rochester, you can reduce your carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year with solar panels. The great things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many people have been happy with making the switch to solar.

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 Rochester, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the best solar panel installer in Rochester?

The highest-rated local solar company in Rochester is ilumen Solar, with a rating of 4.01 stars.

What are a few of the main pros and cons of adopting solar power?

A few of the biggest pros are that it reduces your power bills, it's environmentally friendly, and it can provide a good return on your investment (ROI). The most notable cons are that solar panels don't produce electricity at night, the installation cost is pricey and solar panels can look clunky on your roof.

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 8.0 years, but the exact period is influenced by local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is rated based on the amount of power they generate under standard testing conditions. Since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watts per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.