4 Best Solar Companies in Wausau, WI (2023 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Wausau based on:
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Customer review scores - Service area for Wausau, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Wausau homeowner saves $1,543/year with solar panels
Updated September 15, 2023
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Best Solar Companies in Wausau
When choosing between the best solar installers, Wausau homeowners have more options to choose from than ever before, which can be overwhelming, but we're here to make making the switch to solar energy simpler. While solar is a great investment, you'll be able to make that expense back and then some, all while living more sustainably. In fact, you could end up with savings of about $18,000 over 20 years.
There are lots of installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Wausau. To get free quotes from the top solar companies in Wausau, 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 Wausau
Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA)
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Informative Resources - Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
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Limited information available on website
Services Offered
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Expert panel installation - Energy storage solutions
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Business installations
Northwind Solar
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Reliable Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- End-to-end services
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Energy storage solutions
Photovoltaic Systems, LLC
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- End-to-end services
Independent Solar Systems
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Energy storage solutions
- Business installations
- Tailored solutions
- Home installations
- Expert panel installation
- Integrated roofing
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Wausau
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Wausau 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 Wausau
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 Wausau
For many people considering switching to solar, the decision of which solar company to hire depends on prices. There are quite a few factors you should take into consideration when trying to figure out the overall cost and how much you can save, such as:
- Incentives: Those who buy and install a solar energy system this year can save 30% of their overall solar costs by taking advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit. You can also save about $18,000 on your electricity bills over 20 years without incentives.
- Your energy consumption: If your home uses a lot of energy, you'll reap more rewards from installing solar panels.
- Your income and budget: This guides what kind of solar panels you can afford.
- The cost of electricity in your area: If your local electricity rates are quite high, there's a good chance you'll have a higher return on your investment in a solar system. In Wausau, you can save an average of $118 a month on your electricity bills.
Though a solar panel system costs a decent chunk of money upfront, it can save you much more over time. The question of how much, though, depends on a number of factors, such as the size of your solar panel system and your energy consumption.
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To find out how much you can help the environment and your wallet by making the switch to solar, try out the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Wausau, WI.
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Solar Incentives in Wausau
There are lots of reasons why you should switch to solar. One of them consists of some government incentives that can help save you some money. These incentives normally consist of cash rebates, tax breaks and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can cut how much you end up spending on installing solar panels by 30%, upwards of 50% in some cases. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can take advantage of.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Wausau
Making the switch to solar power is a good way to do what you can for a cleaner and more sustainable future. You may be asking yourself — how much does going solar do for the environment anyway? Switching to solar energy for electricity in place of using nonrenewable energy is a great way to lower carbon dioxide emissions if you're concerned about Wausau's large level of greenhouse gas emissions. Once you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced by about 100 pounds a year. As you can see, investing in solar has so many other benefits apart from saving money. One of the primary ones is that you can help save the Earth too.
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 Wausau, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
Which solar panel installer is the best in Wausau?
The best local solar company in Wausau is Olson Solar Energy, with a rating of 3.00 stars.
Are solar panels really bad for the environment?
Making solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be dangerous for the environment, which is the main negative thing about solar panels.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?
Solar panels typically pay for themselves in about 9.4 years, but your solar payback period will depend on your utility costs. The higher your typical electricity bill, the quicker your solar panel system will recoup your installation costs.
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, like 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 energy generation you want.
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.