2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Kaukauna, WI - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Kaukauna.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Kaukauna solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Kaukauna?

Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemptions

Incentive Type:
Sales Tax Incentive
100% exemption from sales and use tax for eligible purchases

Renewable Rewards Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Solar PV: Residential - $200 per kW
Business - 0-5 kW: $200 per kW
5-10 kW: $1000 + $150 per kW over 5
10-100 kW: $1750 + $125 per kW over 10
100-300 kW: $13000 + $100 per kW over 100
300-500 kW: $33000 + $85 per kW over 300

Biogas, Solar, and Wind Energy Equipment Exemption

Incentive Type:
Property Tax Incentive
100% of the value added by an eligible renewable energy system

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are intended to make renewable energy usage more affordable through financial incentives for those who install solar panels on their homes. Various types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Certain incentives may be provided via the Wisconsin government, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Exemptions: Sales tax exemptions go into effect at the point of sale for your solar system. Property tax exemptions allow you to ignore the value added by your solar system when calculating the amount of property tax you need to pay on your home.
  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are normally applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates may be given by your local utility company, by your state or by your county.
  • Tax Credits: Unlike tax deductions, tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government.
  • Net Metering: Net metering becomes relevant after your solar panels are up and running. If you have in place a net metering agreement with your Kaukauna utility company, the company will subtract the value of the excess energy your solar system produces from your monthly utility bill. In some areas, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in other places you may receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have heard of. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC initially applied to 30% of the total cost of installing solar panels, although that number has fluctuated slightly over the last few years between 26-30%. The percentage you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. The total installation cost includes the panels themselves as well as the cost of accessories, labor and equipment. There is no maximum amount you can claim. The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006, on your primary or secondary residence. The residence must be in the United States and owned by you.

To better understand how the ITC could apply to your situation, get in touch with your local Kaukauna solar panel installer and ask for more information.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act expanded and extended the ITC, now referred to as the Clean Energy Credit. Now, solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032, might qualify for a 30% tax credit. This credit amount will then decrease slightly each year until the end of the current Clean Energy Credit in 2035. The expansion also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, beginning in 2023.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you, speak with your local Kaukauna solar installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be offered at the local or state level. As with federal incentives, these may include rebates, tax credits and more. Incentives might be handled by the state of Wisconsin, or by your county or municipality. Certain incentives may be available for only a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Kaukauna

The variety of solar incentives available has contributed greatly to the increase in the use of solar power nationwide over the past 15 years. You can get solar incentives from your local utility company, the Wisconsin government or the federal government. Your local Kaukauna solar panel installation company can help you learn more about which incentives you should apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's Kaukauna, WI Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I learn if I qualify for different solar incentives?

Generally, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar system
  2. installed on property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including ones handled by the Wisconsin government or by your county/municipality, could have additional qualifications. Talk to your local Kaukauna solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project may qualify for.

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Kaukauna?

Once you add solar panels to your home in Kaukauna, you can expect to save approximately $986.07 per year, or about $18,735.24 over the next 20 years.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is scheduled to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

Can I receive incentives both towards the initial cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order in which incentives are applied might vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but generally yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Check with your solar installer or a local tax professional to confirm you are claiming all the incentives you qualify for and applying them in the correct order.

Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of wind and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a non-renewable backup source of energy. You should discuss the details of your plan with your local Kaukauna solar panel installer, to make sure you know what you'll need and what kinds of incentives you will or won't qualify 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.

Solar incentive 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.

Follow us