2025 Solar Incentives Guide for Milwaukee, WI - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Milwaukee.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
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What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Milwaukee?
Renewable Energy Sales Tax Exemptions
Renewable Rewards Program
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
City of Milwaukee - Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
Solar incentives are designed to encourage people to switch their home over to renewable energy by providing incentives that lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. You may qualify for various types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, depending on your situation. Some incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the state of Wisconsin and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:
- Tax Exemptions: These may come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you ignore the value added by your solar panels when calculating the taxes you pay on your home. You could also look for exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.
- Net Metering: You can sign a net metering agreement with your Milwaukee utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. Your utility company will then subtract this value from your utility bill each month.
- Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are normally given before any solar tax credits are calculated. Solar rebates can be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the government. Tax credits differ from tax deductions.
Federal Solar Incentives
Federal incentives are the type of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is likely the most well-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies towards solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, and lets you deduct from your taxes a percentage of the total cost of solar panels, labor, equipment and accessories. This credit can apply towards a solar panel system installed on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The original claim amount was 30% of the total cost, although certain projects may qualify for only 26%, depending on the details. There is no maximum claim amount.
Contacting your local Milwaukee solar panel installation expert is the best way to learn more about how the ITC could apply to you.
In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now dubbed the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. American homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation after January 1, 2022, and are completed by the end of 2032. This credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until the date of expiration. Starting in 2023, it will also be easier to qualify for credits for energy storage systems with the new act.
Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. To understand how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you, talk to your local Milwaukee solar installation company.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Some solar incentives are often also provided by state and local governments. Similar to federal incentives, these could include rebates, tax credits and more. These incentives might be offered by your county or municipality, or by the Wisconsin government. Some are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Milwaukee
The expanding number of solar incentives available has helped tremendously increase the nationwide adoption of solar energy over the last 15 years. You may receive solar incentives from your local utility company, the federal government or the Wisconsin government. Speak with your local solar panel installer today to learn more and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your Milwaukee home.
EcoWatch's Milwaukee, WI Solar Incentives FAQs
I already have solar panels installed. Does my system qualify for any incentives?
If your solar panels were installed after January 1, 2022, you may qualify for the newly increased 30% tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. If your system was installed between 2006 and 2021, you may qualify for a tax credit between 26% and 30%, depending on the year it was installed. Speaking with the company that installed your system, or any local Milwaukee solar installer, can help you learn what incentives you can apply for.
How much will solar panels save me on my electric bill in Milwaukee annually?
Typically, Milwaukee homeowners who install solar panels save about $1,150.87 per year, or about $21,866.50 over 20 years after they make the switch.
Who installs solar panels near me?
To find the right solar panel installer for you, check out our guide to the best solar companies in Milwaukee.
If I change out my appliances for ones that can use solar energy, are there benefits I can claim?
Under the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a variety of new financial incentives for making eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found here.
Can I use both solar and another type of renewable energy to power my home?
You can use multiple types of renewable energy, or a combination of renewable and non-renewable energy, to power your home. Make sure you go over your plan with your local Milwaukee solar installation expert. They can help you as you plan for your project and educate you on the various incentives that 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.