Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Butternut, Wisconsin. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading Wisconsin-based solar installer known for high-quality residential and commercial installations. They have a strong presence in Northern Wisconsin and are praised for their expert design, quality equipment, and knowledgeable approach to local incentives and financing.
A regional solar powerhouse based in the Midwest with extensive experience in complex installations, including in more rural areas like Butternut. They are recognized for their robust warranties and strong manufacturer partnerships.
A well-regarded local electrical contractor that has expanded into a premier solar installer for the Northwoods and Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They are valued for their local knowledge, personalized service, and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems suitable for rural properties.
** The home solar market in and around Butternut, Wisconsin, is characteristic of a rural, Northern community. There are no major national installers (e.g., Sunrun, Tesla) with a physical local presence, creating an opportunity for strong regional and specialized local contractors. The market competition is moderate, defined by a handful of highly competent companies from hubs like Stevens Point, Dubuque, and Marquette that compete for projects in the area. The average quality of service is high, as these established providers must maintain excellent reputations to justify their service range. Typical installations often lean towards larger, more robust systems to offset higher energy costs from propane or heating oil, with a growing interest in battery storage for backup power during frequent Northwoods power outages. Pricing is competitive with state averages, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.40 per watt** before the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which can reduce the net cost by 30%. Knowledge of local utility incentives, like those from Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program, is a key differentiator among the top providers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Butternut regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Butternut, Wisconsin.
Solar panels are very effective in Butternut's climate. While winter days are shorter, panels actually operate more efficiently in cold weather, and the reflective snow can increase production on sunny days. Wisconsin's net metering policy allows you to bank excess summer credits to offset winter usage, ensuring a balanced annual energy supply.
The average gross cost for a residential system in Wisconsin is between $18,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and Wisconsin offers a state sales tax exemption on equipment. Additionally, local utilities like Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) offer net metering, and Focus on Energy may have rebate programs to further reduce your net cost.
Yes, you will need to obtain an electrical permit from Ashland County. Your chosen installer will typically handle this process. It's also essential to check with your local utility (likely WPS) for their specific interconnection agreement requirements to connect your system safely to the grid, which is a standard but necessary step.
Look for Wisconsin-licensed electrical contractors (or those partnered with one) with specific experience in Northwoods installations. Check for certifications like NABCEP, read local reviews, and ask for references from past customers in the area. A good provider will understand local snow loads, roof considerations, and utility interconnection processes.
From contract to activation typically takes 3 to 5 months. This timeline includes system design, securing permits from Ashland County, scheduling installation (which itself takes 1-3 days), and the final inspection and utility interconnection. Seasonal weather can impact scheduling, so starting the process in spring or summer is often ideal.