Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Cataract, Wisconsin. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, local leader in West-Central Wisconsin specializing in custom residential solar and battery storage solutions. They are known for their personalized consultation, high-quality craftsmanship, and deep knowledge of local permitting and utility interconnection (like Xcel Energy).
A full-service electrical and solar contractor based in La Crosse, serving a wide area including Monroe County. They offer comprehensive services from initial energy assessment to system design, installation, and maintenance, leveraging their expertise as master electricians.
One of Wisconsin's longest-standing solar installation companies, based in Madison. They serve a large portion of southern and western Wisconsin and are recognized for their experience, strong manufacturer partnerships, and extensive knowledge of state and federal financing incentives.
The home solar market in and around Cataract, WI, is characteristic of a rural American market. The competition is not dense with local storefronts but is served by a handful of highly specialized, regional contractors. The average quality of these providers is high, as they must maintain excellent reputations and proper licensing to operate across multiple counties and utility jurisdictions. Companies like Arch Electric benefit from being very local, while larger firms like H&H Solar bring decades of experience and buying power. Typical pricing for a residential system in Wisconsin is competitive, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$20,000 to $28,000**. The 30% federal tax credit can significantly reduce this net cost. The market is mature regarding grid-tied systems, with providers well-versed in connecting to utilities like Xcel Energy and Alliant Energy. Knowledge of and installation for battery storage (e.g., Tesla Powerwall, Generac PWRcell) is also becoming a standard offering due to increased consumer demand for backup power.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Cataract regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Cataract, Wisconsin.
While Wisconsin winters have shorter days and snow cover, modern solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather and are installed at an angle to help shed snow. Seasonal production is lower, but Cataract's clear, sunny summer months generate significant surplus energy that, through net metering with your local utility, can offset winter usage. Proper system sizing by a local installer will account for this seasonal variation to ensure annual energy needs are met.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Wisconsin ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Critically, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit and Focus on Energy rebates, which can reduce system cost by 35-40% combined. Additionally, Wisconsin's net metering rules and a property tax exemption for the added home value from solar mean your long-term savings are substantial, often paying back the system in 8-12 years.
Yes, you will need to secure a building permit from Clark County. A reputable local solar provider will typically manage this entire process for you, ensuring the system meets all state electrical codes and local structural requirements. They will also handle the interconnection agreement with your utility (likely Clark Electric Cooperative or Xcel Energy), which is mandatory before you can activate your system and start net metering.
The ideal installation window is late spring through early fall (May-September). This avoids frozen ground and potential snow delays, allowing for a smoother and faster installation process. Scheduling during this period also ensures your system is fully operational to capture the peak summer sun, maximizing your first-year production and credits with your utility.
Prioritize Wisconsin-based installers with proven experience in the local climate. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for references from nearby projects and ensure they provide detailed production estimates using Cataract-specific weather data. A trustworthy installer will offer a strong warranty and be familiar with navigating Clark County permits and Focus on Energy incentive paperwork.