Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Custer, Wisconsin. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned electrical contractor that has expanded to become a leader in residential solar and battery storage installations in Central Wisconsin. They are known for personalized service, expert design, and deep knowledge of local permitting and utility interconnection (Wisconsin Public Service).
A regional solar installer with a strong presence in the Midwest, including Wisconsin. They are a full-service provider offering everything from consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and a wide array of financing options. They often partner with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
As one of Wisconsin's longest-standing solar specialty companies, H&H brings extensive experience with both residential and commercial systems. They are particularly skilled in complex installations and offer comprehensive services from cleaning to full system repair.
** The home solar market in and around Custer, WI, is representative of rural Central Wisconsin. It is not saturated with a high volume of local competitors; instead, homeowners primarily rely on established regional contractors from hubs like Stevens Point and Wausau, or statewide specialists. The competition is of moderate intensity but high in quality, with a few key players dominating the market through reputation and longevity. These companies are well-versed in navigating the interconnection process with local utility Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) and are experts on available state and federal incentives, such as the 30% federal tax credit. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a typical gross cost of **$25,000 to $35,000 for a 10 kW system**. The market is seeing growing interest in battery storage solutions (like Tesla Powerwall) due to increased awareness of energy independence, though the primary installation type remains grid-tied systems.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Custer regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Custer, Wisconsin.
Solar panels are highly effective in cold, sunny weather, and Wisconsin's winter sun can still generate significant power. Snow will temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and their dark surfaces help melt light accumulations quickly. Installers in our region use robust racking systems and wiring rated for extreme cold to ensure long-term durability against freeze-thaw cycles and heavy snow loads.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Wisconsin ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal solar tax credit, and Wisconsin offers a state-specific incentive: Focus on Energy provides a cash-back rebate of up to $500 per project. Additionally, Wisconsin has strong net metering rules, allowing you to earn full retail credit on your utility bill (from Wisconsin Public Service or other providers) for excess energy sent back to the grid.
Yes, you will need to secure permits from Portage County. The process typically involves electrical and building permits to ensure system safety and compliance with the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code. Custer itself does not have restrictive zoning against solar, but your installer will handle verifying there are no local covenants (like from a homeowners association) and will submit all required documentation to the county, which generally has a straightforward process for residential solar.
Prioritize Wisconsin-based installers with extensive 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 recent installations in Portage County and confirm they will handle the entire process, including Portage County permits, interconnection with your utility (like Wisconsin Public Service), and incentive paperwork. Local expertise is key for optimal system design for our weather.
Yes, you will remain connected to the grid. Your system will produce less in winter but more than enough in summer, and net metering balances this. Under Wisconsin's net metering rules, your utility (e.g., Wisconsin Public Service) provides a credit on your bill for any surplus kilowatt-hours you send to the grid. These credits roll over month-to-month, allowing you to "bank" excess summer production to offset your higher usage during the darker, colder winter months, ensuring year-round savings.