Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Fairchild, Wisconsin. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly respected, locally-owned and operated electrical contractor that has expanded into a leading regional solar specialist. They are known for exceptional customer service, meticulous installation quality, and deep knowledge of local permitting and utility requirements (like Xcel Energy). They handle the entire process from design to commissioning.
A well-established electrical and solar company based in Eau Claire, serving a wide radius across West-Central Wisconsin. They are praised for their professional consultations and clear communication. They offer robust financing options and are experts in navigating state and federal solar incentives.
One of Wisconsin's oldest and most experienced solar installation companies. While based further away, they are a trusted name statewide and frequently service the Fairchild area. They offer a comprehensive suite of services, including maintenance and cleaning for existing systems, and have strong partnerships with top-tier equipment manufacturers.
** The home solar market in Fairchild, WI, is characteristic of a rural community: there are no solar installers physically located within the village limits. Consequently, the market is served by reputable regional contractors, primarily from Eau Claire, which is the nearest major commercial hub. The competition level is moderate, with a handful of highly-qualified providers vying for projects in the area. This benefits the consumer, as companies must maintain high service standards to compete. The average quality of installations is high, as all leading providers are licensed master electricians, ensuring systems meet strict electrical and building codes. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Wisconsin ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average-sized 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. Providers are generally very knowledgeable about local utility net metering policies (from providers like Clark Electric Cooperative) and available state incentives, which are crucial for a strong return on investment in Wisconsin's climate.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Fairchild regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Fairchild, Wisconsin.
While Fairchild experiences significant snowfall and shorter winter days, modern solar panels are efficient at converting diffuse light and are installed at an angle to help shed snow. Your system will produce the majority of its energy from spring through fall, and Wisconsin's net metering laws allow you to bank summer credits to offset winter bills. Proper system sizing by a local installer will account for these seasonal variations to ensure your annual energy needs are met.
For a typical Fairchild home, a solar system costs between $18,000 and $30,000 before incentives, depending on size and equipment. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and Wisconsin offers a state sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Additionally, Focus on Energy, Wisconsin's energy efficiency program, often provides cash-back incentives, and Eau Claire Electric Cooperative (which serves the area) offers net metering, significantly improving payback time.
Yes, you will need to obtain a building permit from the Village of Fairchild or Eau Claire County, depending on your location. The process typically involves submitting your system plans for structural and electrical review. Working with an established Wisconsin-licensed installer is key, as they will handle this permitting process and ensure compliance with all state electrical codes and any local zoning ordinances, which are generally solar-friendly.
Look for providers with extensive experience in Wisconsin's specific climate and utility landscape. Verify they are licensed, bonded, and insured in Wisconsin, and ask for local references in Eau Claire County. A trustworthy installer will provide a detailed production estimate for Fairchild's weather, explain the interconnection process with Eau Claire Electric Cooperative, and offer robust warranties on both labor and equipment.
Going completely off-grid in Fairchild is technically possible but often impractical and cost-prohibitive for most homeowners due to the extended periods of low sunlight in winter. It would require a very large solar array and an extensive, expensive battery bank. The most common and cost-effective approach is a grid-tied system with net metering, which uses the utility grid as a "battery," providing reliable power year-round while maximizing your financial return.