Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Long Lake, Wisconsin. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A family-owned and operated Wisconsin leader in solar installation with over 40 years of experience. They are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, exceptional customer service, and deep expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems, which are common in the Northwoods. They handle the entire process from design to permitting and installation.
A well-respected, full-service electrical and solar contractor based in Northern Wisconsin. They are praised for their professional design consultations and knowledge of local incentives and utility interconnection (like Wisconsin Public Service). They offer comprehensive services from energy assessments to system maintenance.
A regional solar installer with a strong presence in the Midwest, including Wisconsin. They are known for making the solar process straightforward for homeowners and offer various financing and leasing options. Their partnerships with top-tier manufacturers ensure robust system warranties and performance.
** The home solar market in and around Long Lake, Wisconsin, is characterized by a few high-quality, regional specialists rather than intense competition from national players. The market quality is high, as these providers have adapted to the specific needs of the Northwoods, including dealing with heavy snow loads, forested properties requiring sun exposure analysis, and a significant demand for off-grid and battery-backed-up systems due to the rural setting. **Competition Level** is moderate but specialized. Homeowners have a clear choice of several excellent, long-standing contractors. **Typical pricing** is competitive with national averages, but system costs can be influenced by the logistics of serving a rural area and the complexity of off-grid or hybrid systems. All top providers are highly knowledgeable about federal tax incentives, and while Wisconsin state-specific rebates are limited, they expertly navigate programs like Focus on Energy and net metering policies with local utilities.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Long Lake regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Long Lake, Wisconsin.
While winter production is lower due to shorter days and potential snow cover, modern panels are efficient at low temperatures and can still generate significant power on clear, cold days. Snow typically slides off angled panels, and Wisconsin's long summer days with high sun angles provide excellent production, allowing your system to generate ample annual energy. It's crucial to size your system based on annual usage, not winter output, to ensure year-round coverage.
The gross cost for a typical home system in Wisconsin ranges from $18,000 to $30,000 before incentives. Critically, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and Wisconsin offers a state sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Additionally, Focus on Energy provides cash-back incentives, and local utilities like Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) or Xcel Energy may have specific programs, significantly reducing your net cost. Financing options include solar loans, leases, and potentially Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing.
Yes, you must comply with both Vilas County and local Town of Long Lake ordinances. The process typically involves obtaining an electrical permit and a building permit, ensuring your system meets setback requirements from property lines and height restrictions. A reputable local installer will manage this entire permitting process for you, including interconnection agreements with your utility (WPS or Xcel), which is required to connect to the grid and participate in net metering.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience in Wisconsin's specific climate and regulatory environment. Verify they are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for local references in Vilas County, review their portfolio of nearby installations, and ensure they offer robust warranties on both equipment and workmanship. It's also wise to choose a company that will handle ongoing monitoring and maintenance, especially for snow-related performance checks.
A professional site assessment is essential to evaluate your roof's orientation, shading from trees, structural integrity, and age. South-facing roofs with minimal shading are ideal, but east/west setups can also be effective. If your roof is heavily shaded, unsuitable, or you prefer an alternative, ground-mounted systems are an excellent solution in Long Lake, given typical lot sizes. These can be positioned in a sunny, open area of your property for optimal production, though they require separate permitting.