Solar panels installed on a residential home in Milwaukee, WI

Solar Panel Cost in Milwaukee, WI

Updated 2026 guide to solar panel prices, savings, and payback period in Milwaukee.

Estimated Solar Savings

$3.00Cost Per Watt
$18,000Avg. System Cost
9Year Payback
$27,00025-Year Savings

Solar Panel System Costs in Milwaukee, WI

Below are estimated costs for different solar panel system sizes in Milwaukee, including the 30% federal solar tax credit.

System SizeCost Before IncentivesFederal Tax Credit (30%)Net CostEst. Annual Production
4 kW$12,000-$3,600$8,4005,402 kWh
6 kWMost Popular$18,000-$5,400$12,6008,103 kWh
8 kW$24,000-$7,200$16,80010,804 kWh
10 kW$30,000-$9,000$21,00013,505 kWh
12 kW$36,000-$10,800$25,20016,206 kWh

What Affects Solar Panel Cost in Milwaukee?

The average cost of solar panels in Milwaukee, WI is approximately $300/watt before incentives. For a typical 6kW residential system, that means a total cost of about $18,000 before the federal tax credit.

After applying the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), your net cost drops to approximately $12,600.Milwaukee homeowners typically see a payback period of 9 years and save an estimated $27,000 over 25 years.

Factors that affect your cost in Milwaukee:

  • System size: Larger systems cost more but have a lower cost per watt
  • Equipment quality: Premium panels and inverters cost more but offer better efficiency
  • Roof complexity: Steep roofs, multiple levels, or shading can increase installation costs
  • Local labor rates: Installation costs vary within the Milwaukee metro area
  • Local permits: Permitting costs and requirements vary by municipality in Milwaukee
  • Incentives: State and local programs can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost
Beautiful home with solar panels in Milwaukee, WI

Solar Incentives Available in Milwaukee

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

30% Federal Tax Credit (ITC)

Wisconsin homeowners can claim the 30% federal ITC along with state rebate programs for solar installations.

30%

State & Local Incentives

Focus on Energy Solar Rebate

Rebate

Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program provides rebates for residential solar installations.

$500-$2,000 based on system size

Property Tax Exemption

Property Tax

Wisconsin exempts solar energy systems from property tax assessments.

100% property tax exemption on solar value

Sales Tax Exemption

Sales Tax

Solar energy systems are exempt from Wisconsin's sales and use tax.

100% sales tax exemption

Net Metering

Wisconsin requires utilities to offer net metering for residential solar systems up to 20 kW. We Energies and other utilities provide credits for excess generation.

Available

SRECs

Wisconsin does not have an SREC market. The state's Renewable Portfolio Standard does not include a specific solar carve-out.

Not Available
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Top Solar Companies in Milwaukee, WI

Affordable Solar Roof & Air

4.9(721 reviews)

Years in Business: 14

Service Area: Milwaukee

Phone: (800) 515-1254

Sunergy Solutions LLC

4.9(146 reviews)

Years in Business: 6

Service Area: Milwaukee

Phone: (603) 289-1090

Green Power Energy

4.8(406 reviews)

Years in Business: 17

Service Area: Milwaukee

Phone: (855) 525-1675

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Solar Panel Cost FAQ - Milwaukee, WI

The average cost of solar panels in Milwaukee is approximately $3.00 per watt before incentives. A typical 6kW residential system costs about $18,000 before the 30% federal tax credit, bringing the net cost to around $12,600.

The typical payback period for solar panels in Milwaukee is approximately 9 years. After that, you'll enjoy free electricity for the remaining 15-20+ years of your system's life, saving an estimated $27,000 over 25 years.

Milwaukee homeowners can take advantage of the 30% federal solar tax credit, which reduces your system cost by 30%. Wisconsin also offers net metering, and various state-level incentive programs. Check our incentives page for the complete list.

Milwaukee homeowners can save an estimated $27,000 over 25 years by going solar. Actual savings depend on your electricity usage, system size, roof orientation, and available incentives. With electricity rates averaging $0.15/kWh in Wisconsin, solar provides significant long-term savings.

Solar Costs in Other Wisconsin Cities

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30%Federal Tax Credit
25+Year Savings
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