Net metering customers
23,951
8.4 per 1,000 homes
Capacity
268.7 MW
11.2 kW per customer
Efficiency incentives per home
$8.10
30th of 50
Average price
18.08 cents
5% above the US average
Net metering in Wisconsin
Utilities in Wisconsin reported 23,951 residential customers on net metering in 2025, with 268.7 megawatts of capacity, which averages 11.2 kilowatts per customer. That is 8.4 customers per 1,000 homes. Among the 51 places that reported, Wisconsin ranks 38th, and the national ranking is on the net metering by state page.
| Utility | Net metering customers | Megawatts |
|---|---|---|
| We Energies | 6,994 | 46.3 |
| Wisconsin Power and Light (Alliant Energy) | 5,447 | 38.5 |
| Madison Gas and Electric | 2,677 | 17.0 |
| Wisconsin Public Service | 2,166 | 13.9 |
| Northern States Power Wisconsin | 789 | 10.9 |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data), net metering schedule, residential. The count covers net metering only. Solar homes on other export arrangements are tracked separately by EIA.
What an exported kWh is worth in Wisconsin
The value of a solar export depends on the credit your utility pays. As an illustration, take 7,000 kWh of solar power in a year, a made-up figure and not a forecast for any home. At the 2025 Wisconsin average price of 18.08 cents per kWh, that power is worth $1,266 if the utility credits it at the full retail price. If the utility credits exports at half that rate, it is worth $633.
The gap shows why the export credit matters so much. Ask the utility which applies to you, and use the solar savings calculator to set the retail and export prices separately.
Utility efficiency rebates in Wisconsin
In 2025, 12 Wisconsin utilities reported efficiency programs to EIA. Together they paid about $23,234,700 in incentives to residential customers, or $8.10 per home, which ranks 30th of 50. The programs reported 71,855 megawatt hours of first year residential savings, about 3.1 kWh for each dollar of incentive.
| Utility | Paid to residential customers |
|---|---|
| Focus on Energy | $22.7 million |
| Polk-Burnett Electric Cooperative | $150 thousand |
| Riverland Energy Cooperative | $79 thousand |
| Clark Electric Cooperative | $65 thousand |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Form EIA-861 (final 2025 data), energy efficiency schedule. Paid incentives show what a utility spent, not what you can get. See efficiency rebates by state for the national ranking.
What the federal credits mean in Wisconsin
The IRS says the residential clean energy credit, which covered solar panels, does not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025, and the home improvement credit does not apply to property placed in service after that date. That is true in every state. What remains are state and utility offers, and the federal home energy rebates that states run. See solar incentives and home energy rebates.
Source: IRS FS-2025-05, read October 10, 2026. This is not tax advice.
Where to look for current Wisconsin offers
- Search the DSIRE database for Wisconsin incentives and net metering rules.
- Enter your ZIP code in the ENERGY STAR rebate finder.
- Ask your electric company about its net metering, export credit and rebate programs. Find it in the Wisconsin utility list.
- Read the rules at the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin, which oversees investor-owned utilities.
Wisconsin solar and rebate questions
Does Wisconsin have net metering?
Wisconsin utilities reported 23,951 residential net metering customers and 268.7 megawatts in 2025. The credit for exports depends on the utility and the state rules, so ask yours.
Is there a federal solar tax credit in Wisconsin?
The IRS says the residential clean energy credit does not apply to expenditures made after December 31, 2025, so it does not apply in any state for new installs.
How much do Wisconsin utilities pay in efficiency rebates?
In 2025, Wisconsin utilities that reported to EIA paid about $23,234,700 in efficiency incentives to residential customers, about $8.10 per home.
Where do I find Wisconsin solar and rebate offers?
Search the DSIRE database and the ENERGY STAR rebate finder, then ask your electric company and your state energy office before you sign anything.