Starting in January 2026, Wisconsinites will have access to increased rebates for residential rooftop solar panels thanks to Focus on Energy, Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency program. The program is increasing rooftop solar rebates in response to the rollback of federal tax incentives for solar panel systems.
“Focus on Energy is pleased to be able to increase rebates for residential solar PV projects and provide additional support for Wisconsin homeowners who want to pursue sustainable, renewable energy” said Focus on Energy Community Liaison Manager Brady Steigauf.
The Focus on Energy rooftop solar rebates will increase from $300 per system to $600 per kilowatt (kW) of power that the system is designed to provide, up to a maximum of $2,400 per system. These increased incentives are available starting January 1st. The average rooftop solar system in Wisconsin costs $3,250 per kW, meaning Focus on Energy is offering an 18% discount on the first 4 kW of a rooftop solar system.
To find out more about this program, which is available to all Wisconsinites no matter their income level, visit focusonenergy.com or contact your Focus on Energy regional Energy Advisor. Focus on Energy has many other rebates and incentives available for homeowners for energy efficiency upgrades.
Rooftop solar systems can significantly decrease residential utility bills. According to RENEW Wisconsin, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing renewable energy, homes in Wisconsin can save around $900-$1,200 per year on utility bills by adding rooftop solar panels. This means rooftop solar systems pay for themselves in about 10 years, and they can last over 30 years. Additionally, many Wisconsinites with rooftop solar can benefit from net-metering, which is the process of selling excess energy produced by rooftop solar back to utilities.
Focus on Energy is increasing these rebates in response to the rollback of federal tax incentives for rooftop solar systems. The Residential Clean Energy Credits, which were made available through the Inflation Reduction Act, provided tax credits up to 30% of the cost of a rooftop solar system. Unfortunately, President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” is terminating this system at the end of 2025. The Focus on Energy rebates will partially offset this rollback and make rooftop solar systems more affordable for our state.
The Focus on Energy rebates are changing for non-residential buildings as well: from $50 per kW to $600 per kW up to $2,400 and then $50 per kW for additional kilowattage up to a maximum of $25,000. Residential and non-residential customers can only participate if they are not taking advantage of the federal tax credit.
