4 Best Solar Companies in Eau Claire, WI (2024 Reviews)
We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 4 in Eau Claire based on:
Customer review scores- Service area for Eau Claire, WI
- Company policies and services offered
- Accreditations and certifications
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Average Eau Claire homeowner saves $1,585/year with solar panels
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Best Solar Companies in Eau Claire
Choosing the best solar panel installation company for your roof is an important decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Eau Claire. Plus, the solar industry is growing in Eau Claire, giving homeowners access to some of the most reputable solar installers in the country.
The cost of installing solar panels can vary considerably according to your home’s infrastructure and your household energy needs.To get free quotes from the best solar companies in Eau Claire, you can click "get quote" below.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Eau Claire
Next Step Energy
Reliable Customer Support- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
Limited information available on website
Services Offered
Panel Installation- Skilled Repairs
- Financing Assistance
Solar Chippewa Valley
- Reliable Customer Support
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Permit Assistance
- Panel Installation
Midwest Solars
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Battery Storage
- Panel Installation
Champion Solar
- Reliable Customer Support
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Informative Resources
- Free Quotes
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Permit Assistance
- Consultation
- Skilled Repairs
- Cleaning and Maintenance
- Financing Assistance
- Panel Installation
- Battery Storage
Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Eau Claire
EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Eau Claire based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Eau Claire
Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Wisconsin solar companies
- Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
- Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
- Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
- Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
- Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
- Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
- Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
- Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Eau Claire
The cost of installing solar panels has dropped significantly in the past several years, but it’s still a large investment for most homeowners.Some key factors that affect how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much it could save you over time are:
- Your power bills: This will impact your savings. In Eau Claire, the average resident can save about $1,100 a year on their electricity bills.
- Your income and budget: This shapes what type of solar panels you can afford.
- Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone in the U.S. is eligible for, allows you to deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your taxes. Plus, not including incentives, you can save about $19,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
- Electricity consumption: The average household in Eau Claire uses a decent amount of, and as a result may save on their energy bills.
There are several wonderful benefits of solar despite the upfront cost of installation. It can help the environment and your bank account. In addition, it can boost the value of your home, giving you even more benefits if you decide to sell your home later.
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Use the calculator below to see how much adopting solar power could impact the Earth and your bank account. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Eau Claire, WI.
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Solar Incentives in Eau Claire
Since solar power is a cleaner source of energy than traditional energy sources, there are a number of government incentives available to encourage people to make the switch.You are eligible for the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) for the tax year you turn on your solar panels. You can also potentially pair the ITC with other local rebates and benefits. For comprehensive information about local incentives, visit our article on solar incentives.
Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Eau Claire
Going solar can have a beneficial impact on the environment.But how much can using solar energy instead of traditional energy actually affect the environment? In a city like Eau Claire where energy use is rather high, switching to solar energy is a fantastic plan for homeowners who care about the planet.After you go solar, your carbon dioxide emissions can be cut by about 90 pounds every year. The good things about solar power are infinite — just like solar power is! That's why so many Eau Claire residents have been happy with making the switch to solar.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Eau Claire, WI Solar Company Rankings FAQs
What is the top solar company in Eau Claire?
In Eau Claire, Next Step Energy is the best local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 3.00 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're looking to install solar panels on your home.
What are the pros and cons of installing solar panels?
The advantages of solar power are that it can reduce or, for some, totally erase your electricity bills, improve your home’s value and bring down your carbon footprint. The main disadvantages are that solar panels can be pricey to install, you may not save as much if you don’t use a lot of electricity and whether you can install solar panels depends on your roof configuration.
How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?
The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 13.7 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.
When should I put up solar panels?
You can install solar panels whenever it's convenient for you, but consider doing so in the winter when the demand is less. With fewer homeowners going solar, you could potentially see faster installation times and more savings.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.