City of Madison

Madison businesses have many incentives for the purchase of solar energy systems.

• Financial and Economic Incentives
• Energy Saving Incentives
• Find Out More

Financial and Economic Incentives

Due to financial incentives, household and businesses investments in solar PV in the US increased by 100 percent in annual installations over 2011 for a total economic impact of over 100,000 solar jobs in 2011.

• Federal Tax Credit – Covers up to 30% of the system cost
• Focus on Energy Incentive – FOE pays up to 35% of the system cost (Currently suspended)
• Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System - 50% cost depreciation in year one (2012 only)
• Solar systems are exempt from property tax
• Solar system equipment is except from state sales tax
• The return on investment is typically quicker than with residential systems
• Check DSIRE for a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility and federal incentives

Energy Saving Incentives

Join the over 350 businesses and thousands of households that have made an investment in energy independence in Wisconsin. From the date of installation, a solar electric system will reliably produce electricity during daylight hours for more than thirty years. As the cost of utility supplied electricity inflates, the actual energy savings from the solar system will increase.

Solar energy prices have fallen over 40% from 2010 to 2012. For businesses that pay higher utility rates and can tax advantage of incentives, solar now costs the same or even cheaper on a per kWh basis when the cost is considered over the life-time of the system. Check with your solar installer and tax-advisor to find out what incentives your business is currently eligible for.

Integrating energy efficiency measures into your building can further increase energy savings and may qualify you for additional incentives.

Find Out More

• What is a solar energy system?
• How do solar energy systems work?
• Focus on Energy fact sheets and case studies
  • Guiding You Through the Process (PDF)
  • Selecting a solar electric system for a commercial rooftop (PDF)
  • Pole-mounted solar electric systems for businesses (PDF)
• Madison Solar PV Case Study: Manufacturing Facility (PDF)
• Solar for Residents