Federal solar credit ended Dec 31, 2025
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Net metering · Wisconsin

Wisconsin Net Metering and Solar Export Credits

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Updated Data verified Nov 5, 2026

Set by each utility or retail provider. Wisconsin has no net metering statute or statewide rule; each PSC-regulated utility sets its own customer-generation tariff. We Energies, the largest utility, offers monthly net metering for systems under 300 kW: usage is offset kWh-for-kWh within the billing month and any monthly net excess is credited at an avoided-cost rate (3.636 c/kWh flat in 2026), paid by check once credits exceed $100.

On this page [ 5 ]

What We Energies pays for exported solar

For a new rooftop system, We Energies credits exported energy at about 3.64¢ per kWh[1], against an average Wisconsin residential price of 19.05¢[2]. Exports first offset what you use over each month at the retail rate; this rate applies only to the surplus left over.

Other Wisconsin utilities, co-ops and municipal utilities set their own rates; check your utility's current tariff.

State rules that apply

  • What the rule says: “This rate is for customers who purchase power from the Company under a tariffed rate, with generating systems located on the customer's premises with an aggregate nameplate rating of less than 300 kW”[1]

What it means for sizing and batteries

When exports earn much less than retail, each kWh you use at home as it is produced is worth more than one you export. Size to your daytime and evening use, shift loads (laundry, dishwasher, EV charging) to sunny hours or the plan's off-peak window, and price a battery against the gap between the retail and export rates.

The calculator uses the statewide rule until we add utility rates. See what solar costs in Wisconsin.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does Wisconsin have net metering?

Wisconsin has no net metering statute or statewide rule; each PSC-regulated utility sets its own customer-generation tariff. We Energies, the largest utility, offers monthly net metering for systems under 300 kW: usage is offset kWh-for-kWh within the billing month and any monthly net excess is credited at an avoided-cost rate (3.636 c/kWh flat in 2026), paid by check once credits exceed $100.

sources

[ 2 ]

Every number on this page links to one of these sources. Dates show when we last checked each one.

  1. We Energies - 2026 Customer Generation Rates brochure (PSCW-authorized CGS rates)we-energies.com · checked Nov 5, 2026
  2. EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.B: Average price of electricity by state, year-to-date (August 2026, preliminary)eia.gov · checked Nov 5, 2026

Tariffs last re-checked November 5, 2026.

Change log

  1. Monthly output per kW in Milwaukee updated to [65.0, 86.8, 120.2, 123.9, 146.5, 145.9, 157.9, 142.4, 117.8, 92.3, 71.1, 64.5] kWh/kW/month (NREL/NLR PVWatts v8 (1 kW-DC, fixed roof mount, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses, TMY weather)).
  2. Average solar radiation on the panels in Milwaukee updated to 4.58 kWh/m2/day (NREL/NLR PVWatts v8 (1 kW-DC, fixed roof mount, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses, TMY weather)).
  3. Solar output per kW in Wisconsin (PVWatts, Milwaukee) updated to 1334.2 kWh/kW/yr (NREL/NLR PVWatts v8 (1 kW-DC, fixed roof mount, 20° tilt, south-facing, 14% losses, TMY weather)).
  4. What the rule says updated to “This rate is for customers who purchase power from the Company under a tariffed rate, with generating systems located on the customer's premises with an aggregate nameplate rating of less than 300 kW” (We Energies - 2026 Customer Generation Rates brochure (CGS NM rate)).