Rebates

Level II Charging Station Rebate

Download the Level 2 EV charger rebate claim form here and Find out what type of EV charging station could work best for your home here.

• Residential: $500 rebate for a networked Level 2 Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE)
• Residential: $250 for a non-networked Level 2 EVSE

• Commercial and Industrial: $500 for a single-port wall or pedestal EVSE 
• Commercial and Industrial: $1,000 for the purchase of a dual-port EVSE
• Commercial and Industrial: $1,500 for a dual-port networked EVSE

Level II Electric Vehicle Charge Stations

Level 2 charging uses 240 volt power to enable faster

Barron Electric Cooperative will give a free smart charger that works with all J1772 complying cars, as well as Tesla vehicles using Tesla’s charging adapter. Members must participate in the load management program which interrupts charging from 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. daily, except weekends and holidays. 

In Wisconsin, any value added by a biogas, or synthetic gas energy system, solar-energy system, or a wind-energy system is exempt from general property taxes. The exemption applies regardless of whether the equipment is deemed real property or personal property.

A fact sheet on this exemption is available: https://www.revenue.wi.gov/DORFAQ/renewable-energy.pdf

A link to the request form for this exemption is available: https://www.revenue.wi.gov/DORForms/pr-303.pdf

Eligible Technologies

A solar-energy system is defined as "equipment which directly converts and then transfers or stores solar energy into usable forms of thermal or electrical energy, but does not include equipment or components that would be present as

Much of the information presented in this summary is drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Building Energy Codes Program and the Building Codes Assistance Project (BCAP). For more detailed information about building energy codes, visit the DOE and BCAP websites.

In March 2006, SB 459 was enacted to promote renewable energy and update the state's building energy codes.

The law required the former Department of Commerce (COMM) to create codes for energy conservation in public buildings and places of employment and to review that code. In conducting the review, the Dept. of Commerce (now the Dept. of Safety

In addition to the rebates provided for apartments and condos, CL&W also offers general residential customers rebates on water heater, furnace, and boiler upgrades.  Increased incentives for these items are

Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative is providing financial incentives for the purchase of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Customers can receive a $400 rebate or a free Level 2 charger. Eligible chargers must be installed on the cooperative's lines and be controlled (unavailable) between 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekdays

Customers can also purchase a reduced price ZEF Energy Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Station through Chippewa Valley Electric Cooperative. See form for complete details.

Required documentation listed below must be submitted no later than 3 months after EV charger install date:

• This incentive form
• A copy of your receipt or invoice for

Although the State of Wisconsin does not have any specific laws for contractors dealing with renewable energy, the City of Madison has issued rules for contractor licensing and equipment standards for solar thermal installations. In the City’s Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Code is a requirement for a Class A-4 license for "a person desiring to enter into the business of installing, altering or repairing active solar heating equipment" as well as fee and examination details. As a result of a 2008 amendment (Ordinance No. 08-00122), the A-4 certification is not required if the contractor is certified as a solar

Madison, Wisconsin, has established several local laws to facilitate the planning and permitting of solar and wind systems. The planning guidelines are specific to solar, while the permitting laws and procedures include wind as well.

Planning
To facilitate solar access, Madison’s land subdivision regulations require streets to be "oriented in an east-west direction to the maximum extent possible or to within 20 degrees of such orientation." There are some exceptions based on topography, property size and shape, existing street patterns, and other considerations. In addition, subdivision lots should be oriented to maximize solar access for buildings, and open space lots

Milwaukee Energy Efficiency is a loan program for residential energy efficiency improvements. Loans are available for owner-occupied single family residences or owner-occupied multi-family residences of up to three units. Property must be located within the City of Milwaukee. To sign up for the program, interested residents should use the sign up form on the program web site. Loans are administered by Summit Credit Union.

This program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program. The DOE helped more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types

Beginning July 28, 2011, the City of Milwaukee will be offering low-interest loans for solar energy under its Milwaukee Shines Solar Financing program. Loans are available to homeowners of 1-3 unit, owner-occupied homes in Milwaukee. Interest rate maximum is prime rate plus 2.5%, and as low as prime plus 1.5%. Loans are limited to $20,000 and 15 years. Eligible equipment includes solar electric systems of up to 6 kilowatts (kW) and solar hot water systems of up to 8 panels. Projects must be installed by a Focus on Energy Residential Ally installer. Installers can be found here. Eligible expenses

Clark Electric Cooperative is providing financial incentives for the purchase of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Customers can receive a $400 rebate for a Level 2 charger or an $800 for the purchase of a Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Station. Eligible chargers must be installed on the cooperative's lines and be controlled (unavailable) between 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekdays.

Required documentation listed below must be submitted no later than 3 months after EV charger install date.

• This incentive form
• A copy of your receipt or invoice for each item with purchase price(s) circled
• For EV charger, include documentation showing

Focus on Energy offers a variety of tools and financial incentives to eligible business customers to retro-commission buildings or design and build new buildings to optimize performance. Through Focus on Energy's Energy Design Assistance Program, customers will receive a free, customized, whole-building analysis of energy-saving design options. Focus on Energy prepares multiple design options, each progressively more efficient, so that building owners and design teams can customize dozens of design elements to maximize energy efficiency opportunities while balancing financial considerations. Projects can also receive custom incentives based on estimated energy savings. See program website and contact Focus on Energy for

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebate

ECE offers a $750 rebate to install a level 2 charger on either the time-of-use rate or off-peak storage rate. 

Level II Elective Vehicle Charge Stations

Level 2 charging uses 240 volt power to enable faster regeneration of an EV’s battery system. Providing this type of charging requires installation of an EVSE unit and electrical wiring capable of handling higher voltage power. Plug-in America’s PlugStar tools offer a listing of Level 2 EVSE currently on the market. Many utilities are offering free level 2 charging equipment and/or incentives with an electric car purchase. These stations

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative offers rebates to commercial and agricultural customers for the purchase of energy efficient appliances, central air conditioners, air source and geothermal heat pumps, water heaters, and agricultural equipment. Customers who install energy efficiency measures or equipment not listed on this program may still be eligible for rebates through the Focus on Energy program. Some rebates vary by the size, efficiency or capacity of the purchased equipment. Purchases must be made by December 31 of the current program year and incentive requests must be received by January 15 of the following year. Visit the program web site

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative offers rebates to residential customers for the purchase of energy efficient appliances, central and room air conditioners, air source and geothermal heat pumps, dehumidifiers, water heaters, and home performance evaluations.  All equipment requirements must be met in order to be eligible for prescriptive rebates listed above.  Eau Claire Energy Cooperative members may also participate in the Focus on Energy incentive offerings, which may provide rebates for equipment not offered through this program. Visit program web site for more equipment and eligibility information.

In March, 2006, Wisconsin enacted SB 459, the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Act. With respect to energy efficiency, this bill requires the Department of Administration (DOA) to prescribe and annually review energy efficiency standards for all equipment for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, water heating or cooling, lighting, refrigeration, or other function that consumes energy. These standards must meet or exceed federal EPA standards, federal energy management standards, and standards established by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-conditioning Engineers. The DOA will ensure that all buildings and equipment purchased for those buildings maximize energy efficiency to the extent technically

In March 2006, Wisconsin enacted Act 141 (2005), which requires the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (WPSC) to revise goals, priorities, and measurable targets for energy efficiency programs every 4 years.  Funding is provided by ratepayers to the utilities' statewide energy efficiency program (Focus on Energy) in order to achieve these goals, with the funding levels increasing each year. Utilities are required to spend 1.2% of annual operating revenues to fund both energy efficiency and renewable energy programs. 

Energy Efficiency Goals 

Energy efficiency goals are through the Quadrennial Planning Process through the WPSC. 

The most recent Quadrennial Planning Process revised the

As of April 13, 2020, the last solicitation for this program took place in October 2018.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's Office of Energy Innovation offers grants for certain energy projects through the Energy Innovation Grant Program. Applicants for the grant program must be either municipal or tribal governments, K-12 school districts, or manufacturers. Eligible projects include building energy efficiency, energy storage, renewable energy, alternative fuel transportation, facility and fleet audits, comprehensive energy plans, and feasibility studies and training and operations for any of these project types.

Awards for the 2019 fiscal year have been determined; information for the

Use the New Construction Online Tool

New Construction Offering Overview

Energy Design Assistance

Energy Design Assistance (EDA) provides a free customized, whole-building analysis of energy-saving options, during design, for buildings over 5,000 square feet. The specific measures

Focus on Energy provides information, financial assistance, technical assistance and other services to residents, businesses, schools, institutions and local governments on energy efficiency and renewable energy*. Financial assistance takes the form of rebates, grants and loans. The program was initially created by Act 9 of 1999 as a public benefit fund (PBF), which also provided energy assistance programs for low-income residents (the Home Energy Plus Program). 

Each electric and natural gas investor-owned utility is required to spend 1.2% of the latest 3-year average of its gross operating revenue on energy-efficiency programs and renewable-resource programs. With WPSC approval, a utility

Note: The green power purchasing goal has a target date of 2011. As of August 2021, the state has not created new green power purchasing targets. The state does have an aggressive goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. For more information on Wisconsin clean energy policies visit here.

Pursuant to S.B. 459 enacted in March 2006, Wisconsin's Departments of Administration, Corrections, Health and Family Services, Public Instruction, Veterans Affairs, and the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System have a goal of purchasing or generating 10% of their power from renewable energy by December 31, 2007, and

Note: Xcel Energy will double Focus on Energy incentives.

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® offers homeowners instant discounts for making recommended air sealing and insulation improvements. A home energy assessment is the
first step. Energy assessments are performed by certified Home Performance Trade Allies.
These contractors are trained to identify comfort and health issues and will
provide  personalized recommendations and access to the rewards.

Energy Assessments vary in scope, length and cost depending the age, size and condition of your home. A typical assessment includes an inspection of your home's interior, exterior, attic, crawl space and basement. Your Trade Ally

Focus on Energy offers in-home energy audits and cash incentives for installing select recommended efficiency measures. Energy consultants inspect home energy systems, help identify the most effective measures for increasing home efficiency, and assist participants in applying for incentives. The audit itself costs $200-$400, reduced to $50 for Tier 2-eligible customers. Incentives of up to $2,250 are available for insulation and sealing improvements.  To determine if you qualify for Tier 1 or 2 benefits, find your household size and household income in the State Median Income (SMI) chart on the program website. Interested customers should begin the process by scheduling

The Focus on Energy Program offers the Home Performance: Heating and Cooling Program to eligible residents for purchasing and installing furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, air sealing, attic insulation, and water heaters. Improvements must meet the program’s efficiency and equipment standards in order to be eligible for an award. Equipment should be installed prior to submitting an application and should come from the list of pre-qualified equipment listed on the program web site.  

Equipment must be installed between January 1, 2017 and June 30 2017 and applications must be submitted no later than 60 days after the installation date. Please

Note: Wisconsin has adopted revised interconnection rules, effective May 1, 2024. The revised rules adopt the most recent equipment standards for DG systems and inverters (IEEE Std. 1547 and UL 1741). Energy storage systems are required to be UL 9540-listed.

In February 2004, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission adopted interconnection standards for distributed generation (DG) systems up to 15 megawatts (MW) in capacity. All investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and municipal utilities are required to abide by the standard provisions. Electric cooperatives are encouraged -- but not required -- to adopt the state standards. The rules categorize DG systems by capacity and

Focus on Energy partners with retailers around Wisconsin to offer discounts on select ENERGY STAR® qualified products in stores. You must be a customer of a utility that participates in Focus on Energy to receive the discounts.

Discounts are available only at participating retailers and apply only to select lighting products for a limited time, while supplies last. Discounts do not apply to ENERGY STAR® qualified fixtures, fans, or lamps.

Note:  In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing

Madison Gas & Electric's Charge Ahead program provides customers with an incentive for charging primarily during off-peak hours. Customers participating in the program receive a credit of $8 per month during the summer and $4 per month during other months if they charge at least 80% during off-peak hours. The program does not require the customer to have their own charging station.

The Clean Power Partners Program has reached the 1 MW cap. Applicants can be placed on a waiting list or participate in MGE's net metering program.

Customer-generators enrolled in the Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) green power purchase program (Green Power Tomorrow) are eligible to receive a special rate for the power produced from solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Under this program, the electricity produced from 1 to 10 kilowatt (kW-DC) PV systems will be purchased by MGE at a rate of $0.25/kilowatt-hour (kWh). This rate will apply to all electricity produced by the system. As the program

Marshfield Utilities offers cash-back rewards for Ground Source Heat Pumps, as well as Focus on Energy program incentives. A rebate of $150 will be given to customers who purchase and install qualifying Ground Source Heat Pumps. Systems must meet the equipment standards of the program in order to receive a rebate. Contact Marshfield Utilities for more information and program requirements. Customers should view the Focus on Energy program web site to view a variety of other equipment rebates.

The Public Service Commission of Wisconsin (PSC) issued an order on January 26, 1982, requiring all regulated utilities to file tariffs allowing net metering to customers that generate electricity with systems up to 20 kilowatts (kW)* in capacity.

Eligibility and Availability

The order applies to investor-owned utilities and municipal utilities, but not to electric cooperatives. All distributed-generation (DG) systems, including renewable energy and combined heat and power (CHP) systems, are eligible. There is no limit on total enrollment.

Net Excess Generation

The PSC has not adopted administrative rules for net metering.** Utilities' net-metering tariffs contain some variations. Customer net excess

Focus on Energy's New Homes Program certifies homes that are built more efficient than the current Wisconsin Building Code. Incentives are available for new homes that are at least 25% more efficient than the current Wisconsin Building Code, and are claimed by the builder or the homeowner that serves as the general contractor and holds the permits.

In order to participate in the program, interested customers can choose a builder associated with the program through the Focus on Energy website, or have their builder of choice join the program by filling out a on-line Trade Ally Application. All builders associated

Required documentation listed below must be submitted no later than 3 months after EV charger install date.

• This incentive form
• A copy of your receipt or invoice for each item with purchase price(s) circled
• For EV charger, include documentation showing

Wisconsin Focus on Energy offers a competitive grant to support the deployment of large renewable energy projects. The Renewable Energy Competitive Incentive Program (RECIP) provides incentives for cost-effective renewable energy systems installed at eligible Wisconsin organizations through a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process that occurs twice per year. Grant recipients and projects must be located in a participating electric or gas utility's service territory (see here for participating utilities).

A project’s incentive amount is determined based on the estimated first year net energy production (or offset) of the system. Applicants must propose a $/kWh and/or $/Therm amount

Wisconsin has two sales tax exemptions that apply to renewable energy. Legislation enacted in 1979 exempts wood sold as a fuel for residential use from the state sales and use tax (Wis. Stat. § 77.54(30)). Residential use means use in a structure or portion of a structure which is the person's permanent residence. A clause was added in 2007 expanding the exemption to include sales of all biomass -- as defined in Wis. Stat. § 196.378 (1) (ar) -- used as fuel for residential use. This definition includes wood, energy crops, biological wastes, biomass residues, and landfill gas.

The original

Note: In addition to its RPS, Wisconsin has a clean energy goal of having 100% of its electricity come from carbon-free sources by 2050. This is an executive action rather than a legislatively-set requirement. Further information is available here.

In October 1999, Wisconsin enacted Act 9, becoming the first state to enact a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) without having restructured its electric utility industry. The RPS sets a total goal of 10% of all electric energy consumed in the state coming from renewable energy sources, with different percentage requirements for each electric provider (investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, and electric

Focus on Energy offers rebates for residential solar electric (PV). Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis while funds are available.

The solar electric (PV) rebate is $300 per system for residential customers. Residential rural customers will receive a $300 bonus for installing a system. See eligible rural ZIP code list at focusonenergy.com/rural-zip-codes to confirm eligibility.

The rebate is $50 per kW for business customers, with a maximum incentive of $25,000. Agricultural producers can qualify for an incentive match of up to $10,000.

Additional program information and application materials are available on the program web site.

Note: The program is no longer accepting applications, check the program website for updates.

River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU), a member of WPPI Energy, offers a special energy purchase rate to its customers that generate electricity using solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The special rate, $0.30/kilowatt-hour (kWh), is available to all the RFMU customers on a first-come, first-served basis for systems up to 4 kilowatts (kW). The RFMU program is part of a larger solar buyback program being offered by WPPI to its member utilities, which has a total program limit of 300 kW.

RFMU was originally allocated 10 kW for

River Falls Municipal Utilities (RFMU) offers loans of $2,500 - $50,000 to its residential customers for the installation of photovoltaic (PV), solar thermal, geothermal, wind electric systems. The program will also support the installation of energy efficiency measures in connection with a qualifying renewable energy project, provided that the renewable energy portion of the project comprises at least 50% of project costs. Systems that generate renewable electricity must be connected to the RFMU distribution grid. Loan terms vary by project, but may range from 5 -20 years at a current interest rate of 4%. Actual loan terms will be determined

River Falls Municipal Utility (RFMU), in conjunction with the Wisconsin Focus on Energy program, offers a variety of rebates to residential electric customers for upgrading to energy efficient equipment. Incentives currently exist for electric vehicle chargers, smart thermostats, landscape equipment and A/C system tune-ups.

RFMU's Renewable Energy Program also provides a host of incentives for customers participating in Green Blocks, Community and Rooftop Solar to qualify for larger rebates. RFMU is also encouraging its customers to plant trees around their homes for the energy saving and environmental benefits. Finally, the Energy Star Home Performance Program provides a rebate of up to $2,400

Riverland Energy Cooperative is providing financial incentives for the purchase of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Customers can receive a $400 rebate for a Level 2 charger or an $800 for the purchase of a Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Station. Eligible chargers must be installed on the cooperative's lines and be controlled (unavailable) between 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekdays.

Required documentation listed below must be submitted no later than 3 months after EV charger install date.

• This incentive form
• A copy of your receipt or invoice for each item with purchase price(s) circled
• Documentation showing the equipment has been installed
  

Note: Customers must submit rebate applications by no later than December 31, 2019.

Riverland Energy Cooperative offers a variety of rebates and incentives for residential customers to save money on energy efficient appliances, equipment purchases and installation. Rebates are available for lighting fixtures, ENERGY STAR appliances, electric water heaters and water heater installation costs, air conditioners, air-source and geothermal heat pumps, electric boilers, electric thermal storage units, and a home energy audit. In order to qualify for the heating and cooling incentives, customers must participate in the load management control program. For more details about eligible technologies and energy efficiency

Permitting Rules

In September 2009, the Governor of Wisconsin signed S.B. 185 (Act 40) directing the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) to establish statewide wind energy siting rules. PSC Docket 1-AC-231 was created to conduct the rulemaking, requiring the PSC to convene an advisory council composed of various interested stakeholders (e.g. developers, political subdivisions, environmental groups, landowners, etc.). In December 2010, the Commission adopted the wind siting rules (PSC 128). The rules were scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2011, but on that date, the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules voted to suspend the rules. The

Note: The Federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) created the Home Efficiency Rebates (HER) Program. The IRA established the main parameters for this program, but allowed the states to customize the program to meet their state-specific needs. The program is designed to provide rebates for whole-home energy improvements. Actual rebate amounts are determined by the level of modeled or measured energy savings and the income level of the applicant. See summary below and program website for complete details. 

Rebate values vary based on income level and modeled energy savings. Multifamily buildings can qualify a whole building for low or moderate income

Wisconsin has several laws that protect a resident's right to install and operate a solar or wind energy system. These laws cover zoning restrictions by local governments, private land use restrictions, and system owner rights to unobstructed access to resources. Wisconsin permitting rules and model policy for small wind can be found here. The state's original laws, enacted in 1982, have subsequently been amended and expanded numerous times.

Limitations on local zoning restrictions

First, Wis. Stat. § 60.61 specifically authorizes towns to enact zoning ordinances to provide “adequate access to sunlight for solar collectors and to wind for wind