Stoughton Utilities | Going Solar?

Going Solar?

Tips for Hiring a Contractor

Hire only a WI-State Licensed contractor with a valid license. Consider installers with North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification.
We recommend obtaining at least three system proposals and price quotes. Be sure to check the customer references provided, and consider asking about the company on social media.
Obtain a written project proposal and review the project expectations, including the solar system’s expected annual output.
Confirm the contractor carries worker’s compensation and liability insurance policies.
Review and verify any information you are provided regarding payback periods and electric rate information.
Review and verify that the contractor has obtained all required building and electrical permits.
Make sure Stoughton Utilities has approved the solar PV system for interconnection to our electrical distribution system before you sign off on the project or make payment.

Current Customer Generation

View the current map of customer solar systems

Savings Calculators

Please note that Stoughton Utilities does not guarantee the accuracy of the information provided by these sites. Some estimates may use average home energy consumption and average rates to determine a potential return on investment. Please contact us for your historical energy usage and current rates.

Energysage
Quickly estimate your solar potential and savings by address. Estimates are based on your roof, electricity bill, and actual offers in your area.

Solar-Estimate.org
Web-based solar cost and savings estimator that gives a rough idea of the solar potential of your home.

Project Sunroof
Your own personalized solar savings estimator, powered by Google Earth imagery.

Incentives & Tax Credits

Visit the resources below to find available incentives that you may be eligible to receive:

Focus on Energy
Wisconsin’s statewide energy efficiency program offers cash incentives for qualified solar electric and geothermal installations.

DSIRE
Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency.

ENERGY STAR
Renewable energy tax credits for residential energy efficiency projects.

Federal Tax Credit
Instructions for completing IRS Form 5695, which applies to qualified solar electric property costs for residential homes that use solar energy to generate electricity.

For additional information, or if you have questions that weren't answered here, please contact us.

Whether you simply want to learn the benefits of adding solar to your home or if you are ready to make a solar system investment, it’s often difficult to know how to begin. We’re here to help provide you with unbiased, factual information to help you no matter what stage of the process you are in.

Is Solar the Right Choice?

In order to determine if adding solar to your home is the right decision for your unique situation, be sure to do your homework and identify all of your solar options.

Some questions you may want to ask yourself before you begin:

What is your goal for installing solar?
How much of your annual energy use do you want to offset?
Should you go with a ground or roof mounted system?
Is your roof (materials and structure) in an acceptable condition to have solar installed onto?
Do you want a solar electric or solar thermal (hot water) system?
Will your solar system be in a shaded spot through part of the day or at certain times of the year?

If you determine that a solar energy system won’t work for your home, you can still power your home with renewable energy by enrolling in our Choose Renewable! program.

Getting Started

Once you decide to invest in solar at your home, follow these steps to ensure you get a correctly installed solar system.

Contact local solar installation contractors

One of the most important steps to a successful solar energy system is finding the right contractor. We recommend you always obtain multiple quotes and compare the total costs and payback periods of different systems and installers.

Stoughton Utilities does not endorse any contractor or warrant any workmanship, installation, labor, cost or materials of any contractor. Stoughton Utilities also does not work directly with any solar contractors, or offer any special programs for any contractors. Be cautious if anyone says they are working for or affiliated with Stoughton Utilities during a home visit or sales presentation.

There are a number of online resources to help you find and research potential contractors.

Solar Energy Industries Association provides information on Wisconsin solar installers, contractors and retailers.

RENEW Wisconsin, a renewable energy advocacy group, offers a map of Wisconsin solar installers to help find quality companies nearby.

Focus on Energy’s Find a Trade Ally tool lets you search for qualified contractors based on service and location.

The Better Business Bureau lets you research companies to see if they are the subject of any customer complaints filed with the BBB. Also consider searching social media to find out what others are saying about the contractor.

Contact Stoughton Utilities

Let us know about your planned solar project construction schedule so that we can answer any questions you might have about the interconnection process, ensure we have the appropriate bi-directional meter in stock to be installed at your home, verify all proper forms have been submitted to allow for system interconnection, and provide any assistance needed during the course of your project.

Complete required interconnection application documents

Complete the Wisconsin Standard Distributed Generation Application Form and Solar Voltaic Supplement form prior to installation. Your solar installer should assist you with the form preparation. Once the installation is complete, but before it has been energized, complete and submit the PSC6029 Distributed Generation Interconnection Agreement (systems up to 20 kW), as well as any other necessary forms.

Obtain local permits

Make sure your contractor contacts the local building permitting officials to submit the necessary paperwork for permits. If you live in the city, contact Stoughton City Hall at (608) 873-6677 for questions regarding permits. Rural customers should contact their town hall for permits.

Installation and inspection

Upon installation completion of your solar system, have a final inspection by the City of Stoughton building inspector. If you live in the city, contact Stoughton City Hall at (608) 873-6677 for questions regarding inspections. Rural customers should contact their township for inspections.