Landlord / Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Geothermal

Facts

PLEASE NOTE: In Wisconsin, you have a right to install solar! Home Owner Associations cannot prevent you from putting panels on your roof.

Benefits

Fully or partially reduce your reliance on the grid using clean energy from the sun!

Solar in Green Bay

Green Bay is a SolSmart Silver certified community! Visit Green Bay’s Solar Landing page here.

More Pathways for Landords:

Things to know

Important: Wisconsin law does not currently allow landlords to resell electricity to their tenants. Electricity from solar PV can be used for common areas, or can be provided to tenants in cases where utilities are included in rent.
We strongly recommend working with a qualified Solar PV installer. Focus on Energy maintains a list of trade allies here. Your solar contractor will walk you through the process.

Things to consider

How old is the roof? Solar PV systems can last for 20 years or longer. Will you need to replace your roof in that time span?

Is the roof shaded by trees? How large is it? Which direction does it face? Unfortunately, there are quite a few factors that determine whether a home is right for rooftop solar.

Project Sunroof. Project Sunroof is a tool designed by Google to provide a quick assessment of the suitability of solar PV on your roof. It’s able to estimate surface area, weather patterns, tree canopy, and other considerations. Unfortunately, satellite data in Google Maps may be out of date. Project Sunroof (google.com)

Main Incentives

Investment Tax Credit for Energy Property

Get up to 50% back on solar PV or geothermal power in the form of a tax credit!

(Please note: On July 4th, 2025, new restrictions were placed on this tax credit for solar and wind, and its timeline was shortened. Check with the IRS for guidance.)

The ITC provides a tax credit for investment in renewable energy sources, including solar, geothermal, wind, and others.

While tax credits for solar PV installation now require compliance with foreign entity of concern restrictions, tax credits for geothermal energy were untouched. This is good news for multifamily housing developers who may be thinking about geothermal heat pumps.

The tax credit is for 6% of the cost of the investment. However, it goes up to 30% if the project meets prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements. If the project meets standards for domestic content and is located in an area defined as an ‘energy community,’ the credit can be as high as 50%.

Do you run a tax-exempt organization? You can get the tax credit in the form of a check using direct pay!

Eligibility Click here for more info Clean Electricity Investment Tax Credit (48E).

Project must meet requirements. This page https://www.irs.gov/instructions/i3468#en_US_2023_publink1000128964 at the IRS contains guidance.

Application Process Go to https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-3468, fill out the form, and submit it with your taxes.

Focus on Energy Rebate

Get a $2,400 rebate for Solar PV from Focus on Energy! Multifamily? Get up to $35,000!

Focus on Energy Residential Solar PV Rebate: In 2026, Focus on Energy will provide a rebate of $600 per kW capped at $2,400 toward the installation of solar panels for single family homes. Property owners will need to work with an approved contractor (https://focusonenergy.com/trade-allies). This rebate can be combined with federal tax incentives for solar.

Multifamily residences are eligible for up to $25,000: $600 per kW up to $2,400 and then $50 per kW thereafter.

Eligibility All customers of Wisconsin Public Service and other participating electrical utilities are eligible.

Grow Solar Green Bay-Fox Valley

Participate in a solar PV group buy!

Grow Solar Green Bay: The Midwest Renewable Energy Association and the City of Green Bay will be working together on a group buy program in 2026. By aggregating buying power, participants will be able to receive volume discounts on installations! Click here for more information.