MadiSUN makes it easy to make your home solar-powered!

Putting solar panels on your home is a great way to lower your energy costs. And you get to switch to a clean, renewable energy source that you can feel good about for years to come.

The MadiSUN solar group purchase program brings together households from across Dane County and uses their collective buying power to get a great deal on rooftop solar at home. Our team of community members reviews competing offers from solar companies across the region and selects a trusted partner to install your system, saving you time and money.

Thanks to improvements in solar technology, the cost to install solar is very affordable. 

Note: A federal bill currently moving through Congress could eliminate the 30 percent tax credit available for solar installations. We understand this benefit may be the deciding factor in your ability to pursue solar. That’s why we recommend anyone interested in going solar begin the process as soon as possible. Starting now will increase your chances of having your system installed by the end of the year, although not guaranteed. To qualify for the tax credit in 2025, you must receive permission to operate your installation before December 31, 2025.

Some installers are already scheduling out through October. The sooner you begin, the more likely you’ll be able to take advantage of this tax credit.

Have questions? Please reach out to our Clean Technology Programs Manager at ben@renewwisconsin.org.

In addition, Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program offers between $300 to $600 in additional rebates.

If you go solar, you’ll be in good company. From 2016 – 2024, our Group Buys have helped 353 Madison-area homes install solar. That’s over $3.5 million in local solar investment and more than 1,000 kilowatts of new renewable energy generation in our community!

LOWER COSTS  •  Madison residents come together to purchase and install solar systems as a community. By buying together, we can lower the cost for each participant.

EDUCATION  •  Through free community information sessions, we teach residents about how solar works, what return on investment they can expect, and what financing options are available. See if we’re hosting a session in your neighborhood or let us know if you’d like to host one.

SELECTED SOLAR INSTALLER  •  MadiSUN issues a Request for Proposals that is open to dozens of solar installers in the area, who compete to serve the group. A volunteer Advisory Committee helps review each competing bid and selects preferred installation partners to serve the group buy. When participants sign up, MadiSUN refers them to the selected companies for a free site assessment and customized proposal.

FINANCING SOLUTIONS  •  MadiSUN participants are eligible for incentives and financing to lower their costs even further. Participants can receive a Federal Tax Credit equal to 30% of the cost of their system. Through Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy program, solar systems qualify for up to a $500 cash rebate. Madison homeowners also have the ability to finance 100% of the cost of their system through a low-interest loan through the Clean Energy Credit Union.