1. Save money. An appropriate, well-built renewable energy system can help you reduce your energy bills. This is particularly true long-term as the price of energy from coal, natural gas, and other fossil fuels rises to account for the cost of related greenhouse gases.
2. Enjoy the lowest system prices. Due in part to a continued strong level of installations through out the nation, as well as manufacturers lowering equipment costs, the cost of an investment into renewable energy is at its lowest, ever. But market indicators tell us that prices may not stay this low for very long.
3. Go green. Green is not a style or a fad—it is a smarter, more sustainable way to meet your needs as a homeowner and as a member of the community. And residential solar energy is one of the best green solutions to your energy needs.
4. Invest in your property. A solar electric or solar hot water system can increase the resale value of your home, especially as new generations of environmentally-focused home buyers enter the market. And thanks to a Wisconsin property tax exception, you can enjoy the benefits of residential solar energy today as well as the extra resale value tomorrow without increasing your current property taxes.

1. Energy load. Your energy load is the amount of energy you consume at home. Energy load is an important consideration affecting the size of your solar electric or solar hot water system, especially if you want residential solar energy to meet 100 percent of your annual energy needs.
2. Geographic location. The geographic location and orientation of your home are important because they determine the quantity and quality of the available sunlight. Your location also determines the ease with which you can connect a solar electric system to the grid, the demand for renewable energy in your area, and the incentives offered by your utility.
3. Costs and available funding. Grants and other incentives may reduce the cost of a renewable energy system. But a system still requires an up front investment, in part because the savings from some incentives do not materialize until after the system is installed or has been depreciated over time.

With prices this low, now is a great time to invest in a residential solar energy system for your home.

Renewable Energy Federal Tax Credit

A federal tax credit in the amount of 30% of the installed system cost is available until 2016.

For more information, please consult a qualified tax adviser to determine your eligibility and incentive level.

Net Metering

“Net metering” is when a utility provides a credit for any extra energy that is added to the utility grid by a customer-owned solar electric system. In Wisconsin, municipal and investor-owned utilities are required to allow customers to net meter solar electric systems with a rated output of 20 kW or less. Some utilities allow net metering on larger systems. Some utilities allow for net-metering while on their “On-Peak / Off Peak” billing plan. Contact North Wind to see what your utility will do for you.

Property Tax and Sales Tax Exemption

Solar electric and solar thermal systems are exempt from Wisconsin property tax assessments, which means you can invest in a renewable energy solution without increasing the assessed value and tax liability of your property. Renewable energy installations are also exempt from Wisconsin sales tax.

1. Research your options. A little research goes a long way; the Solar Electricity and Solar Hot Water pages in our website are great places to start. You can also learn about your options by contacting North Wind using our online contact form or by calling (715) 630-6451.
2. Review benefits and key considerations. As with any investment, it is a good idea to understand the benefits and key considerations related to residential solar energy. Such due diligence will help you throughout the decision process.
3. Contact North Wind. Use our online contact form to describe your needs/interests and to submit any questions you might have. We will contact you to discuss the residential solar energy system that is right for you. You can also call us at (715) 630-6451.