Wauwatosa encourages solar energy development in our community. Solar on City property as well as in the community will help the City achieve the goals of the 2020 Energy Resolution. For an introduction to the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.

Solar Benefits

Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in Wisconsin, saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from technological developments, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Solar Maps and Potential

Investigate your property’s solar potential at Google project SunRoof – the interactive map shows the solar potential of every roof in your neighborhood. Once you have a project in mind, estimate its performance using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator. You can also check out Wauwatosa’s solar panel dashboard to see the city’s Public Works Facility and City Hall’s solar panels output and efficiency.

Finding a Contractor

Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a quote.

• Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.
• Wisconsin Focus on Energy lists local contractors on its Trade Ally page.

• Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers.

• Consumer Solar Checklist – a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.

• Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensure a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
• Solar Customer Resource Portal – various resources from SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association.

Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions

Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available. A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing discusses different financing options.

Permitting and Inspection Process

For details on the City’s requirements and process around new solar installations, see the Solar Permit page.

Accessory solar energy systems are allowed in all zoning districts in the City of Wauwatosa. Solar projects must meet all applicable codes, and relevant permits must be obtained from the City’s Building and Safety Division. Almost all solar projects will require an electrical permit. Additional permits may be required depending on the project. The permit counter of the Building and Safety Division is in City Hall and is open from 8:00am to 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.

The electric utility in Wauwatosa is We Energies. We Energies has their own process for commissioning of solar energy systems, and they should be contacted for details.

Solar Rights

Both the Wisconsin Statutes and the Wauwatosa Code include sections on the rights (and responsibilities) of solar energy system owners.

Get Involved, Stay Informed

The Wauwatosa Sustainability Committee is a Citizen Committee that discusses solar regularly. Interested residents are encouraged to apply to serve on the Committee. Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and minutes are available through the meeting portal.

Job Training and Educational Opportunities

• The Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) offers accredited training in solar photovoltaics.
• The Solar Foundation’s Solar Training Network has many resources for solar career development, especially for veterans.

City Solar Metrics

• This dashboard shows how the solar arrays on the Public Works building and City Hall are performing in real time.

  More Useful Solar Information

• We Energies page on “customer-owned generation” (including solar).
• Renew Wisconsin advocates for solar and has many case studies and other resources.
• MREA periodically sponsors “group buy” programs to educate and offer savings on solar to residents in certain areas (Wauwatosa participated in 2017 and could again).