Reduce energy waste in your home, and save money

In partnership with 107 WI utilities, Focus on Energy helps single-family homeowners, renters, and property owners make energy related improvements to their homes. See if your electric and/or natural gas utility partners with Focus on Energy.

Appliance Recycling
Appliance Recycling Energy Saving Packs Heating and Cooling Insulation and Air Sealing Lightbulb Discounts New Home Certification Renewable Energy Smart Thermostats


Wisconsin is in for home solutions

Want to upgrade or replace your fridge or freezer, but not sure what to do with the old one? Need to get rid of an extra appliance wasting energy? We'll pick it up for free and recycle it responsibly.

Recycling a working fridge or freezer can help you save up to $150 per year in energy costs and reduce energy waste.

Ready to get started? Give us a call at 800.762.7077. We'll ask you a few short questions about the appliance you'd like to recycle and then we'll let you know when we'll be in your area.

You can also schedule a pickup online - click below.

*The Focus on Energy Appliance Recycling Offering will no longer be scheduling new appliance pickup appointments as of 12/15/2020. All appliances must be picked up by 1/22/2021. Please note that due to continued high incidences of COVID-19 in Wisconsin, appliance pickups are required to be outdoor only. Focus on Energy staff will be unable to enter homes to retrieve appliances. 

What to expect

  1. We’ll call you 1–2 days in advance of your appointment and estimate a 4-hour window of time when you can expect our team to arrive.
  2. The driver will inspect your appliance to verify that it’s between 10 and 30 cubic feet and in working cooling conditions.
  3. They will safely remove qualifying appliances from your home and take them to our recycling center.

*Due to the COVID-19 outbreak we will need to require outdoor pickup for units. Please contact us at 800.762.7077 if you would like to learn more about this option. *

Eligibility

  • Standard-size refrigerators and freezers are eligible (10–30 cubic feet).
  • Mini fridges are not eligible.
  • Appliances must be in working cooling condition.
  • Two appliances may be recycled per household, per year.
  • Your electric utility must participate in Focus on Energy.
  • Landlord authorization is required for multifamily customers.
     

Wisconsin is in for home solutions

Want to make your home more efficient, but don’t know where to start? Focus on Energy offers six different energy-saving packs—all sent to you for FREE. Just allow four to six weeks for delivery.

Order Now

Each pack contains a variety of products, such as:

  • ENERGY STAR® certified light emitting diode (LED) bulbs
    LEDs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, producing less heat and more light per watt. Plus, they have a long lifespan, typically 15,000 hours or longer.
     
  • High-Efficiency Showerhead
    Efficient showerheads lower the gallons of water used per minute, without compromising performance—allowing you to use less water and potentially lowering water and heating bills.
     
  • Water-Saving Bathroom Faucet Aerators
    These simple screw-in aerators reduce water use in your sinks while providing the pressure you need to wash. Reducing your water use will save you money on the cost of heating your water.
     
  • Advanced Power Strip
    Advanced power strips are designed primarily for home entertainment centers and home office areas. The strips work by preventing electronics from drawing power when they are off or not being used.
     
  • Pipe Insulation
    Pipe insulation may be used on domestic cold and hot water pipes. Pipe insulation will help to reduce heat loss by up to 80% through hot water pipes and will stop sweating on cold water pipes.

How to order your pack

Complete our online order form to choose the pack that works best for your home. Keep your utility account information handy. Then, once your pack arrives, install your products and enjoy the energy savings!

Ready to pack up?

* Limit one pack per eligible household every three years. You must be a customer of a participating Wisconsin utility company and have not participated in the Simple Energy Efficiency Program within the last three years. One pack per household.

Enjoy year-round comfort and savings

When you consider that heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of an average home’s energy usage, it’s easy to see how important it is that your heating and cooling equipment is running efficiently. Efficient equipment typically consumes 10 - 30% less fuel, is quieter and maintains more consistent temperatures in the home. 

If you are considering new heating and cooling equipment, Focus on Energy offers incentives and resources to help you make the most of your investment. Choose from a variety of energy-saving options, including a new furnace, boiler, smart thermostat or water heater. You can receive incentives for each individual improvement, or make multiple upgrades at once and increase your incentives and energy savings.
 

Signs it's time for an upgrade:

  • Your heating and cooling equipment is unreliable, inefficient, or over 15 years old.
  • You’ve noticed excessive blower noises, or sporadic pops, bangs, or rattles from your furnace.
  • Your energy bills have gone up.
  • Your home is cold and uncomfortable.

Improvements are made through a Focus on Energy Trade Ally contractor who will guide you through the process and complete the installations. Our partnering Trade Allies receive specialized training and resources that set them apart from other contractors.

Find a Trade Ally contractor to install your new equipment and help you apply for your incentives.

How do I get incentives for my new equipment?

  1. There are two incentive tiers: standard Tier 1 and Tier 2 for income-eligible customers. See if you qualify for Tier 2 incentives here

  2. Purchase equipment from the pre-qualified equipment lists and review program terms.

  3. Apply online or download and submit your Heating and Cooling Incentive Application [PDF] and required supporting documentation within 60 days of installation.

  4. Interested in a geothermal system? Find information and apply online.

Show Details ▼

Incentives and Eligibility

Incentives effective January 1, 2020

 

Heating and Cooling Equipment Tier 1 Incentive Tier 2 Incentive

95% AFUE Single- or Multi-Stage Natural Gas Furnace

$50

$350

96% AFUE Single- or Multi-Stage Natural Gas Furnace

$100

$450

97%+ AFUE Multi-Stage Natural Gas Furnace

$150

$550

16+ SEER Central A/C when installed at the same time as a qualifying furnace

$50

$50

Air Source Heat Pump 16+ SEER, 8.4+ HSPF (propane, oil or electric furnace only; cannot be a mini-split or ductless system)

$300

$300

ECM Replacement (must replace existing PSC Motor)

$50

$50

95%+ AFUE Natural Gas Home Heating Boiler

$400

$550

Indirect Water Heater installed at the same time as a qualifying boiler

$100

$150

95%+ AFUE Natural Gas Combination Boiler

$500

$675

Smart Thermostat installed by a qualified HVAC contractor. For use with natural gas furnace, natural gas boiler or air source heat pump only.

$50

$50
Single Package Vertical Unit, ≥ 90%+ Thermal Efficiency, NG, ≥ 10.0 EER Cooling $150 $150
Single Package Vertical Unit, ≥ 90%+ Thermal Efficiency, NG $100 $100
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump < 8,000 BTUh, ≥ 10.7 EER and ≥ 3.1 COP $100 $100
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump 8,000–9,999 BTUh, ≥ 10.4 EER and ≥ 3.0 COP $100 $100
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump 10,000–12,999 BTUh, ≥ 9.9 EER and ≥ 2.9 COP $100 $100
Packaged Terminal Heat Pump ≥ 13,000 BTUh, ≥ 9.3 EER and ≥ 2.9 COP $100 $100
ENERGY STAR® Certified Geothermal or Ground Source Heat Pump $750 $750

Note: Work with your Trade Ally contractor to ensure the equipment you install qualifies for Focus on Energy incentives. Qualified equipment lists and complete eligibility requirements are available at focusonenergy.com/heatingandcooling. Trade Ally contractors are independent contractors who you will contract directly with. Focus on Energy does not warranty or guarantee the delivery of services of your chosen Trade Ally contractor.

Equipment Qualifications

High-Efficiency Furnaces

High-Efficiency Furnace and Air Conditioner Combination

Natural Gas Furnace 95%+ AFUE Installed with a 16+ SEER Central Air Conditioner

Air Conditioner Directory

Furnace and AC Eligibility Requirements

High-Efficiency Boilers

Modulating Natural Gas Boiler with Outdoor Reset Control, 95% AFUE

Pre-Qualified 95%+ AFUE Natural Gas Boilers [PDF]

Boiler Eligibility Requirements

High-Efficiency Combination Boilers

Modulating Combination Natural Gas Boiler with Integrated Domestic Hot Water and Outdoor Reset Control, 95%+ AFUE

Pre-Qualified 95%+ AFUE Natural Gas Combination Boilers [PDF]

Combination Boiler Eligibility Requirements

Smart Thermostat

PLEASE NOTE: If purchased online or from a retailer, please use the Retail Smart Thermostat Application available at focusonenergy.com/smart

Pre-Qualified Smart Thermostats [PDF]

Smart Thermostat Eligibility Requirements

Electronically Commutated Motor (ECM) Replacement

Indirect Water Heater

Indirect Water Heater for Home Heating Boiler

Indirect Water Heater Eligibility Requirements

Terms and Conditions

General Program Requirements

General Program Terms and Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a customer of a participating utility. Focus on Energy incentives are available to Wisconsin residential customers of participating utilities.
  • Offer is valid for eligible equipment and products purchased and installed between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020
  • Only single-family dwellings, multifamily dwellings with three or fewer units under a single roof, or a multifamily dwelling of 4+ units under a single roof where the heating/cooling equipment only heats/cools a single dwelling, are eligible for incentives included in this application. Incentives may be available for other customer or property types. Please visit focusonenergy.com/business for more information.
  • Any project with an expected incentive exceeding $10,000 requires pre-approval BEFORE project initiation or equipment purchase to guarantee fund availability. Projects not receiving pre-approval will be subject to funding availability. 
  • Incentives are limited to $400,000 per customer per calendar year for all Focus on Energy incentives
  • Allow approximately 8-10 weeks for your completed application to be processed. Incomplete applications cannot be processed. Failure to complete the application in full and provide the required supporting documentation will either delay the payment process or result in your application being denied. Receipt of an application does not guarantee payment of an incentive.
  • The program is not responsible for items (i.e. applications, supporting documentation, incentive checks) lost or damaged in the mail.
  • Focus on Energy will only pay one incentive for each piece of equipment. Incentives paid on this application cannot be claimed on another Focus on Energy application. Similarly, incentives can only be paid to one person or entity (i.e., either the resident or landlord, not both).
  • All equipment installations are subject to verification inspection by the program to ensure the equipment is properly installed and operating.
  • Participants must allow, if requested, the program or a program representative reasonable access to their home to verify the installed equipment.
  • See the current list of qualified products for most equipment. If you have a question concerning one of the lists, please email homerewards@focusonenergy.com with “Equipment” in the subject line.

You are only eligible to participate in the program if you are:

  • A current residential customer of a participating utility in Wisconsin at the time of equipment purchase and installation; or
  • A landlord (who is not the utility account holder) who paid for the equipment installed in the residence of a current residential customer of a participating utility in Wisconsin at the time of equipment purchase and installation; and
  • Installing qualifying energy efficient equipment in an existing residential dwelling. New construction does not qualify.

Your installation of high efficiency equipment is only eligible for an incentive if:

  • It meets all equipment-specific, energy efficiency, and program requirements as outlined in our eligibility guidelines by equipment type:
  • It is replacing existing equipment used for the same purposes. Equipment additions to a residential dwelling, which are not replacing existing equipment, do not qualify.
  • It is purchased new. Resale material or material that is leased, rebuilt, rented, received from insurance claims, received from a manufacturer warranty, purchase through Focus on Energy or won as a prize does not qualify. Equipment purchased with a home warranty is eligible if the incentive does not exceed the total purchase price of the energy efficient equipment less the home warranty reimbursement.
  • Equipment is installed by a professional contractor with appropriate insurance, permits, and licenses. A valid Wisconsin State professional contractor’s license or credential is required.
  • Equipment is installed conforming to all applicable building, local, state and federal codes, standards, ordinances and regulations, and manufacturer specifications.
  • Equipment is installed and operational prior to submittal of this application at the address listed on the application.
  • It is installed in a property owned by the applicant, or the applicant has received permission from the property owner to install the equipment. If you do not own the property where this equipment is installed, as a residing tenant you are responsible for obtaining the owner’s permission to install the equipment for which you are applying for an incentive. Submission of this application indicates that you have obtained this permission.

To be considered complete and eligible for incentives, all applications must:

  • Be postmarked no later than 60 days after the installation date.
  • Be signed by the purchaser (Utility Account Holder, Landlord, or Applicant signing on behalf of the Utility Account Holder).
  • Include tax information for landlord or Trade Ally if receiving the incentive
  • Include itemized contractor invoice(s) or proof of purchase receipt(s) containing:
    • Equipment make and model
    • Total installed cost (itemized by each equipment/product installed)
    • Total number of units installed
    • Purchase date or installation date
    • Professional contractor’s business/company name, address, and phone number
    • Balance due of zero, paid in full stamp, or payment terms

Home Performance with Energy Star

Ready to insulate your home?

One of the best ways to improve comfort, lower your energy costs and boost efficiency in your home is through insulation and air sealing. These home improvement projects can also help remedy and protect against ice dam issues in the winter and air quality issues year-round. Focus on Energy offers incentives to bring down the cost of insulation and air sealing, and a list of Trade Ally contractors to help you complete the project with ease.  

Consider an energy assessment

To achieve the greatest benefits, it’s best to look at your home as a system with many different parts working together. The right mix of improvements can make a huge difference in how your home performs. A home energy assessment will identify areas in your home that cause drafts, discomfort and high energy bills. Assessments are performed by trained and certified Trade Ally contractors who will also look at health and safety issues that you may not otherwise consider. Using special diagnostic tools, such as a blower door test, our Trade Ally contractors can locate any air leakage sites and other trouble areas. You’ll walk away with a clear road map of:

  • Where your home is performing well, and where you could benefit from efficiency improvements
  • Specific solutions for comfort, health and safety issues, as well as ideas for lowering energy costs
  • Available financial incentives that cover assessment cost and provide funding for additional work

From there, you can determine which improvements to make, like adding insulation to your attic or walls, and we can put you in touch with a Trade Ally contractor to complete the work. 
Energy assessments typically range between $200-$400 dollars, and in return you’ll gain access to greater financial incentives. 

Start your project

Whether you start with a home energy assessment or you’re ready to jump right to an insulation and/or air sealing project, Focus on Energy is here to help you make your home more comfortable and efficient. Find a Trade Ally contractor to help you get started. Or, if you prefer a hands-on approach to home improvement, check out our available DIY Incentives. 

For available incentives, see the “Show Details” section below. Higher incentives are available for Tier 2 customers; see if you qualify below. Note: Insulation must be installed by a participating Trade Ally contractor to be eligible for incentives.

Get Started

  1. There are two incentive tiers: standard Tier 1 and Tier 2 for income-eligible customers. See if you qualify for Tier 2 incentives.

  2. If you choose to complete an energy assessment, be sure to schedule your appointment with your Trade Ally contractor. Contact one of our Trade Ally contractors. 

  3. Choose which home improvements you want to pursue and schedule the work with a Trade Ally contractor. Be sure to review the program terms. 

  4. Your Trade Ally contractor will work with you to receive your financial incentives.

Show Details ▼

Incentives

Incentives effective April 1, 2020

Insulation and Air Sealing Single Family Home (1-3 units)

Tier 1

Tier 2
ENERGY STAR Qualified Air Sealing
  Energy assessment required.		 $500 $800
Attic Insulation $400 $500
Foundation Insulation $100 $150
Wall Insulation $300 $300
Duct Sealing & Insulation $50 $50

 

Insulation and Air Sealing Multifamily Home (4+units) Incentive
Air Sealing $0.20 per sq. ft. of conditioned space
Attic Insulation, Existing < R-11 $0.50 per sq. ft. of attic space
Attic Insulation, Existing R-12 to R-19 $0.20 per sq. ft of attic space
Wall Insulation $0.80 per sq. ft of wall area

 

Terms and Conditions

General Program Requirements

  • Must be a customer of a participating utility. Focus on Energy incentives are available to Wisconsin residential customers of participating utilities. 
  • At least 51% of the home’s heating must come from a participating utility (electric or natural gas). Homes heated with wood, oil, LP, etc. are not eligible for an incentive.
  • Offer is valid for equipment and products purchased and installed between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020.
  • Only single-family dwellings and multifamily dwellings with three or fewer units under one roof are eligible for the single-family incentives, Multi-family dwellings (4+ units under one roof) are eligible for the multi-family incentives. Incentives may be available for other customer or property types. Please visit https://focusonenergy.com/business for more information.
  • Any project with an expected incentive exceeding $10,000 requires pre-approval BEFORE project initiation or equipment purchase to guarantee fund availability. Projects not receiving pre-approval will be subject to funding availability. 
  • Incentives are limited to $400,000 per customer per calendar year for all Focus on Energy incentives
  • Incentives may not exceed the total purchase price of the improvement.
  • The building is not eligible for incentives if the building has received an incentive from Focus on Energy for insulation or air sealing work in the last 3 years (1095 days).
  • The only costs eligible for incentives are materials and external labor.
  • Allow approximately 8-10 weeks for your completed application to be processed. Incomplete applications cannot be processed. Failure to complete the application in full and provide the required supporting documentation will either delay the payment process or result in your application being denied. Receipt of an application does not guarantee payment of an incentive.
  • The program is not responsible for items (i.e. applications, supporting documentation, incentive checks) lost or damaged in the mail.
  • Focus on Energy will only pay one incentive for each type of improvement. Incentives paid on this application cannot be claimed on another Focus on Energy application. Similarly, incentives can only be paid to one person or entity (i.e., either the resident or landlord, not both).
  • All single-family projects will be tested using the current BPI Building Analyst procedure related to the visual inspection of the CAZ ((ANSI/BPI-1200-S-2017 section 7.7), visual inspection of the combustion appliance/s and venting system/s (ANSI/BPI-1200-S-2017 section 7.8) and a spillage assessment (ANSI/BPI-1200-S-2017 section 7.9). 
  • Carbon Monoxide Alarms must be installed or present on all conditioned floors.
  • All installations are subject to verification inspection by the program for proper installation.
  • Participants must allow, if requested, the program or a program representative reasonable access to their home to verify the installed installation.

You are only eligible to participate in the program if you are:

  • A current residential customer of a participating utility in Wisconsin at the time of improvement or a landlord who paid for the improvement in the residence of a current residential customer of a participating utility in Wisconsin at the time of improvement; and
  • Installing qualifying energy efficient improvements in an existing residential dwelling. New construction does not qualify.
  • Improving the air sealing and insulation of an existing site. Insulation and air sealing work in a newly built addition is not eligible for incentives.

Your installation of air sealing and insulation improvements is only eligible for an incentive if:

  • It meets all installation requirements as outlined in our eligibility guidelines by installation type:
  •  It is purchased new. Resale material or material that is leased, rebuilt, rented, received from insurance claims, received from a manufacturer warranty, purchase through Focus on Energy or won as a prize does not qualify.
  • Improvement is installed by a Focus on Energy Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Trade Ally or Air Sealing & Insulation Trade Ally.
  • Installation is conforming to all applicable building, local, state and federal codes, standards, ordinances and regulations, and manufacturer specifications.
  • Incentives are only available for insulation improvements for living spaces of a home. Insulation of garage (attached or detached), outbuilding, mechanical room, etc. are not eligible.
  • Installation is completed prior to submittal of this application at the address listed on the application.
  • It is installed in a property owned by the applicant, or the applicant has received permission from the property owner to install the equipment. If you do not own the property where this equipment is installed, as a residing tenant you are responsible for obtaining the owner’s permission to install the equipment for which you are applying for an incentive. Submission of this application indicates that you have obtained this permission.

To be considered complete and eligible for incentives, all applications must:

  • Be postmarked no later than 60 days after the installation date; and
  • Be signed by the purchaser (utility account holder, landlord, or applicant signing on behalf of the utility account holder) or Trade Ally; and 
  • Include itemized contractor invoice(s) or proof of purchase receipt(s) containing:
    • Improvement
    • Total installed cost
    • Purchase date or installation date 
    • Professional contractor’s business/company name, address, and phone number
    • Balance due of zero, paid in full stamp, or payment terms

Wisconsin is in for home solutions

Looking for a quick and cost-effective way to reduce your energy costs? Upgrade to high-efficiency, long-lasting LED lighting and get instant discounts online or at your local retailers.

Lighting accounts for about 20% of the average home’s electric bill. That’s why we’ve partnered with retailers across Wisconsin to offer instant discounts on LED bulbs. They use up to 90% less energy and can last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs according to ENERGY STAR®.

It's easy to save

We make it easy to get discounted lighting, no matter what kind of shopper you are.

We’ve partnered with many stores across Wisconsin to offer instant discounts on LED bulbs. Find a store near you and look for this Focus on Energy sticker in stores!

Find a Participating Retailer Near You

Lighting Sticker

The Focus on Energy Online Marketplace offers instant discounts on a variety of LEDs and other products that help your home stay comfortable and efficient, like smart thermostats and efficient showerheads. Get started at focusonenergy.com/marketplace.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Discounts are available only at participating stores and apply only to select lighting products for a limited time, while supplies last.
  • Limit 25 discounted bulbs per customer.
  • Discounts do not apply to ENERGY STAR® certified fixtures, fans or lamps.

Choose the right bulb

LEDs are a relatively new technology, and terms like color and lumens can be confusing for first-time purchasers. Download our lighting fact sheet, visit the ENERGY STAR website or watch a short video to get answers to frequently asked questions about purchasing bulbs.

Note: If your new LEDs are replacing compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs, it’s very important that you dispose of them properly. Use our CFL Recycling Factsheet [PDF] to ensure you’re following U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidelines for discarding CFLs.

Free lighting events

View our calendar of free lighting events held at participating retailers and come speak with our lighting experts.

Build a Focus on Energy Certified new home

Build a new home that is up to 100% more energy efficient than the average new home built in Wisconsin.
Focus on Energy connects prospective home buyers with builders and energy experts to construct new homes that are between 25 and100% more efficient than homes built to Wisconsin’s Uniform Dwelling Code. Energy Certified New Homes are built to be as comfortable, durable, combustion safe and energy-efficient as possible.

New Home Certification Advantages
Your Focus on Energy Building Performance Consultant will make sure your home meets the highest standards for energy efficiency, combustion safety, comfort and durability—ensuring your dream home is a sound investment. In addition to a more energy-efficient home, you will also enjoy other benefits, including:

  • Dedicated Builders – Focus on Energy rewards builders for constructing homes to be as efficient as possible, so you know your new home will be built to save energy for years to come.
  • Lower Energy Bills – A Focus on Energy Certified New Home is at least 25% more efficient than homes that are built to standard code, which means lower energy costs and more efficient performance.
  • Comfort – Receive superior indoor air quality with air tightness that minimizes drafts and improves comfort. Sealed combustion equipment and carbon monoxide detectors ensure combustion safety and whole-house ventilation for proper circulation.
  • Proof of Quality – Your Building Performance Consultant conducts two site visits to review construction and overall performance; conducts scientific tests to ensure the proper performance of the air sealing, insulation, ventilation and combustion equipment; and certifies your new home.
  • Resale Advantage – A Focus on Energy New Home Certification offers added value when looking to resell your home.
     

How do I build a Certified Home?

  1. Next, your participating builder will work with a Focus on Energy Building Performance Consultant to review construction plans.

  2. After your new home is framed and insulated, your Building Performance Consultant will visit the home to review construction to date.

  3. Upon completing the construction on your new home, the Consultant will make a final visit to test the performance of your new home.

  4. If your home meets energy efficiency and performance requirements, you will receive your Focus on Energy New Home certification!

Reach next level savings!

If you’ve already put in the work to make your home or business as energy efficient as possible, now is the perfect time to take the next step by installing a solar electric system. To help FOCUS ON ENERGY® offers cash incentives for qualified solar electric installations.

Solar electric systems, also known as photovoltaic (PV) systems, use sunlight to generate electricity. To capture sunlight, solar panels or modules, are strategically placed on roofs or ground mounted to maximize exposure to the sun. Systems are silent, very reliable, and require little ongoing maintenance.

Your benefits:

  • Lower energy bills
  • Greater energy independence
  • Financial incentives and potential for tax credits
  • Lower-than-ever installation costs

Save on a solar electric system

Residential customers can receive up to $500 to offset the interconnect and permitting costs of installing your solar electric system. Business customers can save up to $50,000 when you install a solar electric system. Plus, agricultural producers can earn up to $10,000 more for their solar electric system. Agricultural producers are defined as “businesses engaged in the production of grain, livestock, milk, poultry, fruits, vegetables, bees and honey, fish, shellfish, or other common agricultural products including greenhouses.”

For complete incentive information and eligibility guidelines, click on the Show Details section below. Incentives are limited and subject to change—check current incentive availability

How do I participate?

  1. Check to see if your utility participates in Focus on Energy. Review terms and conditions and check the status of available solar PV incentives.

  2. Find a Focus on Energy Trade Ally. Be sure to verify your solar PV system meets eligibility requirements.

  3. Complete the online reservation application to hold your incentive.

  4. Complete the installation of your system.

  5. When your project is complete, fill out the incentive application to receive your check! You can also download and send in PDF applications: Solar Electric (PV) Incentive Application [PDF]

Show Details ▼

Renewable Technologies

Equipment Qualifications

Incentives and Eligibility

Incentives

Residential Customer Solar PV Incentives
  Incentive
Single Family Home $500 per system

 

Business Customer Solar PV Incentives
System Size in kW (DC) Incentive per kW (DC) Max Incentive
Up to 5 kW $200 $1,000
5-10 kW $1,000 + $150 per kW above 5 kW $1,750
10-100 kW $1,750 + $125 per kW above 10 kW $13,000
100-300 kW $13,000 + $100 per kW above 100 kW $33,000
300-500 kW $33,000 + $85 per kW above 300 kW $50,000
500+ kW $50,000 + $0 per kW above 500 kW $50,000

*Solar PV systems 500 kW and above will be capped at the maximum incentive of $50,000.

Additional incentives are available for rural residential customers and agricultural producers.

  • The residential rural customer bonus of up to $500 for installing a system has been fully subscribed and are not available at this time.
  • Agricultural producers (business customers) will qualify for an incentive match up to $10,000. Agricultural producers are defined as “businesses engaged in the production of grain, livestock, milk, poultry, fruits, vegetables, bees and honey, fish, shellfish, or other common agricultural products including greenhouses”.

Renewable project funding from Focus on Energy is available for Solar Electric systems. Solar electric system incentives are available on select qualifying solar photovoltaic equipment. Work with a renewable Trade Ally contractor to help you earn incentives from Focus on Energy on qualifying equipment.

Terms & Conditions

To be eligible to participate, the following requirements must be met:

  • System must be installed on a site served by a participating electric utility. 
  • System and components must have a minimum of a five-year warranty.
  • Incentive cannot exceed cost to customer.
  • Systems purchased and installed between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 are eligible for funding under the 2020 program year only.
  • The only costs eligible for incentives are materials, equipment, and external labor.
  • Funding is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis on an annual basis. Check remaining funding in the tables above.
  • The program is not responsible for items (i.e. applications, supporting documentation, incentive checks) lost or damaged in the mail.
  • Focus on Energy will only pay one incentive for each technology per site per calendar year. Incentives paid on this application cannot be claimed on another Focus on Energy application. Similarly, incentives can only be paid to one person or entity.
  • All equipment installations are subject to verification inspection by the program to ensure the equipment is properly installed and operating. Participants must allow, if requested, the program or a program representative reasonable access to their home or business to verify the installed equipment.
  • You must be a current customer of a participating electric utility in Wisconsin at the time of equipment purchase and installation. For specific equipment eligibility review the following resources:
  • The system is purchased new. Resale equipment, new parts installed in existing equipment, or equipment that is leased, rebuilt, rented, received from insurance claims, received from a warranty, received from a grant, or won as a prize do not qualify.
  • Equipment is installed by a professional contractor with a valid Wisconsin State professional contractor’s license, appropriate insurance, and permits.
  • Equipment is installed conforming to all applicable building, local, state and federal codes, standards, ordinances and regulations, and manufacturer specifications.
  • The system is installed in a property owned by the applicant, or the applicant has received permission from the property owner to install the equipment. If you do not own the property where this equipment is installed, as a residing tenant you are responsible for obtaining the owner’s permission to install the equipment for which you are applying for an incentive. Your submission of this application indicates that you have obtained this permission.
  • All necessary utility service improvement costs are the responsibility of the customer.
  • All necessary service improvement costs, including transformers and service lines, are the responsibility of the customer.
  • System installations must be in compliance with all state, local and federal codes, standards and requirements, including any and all applicable utility standards.
  • System must be installed in conformity with the manufacturer’s specifications and all applicable codes and standards.
  • System owners and installers must obtain all required permits.
  • If the project site is serviced by a participating Focus on Energy utility and uses a non-residential rate, the project site does not have to be owned by the applicant. The project/system equipment, however, must be owned by the applicant in order to qualify and confirmation of this ownership should be provided. System ownership must revert to the property owner after a specified period of time, not to exceed 25 years.
  • In order to receive a commercial incentive, the system must be connected through a non-residential rate meter.
  • Allow approximately 8-10 weeks for your completed application to be processed. Incomplete applications cannot be processed. Failure to complete the application in full and provide the required supporting documentation will either delay the payment process or result in your application being denied. Receipt of an application does not guarantee payment of an incentive.
  • Focus on Energy will only pay one incentive for each piece of equipment. Incentives paid on this application cannot be claimed on another Focus on Energy application. Similarly, incentives can only be paid to one person or entity (i.e., either the resident or landlord, not both).

Equipment Eligibility

Solar Electric System Incentive

Earn up to $500 (residential) and $50,000 (business) in incentives for installing a qualifying solar electric system. To qualify for an incentive you must:

  • Install the solar electric system in an existing residential or non-residential property.

Solar Electric System Equipment & Property Requirements

  • Select qualified models from the Solar Electric Qualified Equipment List, which can be found in the supporting documents section below.
  • System capacity must be 0.5 kWDC or greater.
  • System must be installed within 90 degrees of due south.
  • Must be installed with a panel tilt between 10-50 degrees.
  • Must have less than 10 percent obstacle shading based on analysis of an industry-accepted tool.
  • See application for complete details.
  • Residential customers can earn up to $500 more for solar electric systems, if you live in an eligible ZIP code. Bonus cannot be greater than prescriptive incentive. It will be equal to the incentive amount or $500.
  • Business customers classified as agricultural producers can earn up to $10,000 more for their solar electric system. Agricultural producers are defined as “businesses engaged in the production of grain, livestock, milk, poultry, fruits, vegetables, bees and honey, fish, shellfish, or other common agricultural products including greenhouses.”
  • Both modules (panels) and inverter must be installed to receive an incentive.
  • See Updates to Solar PV Incentives FAQs for complete terms and requirements

Supporting Documents and Information

Solar Electric Qualified Modules

Solar Electric Qualified Inverter List

Wisconsin is in for home solutions

Tired of inconsistent home temperatures and high energy bills? Smart thermostats can help, and we’ll give you $50 when you upgrade.

Smart thermostats auto-adjust based on outdoor temperatures and your own preferences, and can be controlled from anywhere using your smartphone or other device. Plus, they’re easy to install, easy to use, and help you save energy and money year-round—up to $150 annually!

Some smart thermostats even notify you when your heating and cooling system isn’t operating at top condition. You’ll know when to change a dirty filter or schedule a tune-up before you need a costly repair.

How do I get my smart thermostat incentive?

We make it easy to get your $50 cash back, no matter what kind of shopper you are.

Cyber Monday Smart Thermostat Promo

"With the incentive I received from Focus on Energy, I was able to afford a higher quality, more energy-efficient furnace. I'm very happy with the Focus on Energy program!"

-Angela (Madison, WI)
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