Milwaukee Shines Solar Program

Join others in exercising your collective buying power to save on the total cost of going solar. A solar group buy occurs when community members form a group to invest in lower cost solar installations through the power of volume purchasing.

As with any home improvement project, you have options in selecting a contractor to install your solar energy system. Wisconsin has many good contractors, but there have been reported cases of unscrupulous solar contractors. To support affordable projects you can trust, ECO and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association have offer the Grow Solar group-buy program, which only works with vetted contractors and financing. Get started today!

Be aware of door-to-door salespeople or internet "click-bait" promotions that use high pressure tactics. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently issued a consumer advisory to help people avoid problems and pitfalls in solar energy loans. To report a company using these tactics, please contact the WI Bureau of Consumer Protection/Division of Trade and Consumer Protection's hotline phone number at 800-422-7128 or by submission form online.

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Make solar a reality for your home with this step-by-step guide to apply for financing through Summit Credit Union. Up to $2 million in low-interest solar loans are available to help Milwaukee homeowners finance solar energy systems costs.

• Eligible Participants: City of Milwaukee homeowners of 1-3 unit, owner-occupied residences
• Loan Size: Up to $25,000
• Interest Rate: Low-interest, fixed rate (as low as prime + .25%); check today's rates.
• Terms: Up to 15 years to repay. No penalties for early payment, no fees, no down payments
• Eligible Projects: Solar electric systems, solar hot water systems (1-8 panels) or solar hot air.
• Must be installed by a Focus on Energy Residential Ally solar installer
• Eligible Expenses: All equipment, labor, permits, and interconnection fees. Solar loans can also be used for structural reinforcement and re-roofing expenses if these upgrades are part of the solar project.
• Incentives: Reduce the cost of going solar by combining Grow Solar Greater Milwaukee volume discounts and rebates with Focus on Energy solar rebates and Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.
• Options to Apply: 1) Online, 2) Phone: 1-800-236-5560 (Press 1 to apply for a loan, then 3 to apply for a Milwaukee Shines loan), or 3) In-Person at 10015 W. Greenfield Ave. or 2159 Miller Park Way.

Apply for a Low-Interest Solar Loan 

Find information on solar zoning in the City of Milwaukee, a checklist of what to submit for a solar permit, as well as links for scheduling inspections and interconnection. Milwaukee Shines is committed to making installing solar in Milwaukee easier and more affordable. Professionals now have access to new, lower solar permit fees.

Find Resources for Solar Professionals