Solar Resources

Getting Started with Solar

This webpage represents a collection of solar resources for the community.  As of November 2025, the City has about 463 kW of photovoltaics (PV) solar on city buildings, as well as dozens of individual installations on residential and commercial properties. The City created a Solar Statement in 2019 outlining municipal solar energy goals, and those were further refined in the 2025-approved Fitchburg Sustainability Plan.  For more information about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power.

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Fitchburg was recognized as a solar-friendly community by SolSmart, a national program funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The City received Bronze level designation in 2019 with a Special Recognition Award in the Inspection category (read the press release here), and in 2025 that designation was increased to Gold. As of November 2025, Fitchburg is one of 28 SolSmart-designated communities in Wisconsin (570 communities nationwide have attained SolSmart designation), and one of just 12 in Wisconsin to achieve the Gold or Platinum level.

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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 nearly 3,000 jobs and over 130 companies in Wisconsin (SEIA), saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from increasing demand and technological developments, and adds electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.

Permitting Process

Please see the solar permitting checklist. Small solar PV projects (10kW or less) have a turnaround time of 3 business days or less, and commercial/non-residential projects 10 days. Application forms are now hosted on OpenGov (go to Building Inspection > Solar Building Permit), and current fees can be found on the Building Inspection webpage.

Solar Ordinances

In the 2009 Comprehensive Plan, Fitchburg set a policy goal to "Develop a solar power ordinance that supersedes architectural control committee influences." As of August 12, 2025, with the approval of Ordinance 2025-O-17, this policy goal has been achieved. Consistent with current statewide statutes (see "Solar Rights & Procedure" below), Fitchburg ordinances now reflect that accessory use solar is permitted by right in all major zoning districts.

Solar Maps

Investigate your property’s solar potential by clicking here. Explore a map of existing renewable energy installations in Wisconsin this map from RENEW Wisconsin.

Find a Contractor

Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a bid. Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP. The Solar Energy Industries Association's site also provides a map of area contractors. 

Financing, Incentives & Tax Exemptions

Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available. See the brochure and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) for additional information on a unique payment program.

Solar Rights & Procedure

It is the property owner's responsibility to be aware of their solar rights and responsibilities.  Read the State Statute about your solar rights (see this addendum on solar restrictions as well).

Job Training and Educational Opportunities

Madison College offers a Renewable Energy Certificate program for students interested in the design, engineering, economic analysis, installation, maintenance and repair of various types of renewable energy systems.

Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) offers industry-leading professional training for solar PV, solar thermal, and small wind systems.  Both online and in-person courses are available year-round.  Solar Training Academy is a series of weekend classes providing students with industry-leading solar technical training. Topics include photovoltaic (PV) fundamentals, PV site assessment practices, and design principles and considerations.

The Energy Fair, organized by MREA, is the longest-running event of its kind and brings over 10,000 attendees together to learn about clean energy and sustainability.

More Useful Solar Information