The City of La Crosse is committed to supporting alternative energy systems and technology. As part of that commitment, the City has assembled information on solar power as it relates to planning, permitting, and education. This information is provided to earn SolSmart Recognition for making it faster, easier, and more affordable to our Citizens to go solar. With the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) serving as our SolSmart Advisor, La Crosse's dedicated staff members are working to increase the efficiency of local processes related to solar development. 

Solar array are considered accessory use in all zoning districts. Solar farms are considered conditional use in all zoning districts. 

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.

• 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.

Solar Permitting Checklist

You will need to fill out the following permit applications: 

• Commercial - New Building & Additions Permit

• Electrical Permit

• Re-Roofing Permit (as applicable with roof-mounted system)

• Stormwater Impervious Area Change Form (as applicable with ground-mounted system)

Note: small rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) permits are turned around within 3 business days.

State Solar Rights

Solar installation must be in compliance with State Statutes, including §66.0401 and §66.0403. Refer to these statutes for protection of solar rights in Wisconsin. 

Additional solar policy in Wisconsin include: 

• Renewable Portfolio Standard (Wisconsin Statute §196.378). In 2005, Wisconsin enacted a Renewable Portfolio Standard, which set a goal that 10% of statewide energy would come from renewable sources by 2015.

• Net Metering. Net metering, initially created under Public Service Commission order (Order 6690-UR-107, effective January 1, 1993), allows owners of renewable energy systems no larger than 20 kw to sell excess generation back to the utility at retail rate. 

• Interconnection Standards. In 2004, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission adopted interconnection standards for distributed generation systems up to 15 MW in capacity. 

Solar PV Permitting Checklist

Coming soon - Small solar PV projects (15kW or less) require a Streamlined Solar Permitting Checklist. Site Plan and One-Line Electrical Diagram be completed as part of the building or electrical permit application process. 

Finance & Incentive Resources

• Solar Policies & Incentives

• Solar Investment Tax Credit

• Property Assessed Clean Energy

• Focus on Energy Participating Utilities

• Renew Wisconsin Solar Energy

Solar Mapping & Production Value Resources

• Google's Project Sunroof

• EnergySage Solar Calculator 

• Solar Project Builder's Solar Financial Simulator

Municipal Buildings with Solar PV Arrays

• La Crosse Center
• Municipal Service Center
  
• Main Public Library
• City Hall
• Copeland Stadium
• Fire Station No. 1
• Fire Station No. 3

Contact Information

Lewis Kuhlman, Environmental Planner
400 La Crosse St. La Crosse WI 54601
phone: (608) 789-7361, email: kuhlmanl@cityoflacrosse.org