Solar Energy in Dane County, WI (2026)

1 county-level rule, plus city-specific rules for 4 cities in Dane County, Wisconsin.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Dane County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Panel Permits

Dane County lets landowners put up free-standing solar collectors as accessory structures under s. 10.102(10)(i), but caps their height at whatever limit applies to accessory buildings in that zoning district and keeps them at least 3 feet off every lot line. Because a ground-mounted collector counts as new construction, most installations still need a zoning permit first.

Dane County Solar Collector Setback & Permit Rule

Some Restrictions

Dane County Code of Ordinances, ch. 10.102(10)(i)

(i) Free-standing solar collectors may be located no closer than 3 feet from any lot line and may not exceed the maximum height for an accessory building in the applicable zoning district.

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Solar Energy by City in Dane County

4 cities in Dane County have their own solar energy rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.

MadisonPop. 269,840

1 verified rule • Panel Permits

Sun PrairiePop. 35,967

1 verified rule • Panel Permits

FitchburgPop. 29,609

1 verified rule • Panel Permits

MiddletonPop. 21,827

1 verified rule • Panel Permits

All Dane County ordinances

See every category we cover for Dane County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

Dane County Ordinance Hub →