Solar panel installations require electrical and building permits under WI DSPS UDC (SPS 321, 316). Wis. Stat. §66.0401 limits municipal restrictions on solar collectors. Madison offers expedited MadiSUN permit review. Net metering through Madison Gas & Electric or Alliant Energy.
Wisconsin Statute §66.0401 is a strong solar-rights preemption: a municipality or county may not prohibit, restrict, or unreasonably limit the installation or use of solar energy systems unless the restriction protects public health, safety, or the right of another person. Permits are required under the Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (DSPS SPS 321 for structural; SPS 316 for electrical, adopting NEC including Article 690 Solar). Typical plan review items include roof structural capacity, panel layout, fire setbacks (3 feet from ridge and eaves on residential sloped roofs under NEC 690.12 and IFC 605.11), rapid-shutdown compliance, inverter placement, and AC disconnect location. Madison's MadiSUN program offers expedited review and group-buy pricing. Net metering is available for systems under 20 kW through Madison Gas & Electric and Alliant Energy at retail-rate parity. Ground-mount arrays in Dane County unincorporated areas require a zoning permit under Ch. 10 with typical 10-foot side setbacks. Interconnection agreement (PSC Docket 119) required before energizing.
Installation without permit: retroactive permit, re-inspection fees, and forfeiture $100-$1,000. NEC/rapid-shutdown violation: correction order. Unpermitted ground-mount exceeding setback: relocation required.
Dane County, WI
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See how Dane County's panel permits rules stack up against other locations.
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