Solar Energy

The Village of Plover is committed to supporting alternative energy systems and technologies. The Village and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) have teamed up together to help the Village achieve SolSmart recognition. This recognition provides evidence that the Village is committed to making solar energy systems faster to get permitted, easier to get approval, and more affordable for our residents.

Solar energy systems are a permitted or conditional accessory use in all zoning districts within the Village of Plover and are regulated under Zoning Chapter 550-43(M) (PDF) of the Village Zoning Code. This means that residents or businesses who wish to install solar energy systems are not burdened by additional regulations or meetings outside of normal permitting.

Wisconsin State Solar Access Rights

According to Wisconsin States provide property owners solar access rights under multiple statutes:

Application Denial

In the Village, an application for a solar PV permit will be denied only if the denial is necessary to preserve or protect the health and safety, or an alternative system of comparable cost and efficiency would be permitted, and provided further that conditions may be imposed upon a permit if either:

  • Serve to preserve or protect public health and safety
  • Do not significantly increase the cost of the system or significantly decrease efficiency

Solar Permitting Checklist

  • Installer must have proper state license for building, electrical, or plumbing.
  • Master and contractor license and proof of insurance are required to pull a permit.
  • Installer must submit a complete permit application packet and permit fee payment to the Zoning office during office hours (or submit online)
  • Upon successful plan review, Inspection staff will issue the permit(s).
    • Complete Expedited Solar PV Permits will be issued in 3 working days.
  • Inspection staff will complete a final inspection after project completion
  • After completion and commissioning, the installer/responsible party must send completed Distributed Generation (DG) Interconnection to the respective utility provider
    • DG application should be submitted in advance of project start
  • Installer makes commissioning appointment with utility representative to obtain final power utility inspection and schedule change in meter (per utility requirement)

Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems

Roof-Mounted Solar Energy Systems require one total permit, electrical permit, said permit is issued within 3 days of complete application being submitted.

Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems - Residential (Less than 900 Square Feet)

Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems under 900 square feet in size Electrical and Zoning Permits are issued within 3 days of complete application being submitted.

In order for a resident to install a ground-mounted solar energy system less than 900 square feet in size, the following are required to be submitted:

  • Electrical Permit
  • Site Sketch
    • Must indicate lot lines, existing building locations, easements, or surrounding hard surfaces
    • Must indicate proposed structure setback from lot lines, existing buildings, surrounding hard surfaces, and size of ground-mounted solar energy system

Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems - Residential (Greater than 900 Square Feet)

In order for a resident to install a ground-mounted solar energy system more than 900 square feet in size, the following are required to be submitted:

  • Conditional Use Permit
    • Requires a public hearing and recommendation of the Plan Commission to the Village Board for final approval
  • Site Sketch
    • Must indicate lot lines, existing building locations, easements, or surrounding hard surfaces
    • Must indicate proposed structure setback from lot lines, existing buildings, surrounding hard surfaces, and size of ground-mounted solar energy system
  • Electrical Permit

Ground-Mounted Solar Energy Systems - Businesses

In order for a business to install a ground-mounted solar energy system of any size, the following are required to be submitted:

  • Site Plan Approval
    • Requires Plan Commission review and approval
  • Site Sketch
    • Must indicate lot lines, existing building locations, easements, or surrounding hard surfaces
    • Must indicate proposed structure setback from lot lines, existing buildings, surrounding hard surfaces, and size of ground-mounted solar energy system
  • Electrical Permit

Financing Assistance

Review sources of financial incentives for solar systems installation:

  • Focus on Energy Financing Incentive: Learn about the Focus on Energy financial programs available to assist homeowners and businesses invest in renewable energy projects.
  • PACE Wisconsin financing: PACE Wisconsin also offers financing in the Village of Plover for eligible installation of renewable energy systems.
  • MREA Solar Finance Simulator: Assists businesses and tax-exempt organizations evaluate the financial benefits of solar installations.