What changes next for solar PV systems in Wisconsin?

The next IRC edition is in development. The 2024 IFC is in development.

Which Wisconsin laws name solar PV systems?

Wis. Stat. 196.491 and PSC Application Filing Requirements: Solar Energy Projects are in force or enacted.

What applies to my job?

Pick the state and the product you build, install, or inspect. The card below answers from each state’s own record.

State

Solar PV in Wisconsin

Which codes apply? In Wisconsin, solar PV systems fall under the 2023 NEC, the state’s own code in place of the IRC, the 2021 IBC, and NFPA 1 in place of the IFC.

Rooftop and ground-mounted photovoltaic arrays and their wiring. State record read Oct 18, 2026. Data as of Oct 26, 2026.

Codes that reach solar PV systems

The edition Wisconsin enforces for each code that governs the product, and the part of the code that does.

NECNational Electrical Code

2023 NECVerified

in force since Sep 1, 2026

Where it reaches the product. Article 690, solar photovoltaic systems, with 705 for the interconnection and 690.12 for rapid shutdown.

Wisconsin electrical code (ch. SPS 316) · Wis. Admin. Code ch. SPS 316 (NEC edition listed in s. SPS 316.007(1)(a)); Clearinghouse Rule CR 26-016 (Register June 2026 No. 846)

The Wisconsin NEC record
IRCInternational Residential Code

State’s own codeVerified

Where it reaches the product. Section R324, solar energy systems.

Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) · Wis. Admin. Code chs. SPS 320-325

The next IRC edition is in development.

The Wisconsin IRC record
IBCInternational Building Code

2021 IBCVerified

in force since Sep 1, 2025

Where it reaches the product. Rooftop structures and the structural load of the array.

Wisconsin Commercial Building Code (chs. SPS 361-366) · Wis. Admin. Code chs. SPS 361-366 (Clearinghouse Rule CR 23-007, identified from the Legislature’s document naming)

The Wisconsin IBC record
IFCInternational Fire Code

Another model codeVerified

Where it reaches the product. Chapter 12, section 1205, solar photovoltaic power systems and roof access.

Wisconsin Fire Prevention Code (ch. SPS 314, NFPA 1) · Wis. Admin. Code ch. SPS 314

The 2024 IFC is in development.

The Wisconsin IFC record

Coming next

IRC
The next IRC edition is in development.
DSPS lists the rule status as Drafting Rule and the UDC Council agenda for Jul 23, 2026, has ‘SPS 320 to 325 Review’.
Partial
IFC
The 2024 IFC is in development.
The scope statement says DSPS is potentially adopting the 2024 NFPA 1 (approved for publication Aug 11, 2025, for implementation Nov 4, 2025) and DSPS lists the rule as Drafting Rule; the edition refers to NFPA 1, not the IFC.
Partial

State or local

IBCApplies to public buildings, public structures and places of employment; one- and two-family dwellings are under the Uniform Dwelling Code (chs. SPS 320-325).
IFCA municipality may enforce an alternate model fire code adopted by ordinance if, in total, it is equivalent to NFPA 1 (SPS 314.001(2)).

Cities and counties can amend a statewide code, so confirm the edition in force with the local official.

Go deeper

Wisconsin laws that name solar PV systems

On the site: two laws, rules, orders, and bills, newest first.

Law or rule	Kind	Stage	Date	What it does
PSC Application Filing Requirements: Solar Energy ProjectsApplication Filing Requirements: Solar Energy Projects	Agency guidance	PartialIn force	Oct 1, 2025	Lists what large solar projects must file, including setbacks, inverter details, decommissioning plans and costs, and plans for any co-located battery storage. Source (opens in a new tab)
Wis. Stat. 196.491Application Filing Requirements: Solar Energy Projects	Statute	PartialIn force	–	Requires a state certificate of public convenience and necessity before a large electric generating facility is built. Source (opens in a new tab)

Every Wisconsin law on solar PV systems, with filters

For information only. Your local building or fire official decides which code applies. We check state records often but can miss a recent change, so confirm with your official before you design, permit, or install. Terms of use