How Do We Rate Solar Companies?
TL;DR: We rate solar installers from 1 to 5 stars to help you pick the best one. High stars mean they’re really good at what they do and treat their customers right. Low stars? Not so much. We give credit to companies that have been around for a while, know what they are doing, have a high standard of workmanship and equipment, don’t hire subcontractors to keep the bar of solar installation quality high and have good local reviews from real customers (yes, we check if the reviews are actually real or fake). Companies we choose as top-rated know and can help with federal and local solar incentives to help you save, have good financing plans, and guarantee their work. We’re here to point you to the solar companies that truly rock, making going solar easy and worthwhile for you.
Check our detailed review process here.
Quick Recap
- Is It Worth Going Solar in Wyoming? Yes, it is worth going solar in Wyoming. Most solar customers in the state see electric bill savings from their panels that pay off the systems in just 14 years and then save an additional $18,070, on average.
- How Much Does Solar Save Homeowners in Wyoming? Solar saves homeowners in Wyoming an average of $18,070 over the lifetime of the system.
- What is the Average Cost of Going Solar in Wyoming? The average cost of going solar in Wyoming is $2.57 per watt2, with the cost of an average system being $20,727.
- Wyoming Solar Incentives Wyoming doesn’t have any state-wide solar incentives, but homeowners can still save with the Federal Tax Credit and net metering.
- Net Metering Policies in Wyoming Net Metering is a billing mechanism that credits solar energy system owners for electricity they add to the grid, reducing their electricity bills.
- Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Wyoming? Yes, solar panels increase your property value by an average of 4.1%, which is a typical increase of $13,590 for the average home value in Wyoming.
- Solar Financing Options Available in Wyoming Wyoming offers special programs and financial help to make it easier for homes and businesses to get solar energy systems.
- Choosing a Local or National Solar Installer in Wyoming Both local and national solar installers have their advantages. Local installers often have strong knowledge of local incentives and regulations, while national installers might have more resources. It’s important to consider factors such as reviews, cost, and the services offered by the installer.
Is It Worth Going Solar in Wyoming?
Installing solar panels in Wyoming can indeed be beneficial, both financially and environmentally. Here are some key points to consider:
- Solar Savings: By harnessing solar energy, Wyoming residents can enjoy substantial savings on their monthly energy bills, typically ranging from 40% to 60%.
- Environmental Impact: Solar energy is clean and renewable, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimizing harmful emissions.
- Increased Property Value: Installing solar panels can enhance the value of your Wyoming property.
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): This is a federal incentive that allows you to apply 30% of your entire system price to your income tax burden for the tax year your system is commissioned. For example, for a 6 kW system costing $13,389, the cost with the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit applied would be $9,372.
- Electricity credit from a local utility or energy provider: This is a one-to-one credit.
Please note that while Wyoming does not have any noteworthy state-mandated solar incentives, nor does it have a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goal to boost clean energy sources, the average cost of solar panels in Wyoming is significantly cheaper than the national average.
Before making a decision, it’s recommended to get a detailed quote from a trusted solar installer to understand the exact savings and payback period based on your specific situation. Also, keep in mind that the incentives and credits can change, so it’s important to check the latest information.
How much does solar save homeowners in Wyoming?
Average Cost of Electricity in Wyoming: The average residential electricity rate in Wyoming is 9.85¢/kWh, which ranks 43rd in the U.S. The average monthly residential electricity bill in Wyoming is $85, which is 20.56% less than the national average monthly bill of $107.
Cost of Solar Panels: The typical cost of solar panels in Wyoming is $3.29 per watt. For an average Wyoming resident who needs a 9-kilowatt solar energy system to offset their energy costs, the cost would be $29,610 on average, or $20,727 after claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit.
Savings from Solar Panels: Wyoming homeowners with solar panels see an average net savings of $14,959 over 25 years. This means that over the lifetime of your solar panels, you could save nearly $15,000 on your electricity bills.
You can significantly reduce or even eliminate your electricity bills, and with the net metering policy, you can get credited for the excess power your solar panels produce. However, it’s important to consider the initial investment required for the installation of the solar panels. It’s recommended to get a detailed quote from a trusted solar installer to understand the exact savings and payback period based on your specific situation.
What is the average cost of going solar in Wyoming?
The average cost of installing solar panels in Wyoming is $3.29 per watt. According to market research, the average Wyoming resident needs a 9-kilowatt solar energy system to offset their energy costs1. This would cost $29,610 on average, or $20,727 after claiming the 30% federal solar tax credit.
*Keep in mind that these are average figures and the actual cost can vary depending on several factors such as the specific solar panels you choose, the installation company, and the complexity of your roof.
Wyoming Solar Incentives
Here’s a detailed overview of the incentives and rebate programs available to homeowners in Wyoming who install solar panels:
Federal Solar Incentives:
- Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): This is a federal incentive that allows you to apply 30% of your entire system price to your income tax burden for the tax year your system is commissioned12. For example, for a 6 kW system costing $13,389, the cost with the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit applied would be $9,372.
Statewide Solar Programs in Wyoming:
- Rural Energy for America Program (REAP): This is another incentive that you might be eligible for.
- Unfortunately, Wyoming does not have any noteworthy state-mandated solar incentives, nor does it have a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goal to boost clean energy sources4.
Local Incentives in Wyoming:
- Electricity credit from a local utility or energy provider: This is a one-to-one credit.
Please note that while Wyoming does not have any noteworthy state-mandated solar incentives, nor does it have a renewable portfolio standard (RPS) goal to boost clean energy sources4, the average cost of solar panels in Wyoming is significantly cheaper than the national average.
Please note that these incentives and programs are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check with local solar installers or the relevant government agencies for the most up-to-date information.
Net Metering Policies in Wyoming
Net metering is a policy that allows owners of small, on-site renewable energy systems (like homes, schools, and businesses) to get credit for the extra power they supply to the electricity grid. Here’s how it works and how you can benefit from it in Wyoming:
How It Works: Net metering involves installing a special electric meter or reprogramming an existing meter so that electrical flow can be measured in both directions. When your production of electricity is less than your use, additional electricity is supplied by the utility company through the electrical grid. Alternatively, when you generate more electricity than you are using, excess electricity is transferred to the electrical grid and is used by other customers. At the end of the billing period, your electrical production is subtracted from your total electrical consumption. You are billed only for the net amount of electricity consumed. In some situations, you may produce more electricity than you use, in which case the excess amount may be carried over to the next billing period or transferred to the utility company at a price determined in the net metering contract.
Benefits:
- Use 100% Of Your Solar Energy Production: Net metering allows you to use and sell up to 100% of your renewable electricity to a utility company.
- Save Money On Your Electricity Bill: As a net metering customer, you still pay monthly electric bills, including a monthly hook-up fee. But the net metering policy can significantly lower your monthly utility bills.
- No Need For External Battery Storage: With net metering, there’s no need for external battery storage.
- Increase The Value Of Your Property: Installing a solar system can increase the value of your property.
- Contribute To Reduced CO2 Emission: By using solar energy, you contribute to reduced CO2 emissions.
Please note that Wyoming requires investor-owned utilities and electric cooperatives to offer net metering. Whether you get the full retail rate or the utility’s “avoided cost” (essentially the wholesale) rate varies by company. If you run a surplus for the entire year, the utility will purchase your remaining surplus annually at the avoided-cost rate. That’s a really solid net metering program!
Are There Any Community Solar Programs in Wyoming?
Yes, there are a few solar community programs available in Wyoming. Here’s an overview:
- SunShare: SunShare is a full-service, end-to-end developer, owner, and operator of community solar gardens. Their mission is to give everyone access to renewable energy solutions.
- Community Solar Hub: This organization assists in bringing community solar to new areas.
- American Solar Energy Society (ASES): ASES is a non-profit that advocates for sustainable living and 100% renewable energy.
- Solar for All Program: This is a $7 billion investment to enable low-income and disadvantaged communities to deploy and benefit from distributed solar energy. Bonneville Environmental Foundation will serve energy communities in the state of Wyoming with its Solar for All funds.
- State and Community Energy Programs: Since 2015, Wyoming has received $11.8 million from the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and $3.2 million from the State Energy Program (SEP), resulting in benefits like homes weatherized, jobs created or retained, building space retrofitted, and people connected about energy efficiency installations.
To take advantage of these programs, you can follow these steps:
- Research: Understand the details of each program and determine which one is the best fit for your needs.
- Contact the Program: Reach out to the program directly or visit their website for more information on how to apply.
- Apply: Follow the application process for the program. This may involve filling out an application form and providing necessary documentation.
- Installation: Once approved, you can proceed with the installation of your solar panels.
- Enjoy the Benefits: After installation, you can start enjoying the benefits of solar energy, including lower electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with a local solar installation company or the relevant government agencies for the most up-to-date information.
