Are Solar Panels Worth It in Wyoming?

What to consider before going solar in Wyoming

For many homeowners, whether going solar is worth it comes down to the upfront costs versus long-term savings. It also depends on the condition of your roof and how long you plan to stay in your house.

1. How much will it cost upfront?

Average solar panel costs in Wyoming start between $16,619 and $33,238.

Your system size is one of the biggest solar cost factors. A typical Wyoming household needs about a 6.9 kW system, which costs approximately $22,563. Depending on your energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.

Think of going solar like buying a car. You could pay cash, but a lot of people finance or lease with minimal upfront costs.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Wyoming

NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total costs.

How to estimate what system size you need

First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW). 

Solar storage batteries cost $7,000 to $18,000.

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Consider battery storage

Solar panels only generate electricity while the sun is shining. A battery lets you store energy for later use, like at night or during a power outage.

It’s worth considering if you expect your utility company to keep raising rates (and it’s essential if you want real energy independence).

The biggest downside to a solar battery is the price. Adding one can increase your total system costs by $7,000 to $18,000.

2. How much will I save over time?

Over 25 years, the average Wyoming homeowner with solar panels is estimated to avoid $46,147 in total utility costs. That projected amount could fluctuate based on future electricity rates, your energy use and system performance.

Monthly costs: solar payments vs. savings

Think of going solar in terms of your monthly costs. Given rising energy costs in Wyoming and elsewhere, financing solar panels can make sense if your monthly loan payment is lower than what you would be paying the utility company.

3. Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?

Going solar ends up being worth it for many homeowners as long as their home is a good fit for solar panels. Here’s what to think about before you commit:

• How old your appliances are: The first step is to ensure that your electrical loads are as small as possible. For instance, if you have an older refrigerator or air conditioning unit, it’s smart to upgrade those before investing in solar panels.
• How much sunlight you get: Solar panels need regular exposure to sunlight to produce the most energy possible. Wyoming averages five to six peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient.
• Size and angle of your roof: Solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch. If the only place you can install is a north-facing roof with a 30-degree pitch, your costs will likely go up by 30% to 40%.
• Condition of your roof: If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels again.

We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel system on your roof can produce over a year.

4. How long will I stay in my house?

It takes years for electric bill savings to offset the initial cost — about 15.79 years on average in Wyoming. If you sell your house and move before then, you might not fully realize the financial benefits of your solar investment.

Solar panels last 25 to 30 years.

Solar panels might add 4.1% to your home’s value, but don’t get solar panels just because you want to sell your house soon. Consider a home improvement project with a better return on investment, like remodeling the bathroom or kitchen, instead.

Let’s say you spend $25,000 installing solar panels on a $400,000 house. It might sell for $16,400 more in a few years. But you miss out on that $46,147 in total avoided utility costs over 25 years.

5. Am I eligible for any financial incentives?

The federal solar tax credit covered 30% of qualifying residential solar costs for systems placed in service through Dec. 31, 2025. For systems placed in service after that date, the credit is no longer available. Because of this, Wyoming homeowners generally pay the full cost of solar installation.

Wyoming doesn’t offer statewide solar rebates, tax credits or performance incentives for residential systems. Savings typically come from bill credits (net metering or net energy billing), reducing energy use and financing options.

What to know about net metering in Wyoming

Net metering lets Wyoming homeowners earn credits for sending their surplus solar electricity into the local power grid.

Wyoming updated its net metering rules in 2026. New solar owners get paid less for extra energy. Payments are now based on lower wholesale rates instead of retail prices. Current solar owners are protected, but new systems earn less.

» LEARN MORE: Wyoming solar incentives

Pros and cons of solar panels in Wyoming

It’s a common misconception that solar panels will completely eliminate your monthly power bill — this is not always the case. Still, you’ll likely be paying much less than you would for traditional utility bills.

Find solar companies in Wyoming

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Wyoming.

Bottom line: Is going solar worth it for you?

Going solar in Wyoming might be easier than you think. The main obstacle is the cost of purchasing and installing solar panels, inverters and other equipment. For a lot of homeowners, it ends up being worth it as long as their cost savings over time outweigh the initial investment. Others are happy to go solar for the environmental benefits alone.

Solar costs vs. savings: Wyoming and nearby states