What happened to the federal solar tax credit?
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) previously let homeowners deduct 30% of installation costs from their federal taxes. It was phased out with the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) in 2025.
Homeowners who installed solar systems before the deadline may still claim the credit, but systems installed in 2026 or later no longer qualify.
Are there any solar incentives in Wyoming?
Wyoming currently does not offer statewide solar rebates, tax credits or performance incentives for residential solar installations.
So, savings typically come from bill credits (net metering or net energy billing), lowering energy use first and financing options.
Energy efficiency rebates in Wyoming
Before you go solar, it’s smart to reduce your home’s electricity use so you can buy a smaller (cheaper) system. If you have older appliances or HVAC equipment, upgrading first can lower your monthly load.
Some Wyoming utilities offer rebates for qualifying energy-efficient upgrades. Examples that may currently be available include:
What to know about net metering in Wyoming
Wyoming’s net metering rules changed significantly in 2026. A new law means that new solar owners are likely to be paid less for their excess power.
The old system allowed solar production to offset electricity used from the grid, but excess electricity was credited at an avoided-cost rate rather than the full retail price. Now, compensation will likely be closer to the utility’s “avoided cost” (wholesale rate) rather than the full retail rate.
If you already have solar in Wyoming, you’re protected. But if you’re going solar now, you’ll likely get paid less for the power you send back to the grid.
Did you know?
Because the buyback rate is low, many installers recommend sizing solar systems to produce about 90% to 95% of annual electricity usage rather than significantly overproducing.
» COMPARE: Wyoming’s top solar companies
Solar panel costs in Wyoming
If you pay upfront, average solar panel costs in Wyoming are typically between $16,619 and $33,238. You can lease a system or finance it through a solar loan with minimal upfront costs.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Wyoming
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide average | $16,619 | $19,942 | $23,266 | $26,590 | $29,914 | $33,238 |
How can I pay for solar panels?
Solar loans and solar leases let you set up a system without high upfront costs. You might also qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage, which is often supported by federal programs like FHA or VA.
Conventional Energy Efficient Mortgages are offered by private lenders (not government-backed). This could make sense in a refinancing situation. Eligible applicants can borrow up to 15% of a home’s value for energy upgrades.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
Is solar worth it in Wyoming without incentives?
Going solar can be worth it in Wyoming under very specific circumstances. Wyoming has relatively cheap electricity and less solar potential than states like Arizona or Colorado, which already makes solar a harder sell here than in many places.
New net metering rules could significantly reduce the value of excess electricity exported to the grid. They also lengthened the payback period, or the time it takes for your solar panels to pay for themselves through savings on electricity bills.
Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years.
Your current electric bill is the starting point for assessing the financial benefits of transitioning to solar energy. Once you know this, you can figure out potential savings and how long it should take for your solar installation to pay for itself.
We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.
» MORE: Solar energy pros and cons
FAQ
Can I get free solar panels in Wyoming?
No, but you can lease solar equipment with little to no upfront costs. Still, it’s not totally free. Solar leases generally require a flat monthly fee.
» FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?
How much do solar storage batteries cost?
Solar storage batteries cost approximately $7,000 to $18,000.
Will solar panels increase my property taxes?
Maybe. There is no property tax exemption in Wyoming. A solar panel system can increase your property’s value, which can mean an increase in property taxes.
Is my house a good candidate for solar?
Solar panels work best on large, unshaded roofs that face south or west. The condition of your roof matters too — if it needs replacement soon, do that before installing solar panels. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean removing the panels, replacing your roof, and then reinstalling them. This costs around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.
Bottom line
Wyoming homeowners don’t have many solar incentives available. Even so, solar may still make sense for some households.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team conducted an in-depth analysis to determine the average costs of going solar. Turns out, it’s worth it for many homeowners, even in Wyoming.
Solar costs and savings: Wyoming vs. nearby states
| 6-kW system cost | 10-kW system cost | Typical system size needed* | Average cost per watt | Total utility power cost savings** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | $16,729 | $27,882 | 4.9 kW | $2.79 | $31,582 |
| Idaho | $16,992 | $28,320 | 6.3 kW | $2.83 | $7,664 |
| Montana | $15,947 | $26,579 | 7.1 kW | $2.66 | $30,784 |
| Nebraska | $25,449 | $42,414 | 8.9 kW | $2.92 | $52,449 |
| North Dakota | $25,800 | $43,000 | 10.8 kW | $3.82 | $17,361 |
| South Dakota | $24,641 | $41,069 | 8 kW | $4.11 | $8,381 |
| Utah | $18,120 | $30,200 | 5.8 kW | $3.02 | $31,768 |
| Wyoming | $19,942 | $33,238 | 6.9 kW | $3.27 | $46,147 |
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- DSIRE, “Programs.” Accessed March 5, 2026.
- Wyoming Office of Consumer Advocate, “Energy Efficiency.” Accessed March 5, 2026.
- State of Wyoming, “SF0111 - Net metering revisions.” Accessed March 5, 2026.
- ENERGY STAR, “Energy Efficient Mortgages.” Accessed March 5, 2026.
