Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Wyoming (2024 Reviews)
In this guide to choosing a solar provider in Wyoming, you’ll learn:
- What are the best and most reliable solar providers in Wyoming?
- What factors should you look for when choosing a solar provider in Wyoming?
- Is a DIY solar installation a good idea for Wyoming residents, and will it actually save money?
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.”
What Are Wyoming’s Top 5 Solar Energy Companies?
Wyoming is ranked 44th in the country in terms of solar adoption by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and is home to only 10 panel installation companies.1 Even this relatively small number of options can make choosing one for your solar project a challenge.
We’ve researched and reviewed all of the top solar companies in WY for you and found that the installers below are the best options based on the specific needs of Wyoming residents:
- Creative Energies Solar: Solar Veteran
- Apollo Energy: Great Social Impact
- The Solar Guys: Outstanding Regional Installer
- GenPro Energy Solutions: Outstanding Regional Installer
- WYCO Wind and Solar: Outstanding Local Installer
To help you decide which of these companies is right for you, we’ll include some crucial information about each in the drop-down menus below.
Creative Energies Solar
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
Creative Energies Solar definitely lives up to its name. And by that, we mean this company has designed off-grid solar energy systems for a base camp on Mount Everest, a yurt in the Tetons and in Antarctica, so it can definitely make solar work for your Wyoming home. As if its global solar efforts weren’t telling enough, Creative Energies Solar is a certified B Corporation and is affiliated with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Solar Energy International (SEI) and other reputable names in the solar industry.
Creative Energies Solar has been offering residential and commercial solar panel installations since 2001, serving Wyoming through its Landor and Tetons offices, as well as customers in Idaho and Utah.
The company also has warranty coverage that’s in line with the industry averages. That includes a 10-year workmanship warranty — which is particularly helpful for protecting against roof leaks in the excessive Wyoming snow — and a 25-year product warranty that helps ensure your system works as intended for decades after installation.
Facts and Figures: Creative Energies Solar
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
Not Rated |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Off-Grid Solar Solutions, Electrical Work |
Apollo Energy
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Women-owned
- Bilingual service associates
- Certified B Corp
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Makes charitable contributions
Cons
- Relatively young company
- No leases or PPAs
Apollo Energy stands out as another B Corp and employs technicians certified by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Along with the workmanship warranty, these qualifications mean you can always trust Apollo for a professional and safe installation that will stand up to heavy snowfall in Wyoming.
Apollo Energy offers better warranty protection to solar customers than most other companies with its 25-year comprehensive warranty package. This includes coverage for your photovoltaic (PV) equipment, the labor and the panel production for over two decades.
The labor warranty is most important, in our opinion, as it helps protect your home from roof leaks that can occur from prolonged exposure to snow in Wyoming.
Apollo Energy doesn’t accept leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), so its solar products and services are a bit less accessible than those of some competitors. However, we don’t recommend those payment options anyway, so we still feel comfortable suggesting this provider to Wyomingites.
Facts and Figures: Apollo Energy
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Removal & Reinstallation, Roofing Services |
The Solar Guys
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Locally owned and operated
- Outstanding customer service
Cons
- Limited service area
- Limited information available on website
- Relatively young company
The Solar Guys is headquartered right in Wyoming, and its service area is within the City of Cheyenne and the surrounding areas. As a small, local company, The Solar Guys provides outstanding customer service that you won’t find from most other providers in Wyoming.
Since Solar Guys is a local company, its technicians are intimately familiar with the needs of Wyoming residents and the solar benefit programs available in the state. They are willing and able to help you take advantage of those perks to help you save money on your system.
This installer has a great selection of solar services to choose from, including off-grid solar solutions, which are a popular option in Wyoming. It also provides solar inspections and maintenance for any system, even if it was installed by another company.
This provider doesn’t have the best warranty coverage, as it lacks a labor warranty. However, we believe it’s still a good option to consider, as most customers have nothing but positive things to say about the company and the installation services.
Facts and Figures: The Solar Guys
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Off-Grid Solar Solutions, System Inspections |
GenPro Energy Solutions
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Competitive pricing
- Multitude of products and services
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited warranty coverage
GenPro Energy Solutions is one of our top picks for Wyoming property owners because of its below-average pricing and experience in the area.
First off, GenPro’s pricing is lower than that of just about any competitor you’ll find in the area. Although the cost of going solar in Wyoming is a bit below the national average, it still tops $20,000, so companies like GenPro are great for homeowners looking for low-cost residential solar panels.
Second, GenPro has been in business since 2003, so it has about two decades of experience and its technicians are familiar not only with the power needs of Wyoming residents but also the local incentive programs. The company is often willing to help you take advantage of those to keep costs down even more.
GenPro doesn’t have particularly efficient or popular panel brands available, and it only services Eastern Wyoming. Still, we think this is a great option for customers within its service area who are looking for a low-cost solar solution.
Facts and Figures: GenPro Energy Solutions
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Generators, Energy-Efficiency Audits, Community Solar |
WYCO Wind and Solar
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Locally owned and operated
- Competitive pricing
- Many years of experience
Cons
- Limited service area
- Limited information available on website
WYCO Wind and Solar is a Wyoming-based company headquartered in Cheyenne. It specializes in solar and wind energy solutions, and it also carries a great selection of solar storage options, including Tesla Powerwalls.
The battery selection is a great perk since power outages are relatively common in Wyoming and potentially dangerous in the cold winters.
As a small installer, WYCO provides above-average customer service — devoting time and attention to each customer to create a custom solar solution. It carries a decent selection of panel brands with high efficiency ratings as well, which are ideal for maximizing the power production of your panels.
WYCO Wind and Solar doesn’t disclose its warranty coverage, which is unfortunate. It also only serves Southeastern Wyoming. Still, we think this is a good option to consider, as it notes that it is about 25% cheaper than most of the local competition and brings great customer service to the table.
Facts and Figures: WYCO Wind and Solar
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
3.5 |
Not Rated |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Generators |
Watch Below: Learn How Solar Energy Storage Works and Whether It’s RIght For You
How Can You Save Money When Hiring A Solar Company In Wyoming?
The average solar power system in Wyoming costs around $29,610 before any incentives, which assumes your energy needs demand a system size of 9 kilowatts — average for the state — and that you pay the typical $3.29 per watt for your PV equipment. Although this total is slightly below the national average, it’s still too expensive for many homeowners to justify.
Thankfully, there are some things you can do to bring down your system cost as well as maximize your long-term energy savings and get a higher return on investment on your Wyoming solar conversion. Some tips we have for accomplishing both of these include:
- Taking advantage of the solar benefit programs available in Wyoming
- Choosing a company that offers a workmanship warranty whenever possible
- Getting a few solar quotes for your system installation
We’ll explain how these tips can save you money on your system in the sections below.
Take Advantage of Solar Benefit Programs
In our opinion, there are few strategies better for saving money on your solar panel system than taking the incentives and rebates available in your area. All told, the benefit programs in The Cowboy State can save you thousands of dollars.
The table below includes brief information about all of the solar benefit programs available to Wyoming residents. You can get more details on these and how to file for them by heading over to our complete guide to solar perks in WY.
Solar Benefit Program | Brief Description |
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | The federal tax credit gets applied to your income tax liability for the tax year in which you convert to solar. It’s for 30% of what you pay for panels, inverters, batteries and labor, which averages around $8,883 in Wyoming. Any unused credit can be rolled over for up to five years. |
Net Metering | Interconnection with the power grid allows energy to flow back and forth between your home and your utility company. Any excess energy that you don’t use and instead send to the grid will yield energy credits. Net energy metering is a policy that allows those credits to be put toward future power bills where you draw more from the grid than you send to it. Wyoming uses an “avoided cost” rate for energy credits, which isn’t ideal, but it still helps increase your long-term savings. |
Local Solar Rebates and Incentives | Since WY doesn’t offer much in the way of state solar incentives, some local utility companies pick up the slack and offer rebates and other perks for energy efficiency upgrades. These utilities include Black Hills Energy, Carbon Power & Light, Rocky Mountain Power, Lower Valley Energy and Questar Gas. |
Opt for a Workmanship Warranty, Even If It’s More Expensive
Next, we suggest choosing a company that includes a lengthy workmanship warranty, ideally longer than the industry average of ten years. Labor warranties are great to have no matter where you live, but they can be especially helpful in WY.
Wyoming residents see double the national average amount of snow each year.2 Roof leaks are one of the most commonly reported issues with solar roof penetrations, but they’re even more of a risk in WY due to the long exposure to moisture in the winter.
Workmanship warranties can sometimes come at a higher price, but they can often save you money over time if they help prevent leaks and resulting property damage.
Get Multiple Quotes
Finally, we suggest that you get a quote from different providers in your area. An identical solar system from two different installers can yield wildly different price tags because of labor costs and the quality of the equipment included. Getting a few free quotes lets you compare and find the lowest price that provides the best value.
See Also: Calculate How Much You Can Save By Going Solar
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value In Wyoming?
Yes, installing PV panels in WY is expected to make your home more valuable. Research from Zillow shows that home values tend to increase by about 4.1% following solar conversion.3 That’s an average of nearly $13,741, based on current property values in the state.4
The value benefit from going solar is expected to be most significant in larger cities where property values tend to be higher. That means places like Cheyenne, Rock Springs, Gillette and Laramie are likely to see the largest value increase from solar.
We should also mention that, based on data from Oil City News, solar has gained particular popularity in Casper, so residents there are likely to see more upside from solar conversion than homeowners in other cities.5
Should Wyoming Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer Or DIY?
Homeowners with DIY experience often wonder if they can install solar energy systems on their homes themselves. DIY solar conversion is possible, and it should save you around $10,000 on your installation costs. However, there are some significant downsides to installing your own panels that can negate those savings.
Some things to consider include:
- DIY panels have shorter warranties or none at all
- DIY panels aren’t as efficient as professional ones
- Roof leaks are more common with DIY solar installations
We’ll explain below why each of these drawbacks has led us to the conclusion that paying more for a professional installation is worthwhile in WY.
DIY Panel Warranties Aren’t As Good
The first significant downside to installing your own panels in WY is that they don’t come with the same warranties as those installed by professionals.
Most DIY panel brands come with guarantees for the equipment for 15 years and the efficiency for ten years, but there is no labor guarantee. Professional systems have much better coverage, typically including 25 years for the equipment and efficiency and ten years for the workmanship.
In Wyoming, we believe the workmanship warranty is the most crucial piece of the puzzle lacking in DIY systems. The state sees double the national average amount of snowfall each year, meaning roof leaks from prolonged moisture exposure are a high risk in the area.
You might save money on your installation by doing it yourself, but you stand to risk much more in property damage if the installation isn’t covered by a warranty.
Roof Leaks Are More Common With DIY Systems
Not only are roof leaks not covered when you install your photovoltaic (PV) system yourself, but they’re also more common. Roof shingle penetrations are always a risk, but any errors made during the installation process make them even more of a risk. Of course, DIYers with no experience installing panels are far more likely to do things incorrectly.
Again, installing your system yourself will undoubtedly save you money, but you also open yourself up to more expensive property damage as a result. Ultimately, we don’t think the up-front savings are worth the risk or the peace of mind you’ll miss out on by hiring an expert.
DIY Panel Brands Aren’t As Efficient
Finally, the panel brands available to DIYers usually have less appealing efficiency ratings. Even the best of these — like Renogy and WindyNation — average between 15% and 18%, while professionally installed brands average between 20% and 23%.
High panel efficiencies cost more initially, but they can save you more over time and eventually be worth the investment. This is especially true in areas like WY, where the net metering policy uses a below-retail rate for energy credits.
The most efficient solar panels, like those from Tesla and Panasonic generate more excess power to offset more of your utility bills, maximizing your energy savings.
What Should Wyoming Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?
Wyoming residents don’t have a terribly overwhelming number of options when it comes to solar installers, but even deciding between the ones that do service the area can be time-consuming and confusing. To help you choose a reliable company that meets your needs more easily in Wyoming, we think it’s important to focus on the following qualities:
- Panel efficiency
- Warranty coverage
- Price and payment options available
We’ll explain why we recommend focusing on these three factors in the sections below.
Panel Efficiency
The first thing we suggest looking for in a solar provider is top solar panel brands with above-average efficiency ratings.
Wyomingites see an above-average number of sunny days per year, but the sunlight is less intense than in most states given the northern location. Lower intensity means a lower rate of power generation. A high-efficiency panel can help offset losses from a lack of intensity and save you more on your effective electricity rates.
Plus, Wyoming offers net energy metering, but the credits for excess energy are provided at a rate that’s below the retail rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Highly efficient panels help maximize the credits you earn and edge you closer to eliminating your energy costs.
Warranty Coverage
Next, we suggest taking a close look at the solar warranty coverage offered by the companies you’re considering. Many installers in WY have below-average warranty packages, and lengthier, more robust warranties are more likely to serve you well and save you money down the road.
We suggest prioritizing the workmanship warranty. The heavy snowfall in WY means roof leaks are more common in the area than in many other states, and a workmanship warranty helps keep you financially insulated from leaks and resulting property damage.
Price and Payment Options
Finally, we suggest considering the overall cost of your system from each provider and the payment options available to you.
Wyoming solar systems cost around the national average in terms of price, but that still means you’ll be on the hook for around $29,600 before incentives and tax credits. Choosing a company like GenPro Energy Solutions that keeps prices well below average can be a great way to save money on your system and improve your return on investment.
We also suggest considering the payment options available to you. Most installers in Wyoming only accept cash payments and solar loans. If you know you need or prefer a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA) to afford your system, that can be an easy way to rule out some providers in your area.
The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.
Methodology: How We Ranked Wyoming’s Solar Companies
We’ve done a lot of research on the solar installers that service Wyoming residents like you. Not only have we put the time and energy into reviewing each, but we also rank them based on factors that we believe are the most crucial to residents in WY specifically. Our ranking system for local installers is as follows:
- Solar Warranty & Customer Support (20%)
- Price & Solar Financing Options (20%)
- Availability (15%)
- Experience (15%)
- Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications (10%)
- Solar Services (10%)
- Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Factors (10%)
We should also mention that we never let our methodology be affected by our relationships in the solar industry, so you can always rest assured that our recommendations are unbiased. We’ll explain below why we think our ranking factors are most crucial to WY residents.
Solar Warranty & Customer Support
The first thing we look for in installers in WY is warranty coverage. It seems to be the norm in Wyoming that installers provide less than the industry standard for warranty coverage, so we believe it’s extra important to choose an installer with good coverage to protect your system and your home.
We rank companies as average in this category if they have at least 25 years of protection for equipment, 20 to 25 years for the panel production and ten years for workmanship. Companies that have lengthier warranties get perfect scores.
Price & Financing Options
The adoption rate for solar is notoriously low in WY, and part of the reason for that is high equipment costs and a lower-than-average return on investment. Companies like GenPro that keep costs low get higher ratings in this category. Not only do they save you money, but they help increase solar adoption and panel value in the state.
We also give precedence to installers that offer a wealth of financing options, including cash purchases, in-house loans, solar leases and PPAs. Offering options means greater accessibility to all potential customers.
Availability
Many of the installers in WY only serve a small portion of the state. This is likely the case with companies like The Solar Guys, GenPro and WYCO Wind and Solar because the overall demand is low. Installers can save time and money by limiting their service areas.
However, since installers with a limited service area will appeal to fewer residents in WY, we rank those higher that serve the entire state.
Experience in Wyoming
Since the market for clean energy in Wyoming is really just starting to blossom, a lot of companies in the area only have a year or two of experience. Less experienced companies are more likely to run into problems with the installation and permitting process, and they’re more likely to go out of business and leave you with no warranty coverage.
For these reasons, we rank companies as average in this category if they have at least five years of experience working in the renewable energy industry in WY specifically. Installers with ten or more years of experience get perfect marks.
Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications
Next, we look at each installer’s qualifications and certifications to ensure we recommend companies that can carry out a professional and trustworthy installation. This is especially important in an area like WY, where many companies are still young and lack the history that gives customers confidence in the services provided.
Some things we look for to establish a company’s expertise and reputation include:
- Certification from NABCEP
- Certification from LEED (Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design)
- Certification from BPI (Building Performance Institute)
- 100 4-to-5-star reviews on Google
- A lack of customer complaints on BBB
- A high BBB rating
- BBB accreditation
- A lack of customer lawsuits
Solar Services
Our penultimate criterion for recommending high-quality and reputable installers in Wyoming is the panel brands and services they offer. As mentioned above, the panel brand is a crucial factor to consider, as high-efficiency brands can help eliminate energy bills and save you money despite the net metering policy in WY being less than ideal.
We also rank companies higher if they offer more than the standard panel and battery installations. Companies with other services — like solar water heater installations, off-grid solar and community solar — get higher scores in this category.
Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance Factors
Finally, we consider each installer’s impact on the environment and the communities it serves. Specifically, we look for:
- Some system for recycling old PV panels
- Sustainable business practices that don’t include (or offset the use of) fossil fuels
- Public data disclosure
- Solar solutions for low-income households
- An affiliation with local solar organizations and nonprofits
FAQs: Best Solar Companies in Wyoming
Below, we’ll answer some questions we see commonly from Wyoming residents about how to choose a reliable solar installer.
Based on social impact and overall reach, we feel confident in saying that Creative Energies Solar and Apollo Energy are likely tied for the most reputable solar providers in Wyoming. Both are certified B Corporations, which means they voluntarily meet the highest standards for social and environmental performance. Plus, pinned up against EcoWatch’s rigorous standards for the top solar companies, both came in as our top two installers in Wyoming.
It’s hard to know which solar panel installation company is most affordable in Wyoming because solar installation costs can vary based on the specifics of your household. EcoWatch recommends you get a quote from at least three companies to compare installation and solar panel costs.
When you get a quote for your system, don’t forget to ask each installer what solar perks may be available to you. Any homeowner who installs PV panels in Wyoming is eligible for a federal solar tax credit, also called the solar investment tax credit (ITC). However, you may be eligible for other solar benefit programs in Wyoming as well.
Data from the SEIA shows that there are only 13 PV companies in Wyoming, 10 of which offer solar panel installations. However, some solar installers may service Wyoming residents without having an office in the state and therefore may not show up in such data sets.
Yes, PV panels can still work in the winter, or when it’s raining or cloudy in Wyoming. PV panels can use both direct and indirect sunlight to generate electrical power, so they’re still productive even when the weather is not ideal. Plus, if you add a solar battery to your home solar installation, you can store excess electricity from sunny days to use for later.
Comparing authorized solar partners
-
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
Not RatedSolar Veteran
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