2022 Wyoming Solar Tax Credits, Rebates & Other Incentives
Here’s a quick look at the solar incentives in Wyoming:
- Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)
- Net Metering
- Additional City & Utility Rebates
Why You Can Trust EcoWatch
Our solar experts have sifted through hundreds of local governments’ and utility companies’ websites to find accurate information about current solar incentives in each state. We’ve also unbiasedly ranked and reviewed hundreds of solar installers to empower you to make the right choice for your home.
How Much Can You Save With Solar Incentives in Wyoming?
In this article, we’ll discuss the solar incentives and rebates available to Wyoming homeowners. When you’re ready to speak with a qualified professional, follow the links below. Each of these companies can help you identify and apply for incentives available in Wyoming.
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Creative Energies Solar
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Certified B Corp
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Outstanding customer service
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Many years of experience
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Multitude of products and services
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No leases or PPAs
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Slightly expensive
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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Off-Grid Solar Solutions
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Electrical Work
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Apollo Energy
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Women-owned
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Bilingual service associates
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Certified B Corp
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NABCEP-certified technicians
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Makes charitable contributions
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Relatively young company
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No leases or PPAs
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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Removal & Reinstallation
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Roofing Services
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The Solar Guys
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Comprehensive service offerings
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Locally owned and operated
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Outstanding customer service
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Limited service area
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Limited information available on website
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Relatively young company
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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Off-Grid Solar Solutions
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System Inspections
Truth be told, there are not a ton of state-mandated solar incentives, rebates or tax credits available in Wyoming aside from net metering. And that’s not much of a surprise, seeing as Wyoming is the largest coal-producing state in America, producing 41% of total U.S. coal mined and having eight of the top 10 largest U.S. coal mines.1,2
In 2020, renewable energy sources only accounted for about 15% of the state’s electricity, mostly from wind power generated from wind turbine farms.3 But, Wyoming doesn’t have renewable portfolio standards (RPS) or other statewide goals to pursue more clean energy alternatives such as solar.4
That’s not to say that it’s not worth going solar in Wyoming. Plenty of Wyoming residents are still choosing to install solar energy systems for other benefits, like lower electric bills and independence from utility companies.
Whatever your reason for making the switch to clean energy alternatives, we want you to get the maximum reward. Here are some of the solar financial incentives you can capitalize on when going solar in the Cowboy State.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It should not be relied on for and is not intended to provide accounting, legal or tax advice.
Current Solar Rebates, Tax Credits and Incentive Programs in Wyoming
These are the most significant Wyoming solar incentives, which we’ll discuss in detail below:
Wyoming Solar Incentive | Description |
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) | The federal solar investment tax credit, or ITC, allows homeowners to claim 26% of their system costs as a credit against the federal taxes they owe. The credit is set to reduce to 22% in 2023 and will be eliminated for residential systems in 2024 unless it is extended by Congress.5 |
Net Metering | As the law stands, in Wyoming, all investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives and irrigation districts have to compensate solar users for the net excess generation (NEG) they provide to the grid. The NEG is treated as a kilowatt-hour credit or compensation on the solar user’s net bill.6 We’ll explain more below. |
Local Solar Rebates & Incentives | Wyoming doesn’t have a state rebate program, but some local utility companies will offer incentives for energy-efficiency upgrades, As of early 2022, none seems to offer any incentives specifically for solar. We encourage you to ask your solar installation company if there are any solar manufacturer rebates available for you. |
Wyoming Solar Incentives
Given Wyoming’s economic reliance on coal, sadly, solar is still not a big priority. Wyoming does not offer a statewide tax credit, rebate program or property or sales tax exemptions for solar. However, there are still a few incentives available for homeowners with renewable energy systems.
Net Metering in Wyoming
Wyoming established a statewide net metering program in 2001. With net metering, any kilowatt-hours (kWh) your solar photovoltaic (PV) system produces and sends to the grid will offset the kWh supplied to you by your utility provider. If you send just as much energy to the grid as you consume from the grid, your utility will grant you a Net Excess Generation (NEG) credit.7
As the law stands, investor-owned utilities, electric cooperatives and irrigation districts are required to compensate solar users for any NEG they provide to the grid. The NEG is treated as a kilowatt-hour credit or compensation on the solar user’s net bill. At the beginning of the calendar year, the energy provider will purchase any unused credits at the utility’s “avoided cost” (basically “wholesale”) rate.8
Local Incentives
The state of Wyoming doesn’t offer any rebates for solar power systems. Depending on your city or utility, you may be eligible for loans or rebates for energy-efficient home upgrades, which can be carried out by a solar installer. The following public utilities offer residential efficiency programs:
- Black Hills Energy
- Carbon Power & Light
- Rocky Mountain Power
- Lower Valley Energy
- Questar Gas
Check out DSIRE for a full list of rebates available to you.
Wyoming Solar Financing
In July 2011, the state government authorized local governments to provide financing — such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) — for cost-effective energy improvements to residential, commercial and industrial properties. However, there do not seem to be any active PACE financing programs available in Wyoming. The city of Cheyenne seemingly considered it in 2021, but it didn’t come to fruition.9
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Regardless of which state you live in, all homeowners in the U.S. are eligible for the solar investment tax credit, or ITC, for installing solar panels as well as solar batteries and other energy storage systems. You can claim the ITC on your federal tax filing, and it deducts 26% of the total cost of the system from the taxes you owe.
With the average cost of a solar system in Wyoming at about $23,130, the federal tax credit can lead to a savings of about $6,014.
The ITC was first developed through the Energy Policy Act of 2005, under the Bush administration. Initially, it was set to last for just two years, but due to its success has continually been extended for solar panel installations. It’s important to note that, unless Congress extends the credit, it is set to phase out by the end of 2023.
To be eligible for the solar tax credit, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- You have installed a residential solar energy system at any point from 2006 through the end of 2022.
- You have placed the solar energy system in a residential location. It does not have to be your primary residence.
- You own the solar energy system, either having paid for it in cash or by taking out a solar loan. Homeowners who lease solar panels are not eligible to claim the ITC.
Related Topics
FAQ: Wyoming Solar Incentives
Here at EcoWatch, we get many questions from Wyoming homeowners looking for information about electricity rates, warranties, interconnection and other solar-related topics.
No, as of 2022, Wyoming does not have a solar tax credit. However, all Wyoming homeowners are eligible for the solar investment tax credit offered by the federal government.
At the moment, the only statewide incentive for solar in Wyoming is net metering. It’s uncertain whether the state is planning to add additional incentives throughout the year, but nothing is in the works.
Yes, all residential solar installations will be subject to property and sales taxes. However, the benefit is that adding solar panels boosts your property’s value. On average, your solar PV system raises the value of your home by about 4.1%.10