2023 Solar Incentives Guide for Rock Springs, WY - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Rock Springs.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Rock Springs solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Rock Springs?

Wyoming PACE Financing Program

Incentive Type:
PACE Financing
Local governing body must provide an explanation of any proposed program to utility distributing energy or natural gas to the area no later than 30 days prior to implementing said program.

Questar Gas - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Appliance Rebates
Smart Thermostat: $50
Water Heaters: $100-$750
Tankless Water Heater: $350
Solar Assisted Water Heater: $750
Furnace: $200-$400
Boiler: $400-$600
Fireplace: $200

Weatherization Rebates
R-5 Windows: $2.50/sq. ft.
Wall Insulation: $0.30/sq. ft.
Floor Insulation: $0.20/sq. ft.
Attic Insulation: $0.07-$0.25/sq. ft.

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


The term "solar incentives" covers a range of financial incentives implemented to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. The incentives might include cash back, upfront discounts or monthly credits towards your utility bill. Some incentives are offered by the federal government, some by the state of Wyoming and some by your specific utility company, county or municipality. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Rebates: Rebates, or cash back after a purchase, are usually given prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates may be given by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits reduce, dollar-for-dollar, the amount of income tax you owe the government. Tax credits are different from tax deductions.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar system might qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions are applied at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering agreement with your Rock Springs utility company, that may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. Your utility company will then subtract this value from your monthly utility bill.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Outstanding Local Installer

ES Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Lifetime workmanship warranty
  • Outstanding customer service
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Energy audits only available 12 months after installation

Solar Veteran

Creative Energies

★★★★★
4.5

  • Certified B Corp
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Many years of experience
  • Multitude of products and services
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Slightly expensive

Federal Solar Incentives

When you think about solar incentives, you probably think of federal incentives first. The solar incentive that you're most likely to have heard of is the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which provides a credit on your taxes equal to a predetermined percentage of the cost of your solar system.

The ITC can be applied to the total cost of solar system installation, including the panels themselves as well as labor, accessories and equipment. You can claim this credit for panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own, as long as it is located in the United States. The tax credit ranges from 26-30% of total costs depending on when your project was completed. There is no maximum claim amount.

Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Reach out to your local Rock Springs solar panel installation expert to get more information.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act laid out new provisions for the ITC, now called the Clean Energy Credit. The new Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. American homeowners are now eligible for a 30% credit for solar systems that began installation on or after January 1, 2022 and will be done by December 31, 2032. The total credit will then be decreased by a few percentage points every year until it expires. Beginning in 2023, it will also be easier to get credits for energy storage systems under this new program.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to talk with your local Rock Springs solar panel installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

There are often state solar incentives available in addition to federal ones. Tax credits, rebates and more might be available at a more local level. These incentives might be distributed by your county or municipality, or by the Wyoming government. Certain incentives are available for a limited time, while others are ongoing.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Rock Springs

Solar incentives can be offered by the federal government, the Wyoming government or your local utility company. The large number of solar incentives available has contributed to a large increase in solar energy use in the last 15 years. It is a good idea to talk to your local Rock Springs solar installation expert to learn more about these incentives and to be sure that you're getting all of the money you can for your solar system.

EcoWatch's Rock Springs, WY Solar Incentives FAQs

How can I find out if I qualify for solar incentives?

Broadly, solar incentives apply to:

  1. a new solar panel system
  2. installed on property that you own
  3. within the U.S.
  4. between the dates specified by a particular incentive.

Specific incentives, including those given out by the Wyoming government or by your county/municipality, might have additional qualifications. Get in touch with your local Rock Springs solar installer to learn more about what incentives your project may qualify for.

How much will solar panels save me annually on my electric bill in Rock Springs?

Typically, Rock Springs homeowners who install solar panels save approximately $960.66 per year, or approximately $18,252.53 over 20 years after they make the switch.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my home?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by 300 pounds of CO2 a year when you install solar panels. This adds up to roughly 5,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, which means that switching your home over lessens the drain on our planet's resources.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The federal solar tax credit, previously called the ITC and now named the Clean Energy Credit, is slated to end on January 1, 2035. The current 30% credit will end in 2032, replaced by a 26% credit in 2033 and a 22% credit in 2034.

Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order in which incentives are applied could vary depending on which incentives you are eligible for but generally yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Talk with your solar installer or a local tax professional to make sure you are claiming all the incentives you are eligible for and applying them in the correct order.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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