Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rock Springs, WY (2023 Update)

  • Rock Springs Solar Installation Cost: $26,034
  • 25-Year Savings: $43,477
  • Payback Period: 9.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

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.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rock Springs

We go over average solar pricing in Rock Springs.

In Rock Springs, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 14.5-kW system would cost about $26,032 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Rock Springs homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rock Springs

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-24,912
3 years $-22,667
5 years $-20,422
7 years $-18,177
9 years $-15,932
11 years $-13,687
13 years $-11,442
15 years $-9,197
17 years $-6,952
19 years $-4,707
21 years $-2,461
23 years $-216
25 years $2,029

Top Solar Installers in Rock Springs

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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

See all of the solar companies in Rock Springs

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rock Springs

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Rock Springs is $26,032, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rock Springs to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Rock Springs is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.67 $11,226 $17,594 9.7 years
8 kW $2.62 $14,680 $23,747 9.6 years
10 kW $2.57 $17,990 $30,043 9.4 years
12 kW $2.52 $21,156 $36,483 9.2 years
14 kW $2.47 $24,179 $43,068 9.0 years
16 kW $2.42 $27,057 $49,796 8.8 years
18 kW $2.36 $29,791 $56,668 8.6 years
20 kW $2.31 $32,382 $63,684 8.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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

EcoWatch's Rock Springs, WY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rock Springs?

The average cost of solar panels in Rock Springs is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rock Springs is currently $204,300, so you can look forward to a value of about $8,376 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rock Springs is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Rock Springs?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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.

Company 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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