2026 · No Federal Tax Credit · NREL + EIA Data
Solar Panels in Wyoming: Cost, Payback & ROI (2026)
Is solar still worth it in Wyoming after the 30% federal tax credit expired? These pre-computed estimates use NREL PVWatts production data and current 10.5¢/kWh Wyoming electricity rates for a typical home using 900 kWh/month.
Section 25D (30% federal solar tax credit) expired December 31, 2025
All numbers below reflect 2026 math with no federal residential credit. State incentives, where applicable, are noted in the section below.
Wyoming Solar at a Glance
Based on a 900 kWh/month home ($95/mo electric bill at 10.5¢/kWh), 100% offset, no state rebate applied.
7.1 kW
For 900 kWh/month home
$20,961
At $2.95/W (LBNL 2024 avg)
15.9 years
Without state rebate
$1,134
Estimated annual savings
$36,264
Cumulative before rebate
$15,304
Savings minus system cost
10.5¢/kWh
below average vs. 16.0¢ U.S. avg · EIA 2025
1,520 kWh/kW/yr
strong · 4.6 peak sun hrs/day · NREL PVWatts
Is Solar Worth It in Wyoming in 2026?
Wyoming's 10.5¢/kWh rate reflects the state's significant coal and natural gas generation. Combined with a lack of state solar incentives and limited utility net metering programs, solar faces an uphill economic case. However, Wyoming's solar resource at 1,520 kWh/kW/year is actually quite solid for a northern state.
For a typical Wyoming home consuming 900 kWh per month, our calculation shows a 7.1 kW system needed for 100% offset. At the current national average installed cost of $2.95/W (LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024), that's $20,961 gross before any state rebates. Year-one savings of $1,134 grow each year as electricity rates escalate — the model assumes 2.5%/year (EIA AEO 2024).
The 15.9 years payback period is longer than the national average due to low electricity rates or limited solar resource. Over 25 years — the standard warranty period for most premium panels — a Wyoming homeowner following this profile would save an estimated $36,264 total, for a net benefit of $15,304 after recovering the system cost.
Year-by-Year Savings Snapshot: First 10 Years
Based on 7.1 kW system, 0.5%/yr degradation, 2.5%/yr rate escalation, no state rebate.
| Year | Production (kWh) | Annual Savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 10,800 | $1,134 | $1,134 |
| Year 2 | 10,746 | $1,157 | $2,291 |
| Year 3 | 10,692 | $1,180 | $3,470 |
| Year 4 | 10,639 | $1,203 | $4,673 |
| Year 5 | 10,586 | $1,227 | $5,900 |
| Year 6 | 10,533 | $1,251 | $7,151 |
| Year 7 | 10,480 | $1,276 | $8,427 |
| Year 8 | 10,428 | $1,301 | $9,729 |
| Year 9 | 10,375 | $1,327 | $11,056 |
| Year 10 | 10,324 | $1,354 | $12,410 |
System cost to recover: $20,961. Table shows savings without state rebate applied. Use the interactive calculator to enter your actual bill and any rebate.
Solar Incentives in Wyoming (2026)
Wyoming has no state solar incentive program and minimal utility solar support. Solar makes economic sense only for high-consumption homes anticipating significant rate increases.
- Limited net metering via Rocky Mountain Power (Black Hills Energy territory)
- No state tax credit or rebate
Incentive programs change frequently. Verify current offerings at dsireusa.org or directly with your utility before making any purchasing decision.
How We Calculate Wyoming Solar ROI
These estimates use the same methodology as our interactive solar ROI calculator, applied to Wyoming-specific data:
System cost
$2.95/W installed
LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024
Solar production
1,520 kWh/kW/yr
NREL PVWatts v8
Electricity rate
10.5¢/kWh
EIA Residential Rates 2025
Rate escalation
2.5%/year
EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2024
Panel degradation
0.5%/year
NREL (Jordan & Kurtz, median)
System lifetime
25 years
Standard warranty period
No Section 25D (federal residential solar credit) is included — it expired December 31, 2025. State incentives are not reflected in these pre-computed figures; use the interactive calculator to enter specific rebate amounts.
Calculate With Your Actual Numbers
The figures above use statewide averages. Enter your actual monthly bill, any Wyoming rebate amounts, and your offset target in our interactive calculator for a personalized estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in Wyoming
Compare Other States
Estimates are based on NREL PVWatts v8 production data, EIA 2025 electricity rates, and LBNL 2024 installed cost benchmarks. Actual savings vary by roof pitch, shading, utility rate structure, and local permit costs. This is not financial advice. Consult a licensed solar installer before making any purchasing decision.