The Cowboy State can strike big in solar energy

The state of solar in Wyoming

With an average of 222 sunny days a year, it makes sense that the Cowboy State is one of the sunniest places to live.^*Bestplaces.net, "Climate in Wyoming" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/wyoming As a result, a whopping 86% of (or 53.1K) roofs in the state are solar-viable.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018) https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJaS7hSDTiXocRLzh90nkisCY/ With the fantastic amount of sunlight the state receives, Wyoming could potentially produce 72 million MWh of solar power each year.^*Wikipedia, "Solar power in Wyoming" (published 3/16/2021) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power_in_Wyoming

However, Wyoming is lagging behind 40 other states in its “giddyup.” It needs a little boot-spur action to kick it into a more competitive pace of producing solar energy to help electrify the state. With so much potential, Wyoming should be leading the herd.

How much solar energy does Wyoming produce?

As of the first quarter of 2021, Wyoming’s national ranking is 41st place in solar power, with just over 2,000 solar installations generating 139.8 MWh. That’s only 0.42% of the state’s electricity.^*SEIA.org, "Wyoming" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/wyoming The state currently generates enough solar energy to provide electricity to 22,382 homes.^*SEIA.org, "Wyoming" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/wyoming That’s a great start, but the gap between the current 139.8 MWh and the potential of 72 million MWh is a crevasse just waiting for Wyoming to bridge it.

What are the advantages of going solar in Wyoming?

Going solar in Wyoming offers several advantages to business owners and residents. With the region’s high altitude, few overcast days, and ample sunshine, anyone powering their property with solar energy will see substantial savings on their utility bills. When you become a new solar system owner, you can expect to save on electricity as soon as the system installation is complete.

The best home solar panels often include 20- to 25-year warranties, so they’ll be able to generate sustainable, clean energy for your property for decades. By the end of the warranty period, your net savings should reach $15,000. Your solar system will pay for itself over time, and then it should begin to turn a handsome profit for you, especially if you overproduce and sell your excess energy back to the utility grid, through a process called net metering.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

Installing solar panels also reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike fossil fuels that produce toxic combustion by-products, solar energy is clean and generates virtually no pollution.

How much does solar cost in Wyoming?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include the:

• Quality of your solar panels

• Condition and angle of your roof

• Solar panel installation quality

• Local weather

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we’ve analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Wyoming, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,400 to $14,700, or in other words, from $2.68 to $2.94 per watt, and that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

The main incentive for going solar comes from the federal government through the Federal Investment Tax Credit or ITC. When qualified Wyoming residents claim the ITC on their taxes, they receive a tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of their new solar system equipment and installation.^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

Statewide incentives for going solar in Wyoming include:

• A 50% residential rebate worth up to $3,000.

• A sales tax exemption for solar power equipment.

• Several client-based rebates from Wyoming utility companies.^*SolarInsure.com, "Wyoming solar incentive programs" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.solarinsure.com/wyoming-solar-incentive-programs

Wyoming also requires investor-owned utility companies to offer net metering to solar customers in return for credits toward energy bills for generating surplus electricity. Net metering is the ability to sell excess energy that your solar system produces back to your utility company, creating an extra source of energy savings.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.

What’s the best way to go solar in Wyoming?

Remember that not all solar solutions are the same, nor will every solar panel system work for your premises. If you’re ready to go solar, it’s best to work with a professional, reputable solar contractor with experience in helping Wyoming residents switch to clean energy.

The solar provider will help you determine how many solar panels your property needs to generate sufficient energy for the residence while keeping the building’s visual appeal in mind with a well-designed solar array. Working with an experienced contractor will also help you reduce unnecessary expenses by informing you about incentives and high-performance solar solutions that won’t exceed your budget.

Get a free home solar consultation with SunPower below and we'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.