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What solar incentives are available in Wyoming?
As a homeowner in Wyoming, you have access to several different tax incentives that make solar panels more affordable. Solar incentives are available at both the federal and state levels to help you save thousands on your investment in solar energy.
Solar Calculator is here to help you take the next step in your transition to renewable energy. Below, we’ll discuss some of the different ways you can make solar more affordable.
Federal solar incentives
As part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, congress passed several clean energy provisions to reduce energy costs. Among those provisions was an extension and upgrade of the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC).
Federal Investment Tax Credit
The Federal ITC allows you to claim 30% of your total equipment and installation costs on your federal taxes. There is no minimum or maximum amount you can claim and it includes equipment, installation, permitting, and even battery storage.
The ITC will remain at 30% until December 31, 2032. After that it will be reduced to 26% until December 31, 2033, then to 22% the following year. The ITC is currently set to disappear in 2035 unless it is renewed.
Who is eligible for the Federal ITC?
Most homeowners will qualify for the Federal ITC, but not all. You must meet the following criteria to claim your 30% tax credit:
The Federal ITC will also cover the following expenses:
Homeowners save around $10,000 on average with the Federal ITC. But that number can be higher or lower depending on your total expenses.
How to claim the Federal ITC
Claiming your Federal ITC couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is fill out IRS form 5695 and submit it with your tax return. You can consult with a tax professional for more assistance.
Local solar incentives
Who’s eligible : Commercial
How to apply : Note: The Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) created the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Grant Program with a total budget of $5 billion. Each state was allocated a share of that total to help build out a national network of electric vehicle charging stations along designated alternative fuel corridors (AFCs). With some limited exceptions, EV charging stations funded through the NEVI program should be spaced 50 miles apart and within one mile of the Interstate exit or highway. The Wyoming Department of Transportation's (DOT) deployment plan stipulates that Wyomingites are currently not adopting the EV technology in enough numbers to require NEVI program station densities, with the greatest potential users being out-of-state travelers. The plan limits the number of additional NEVI-sized stations installed along interstates and recommends remaining funds be used for fuel corridor routes to State and National parks. The NEVI plan details several highlights including the use of matching funds from private or local jurisdictions, with no matching state funds to be used. The DOT will operate funds through a series of RFPs for biddings to construct, maintain, and operate stations along AFCs. The state deployment plan assumes that local jurisdictions and businesses are better suited to determine the size, frequency, location, and capacity of stations for their own needs and does not require that the stations must meet NEVI criteria. The plan will fund larger stations if local jurisdictions deem it appropriate. Deployment of the plan will result in the construction of 911 miles of EV charging corridors. The state's Final Year Two Plan was submitted in October 2023. In winter 2023/2024 WYDOT issued a RFI to gauge interest from private businesses or local governments who intend to apply for NEVI Funds.
Who’s eligible : Commercial, Industrial, Residential
How to apply : Note: In 2010, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), which has authority over mortgage underwriters Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, directed these enterprises against purchasing mortgages of homes with a PACE lien due to its senior status above a mortgage. Most residential PACE activity subsided following this directive; however, some residential PACE programs are now operating with loan loss reserve funds, appropriate disclosures, or other protections meant to address FHFA's concerns. Commercial PACE programs were not directly affected by FHFA’s actions, as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac do not underwrite commercial mortgages. Visit PACENation for more information about PACE financing and a comprehensive list of all PACE programs across the country. Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing effectively allows property owners to cover the full upfront costs of energy improvements. The financing is repaid via a special assessment on the property over a period of years. Wyoming has authorized local governments to establish such programs, as described below. Wyoming enacted legislation in July 2011 (H.B. 0179) authorizing local governments to establish a loan program to provide financing for cost-effective energy improvements to existing residential, commercial and industrial properties. Governments that opt in to the establishment of energy improvement programs must provide an explanation of proposed programs to utilities distributing energy or natural gas to the area no later than 30 days prior to implementing said program. Eligible energy improvement programs are described as energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements within a program adopted by a municipality, county, or multi-county joint board. Local governments are authorized to secure loans under energy improvement programs through liens in the same manner as provided for special assessments (W.S. 15-6-401 et se.) or through other securities deemed necessary. Additional securities may include the requirement of energy audits, loan terms, application and loan fees, and conditions to ensure timely repayment of loans and fees. Though Wyoming has passed this enabling legislation, there are currently no active PACE programs in the state.
Who’s eligible : Commercial, Industrial, Residential
How to apply : Wyoming's net-metering law includes basic interconnection requirements for systems up to 25 kilowatts (kW) in capacity that generate electricity using solar, wind, hydropower or biomass resources. However, the Wyoming Public Service Commission (PSC) has not established separate interconnection rules. There is no limit on overall enrollment specified by the law. Systems must comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) safety and equipment standards. Customers must install an external disconnect switch at their own expense. The PSC may require additional controls and testing. Additional liability insurance is not addressed by the law, although the PSC has specifically prohibited certain REAs from imposing minimum insurance requirements on customers, viewing such requirements as barriers to interconnection. In addition, the widespread use of the Rocky Mountain Power agreement -- which contains no such requirement -- as a model suggests that additional liability insurance is generally not required. Interconnection rules for Rocky Mountain Power are available here.
Who’s eligible : Residential
How to apply : Wyoming’s Solar Rights Act (1981), states that the “beneficial use of solar energy is a property right”. Solar rights -- a landowner's right against interference with sunlight for the purposes of solar energy -- are thus property rights. The Act states that these rights are only valid from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Outside of these hours, the solar right may be infringed without compensation to the owner of the solar collector. The Act delegates responsibility of enforcement to local governments by requiring local governments to establish a permit system for the use of solar energy. A permit is necessary to establish the solar right. The Act also states that local governments may voluntarily encourage solar development through land-use regulations, and that local governments may not prohibit the construction or use of solar collectors except for reasons of public health and safety.
Who’s eligible : Commercial, Local Government, Schools, Agricultural
How to apply : Note: Applications for the Local Government, WYLite Energy Audit, and K-12 Schools programs will be open from May 1 - June 30, 2023. Applications for the Small Business Energy Audit And Retrofit and Agriculture And Rural Small Business Energy Audit programs are open until all funds are expended. K-12 Schools Retrofit The K-12 Schools grants are available to any public school in Wyoming that is looking to complete approved energy efficiency retrofits. Maximum grant amount is $50,000 No required cash match Requires WYLite Energy Audit Apply Here Local Government Retrofit The Local Government Retrofit grants are available to local governments looking to complete approved energy efficiency retrofits. Examples of local government projects include city halls, fire departments, fairgrounds, and parks. Maximum grant amount is $50,000 10% required cash match Requires WYLite Energy Audit Apply Here WYLite Energy Audit This program offers free energy audits to organizations interested in the K-12 and Local Government grant programs. It is a requirement that interested grantees first complete this program. Once applicants have signed up online for the WYLite Energy Audit, they will be contacted by Wyoming Energy Authority’s consultant. Apply Here Small Business Energy Audit and Retrofit The Small Business Energy Audits/Retrofits grants are available to small businesses looking for cost-effective opportunities to lower their energy usage. Grants can be used to complete an energy audit and/or approved retrofits. Maximum grant amount is $10,000 25% required cash match Requires a Level 2 Energy Audit by a certified auditor Apply Here Agriculture and Rural Small Business Energy Audit The Agriculture and Rural Small Business Energy Audit grants are available to agricultural producers statewide, and to small businesses in rural areas looking for assistance to identify cost-effective opportunities to lower their energy usage. Grants can be used to complete an energy audit. Maximum grant amount is $3,000 Can be stacked with Small Business Retrofit grant 25% required cash match Requires a Level 2 Energy Audit by a certified auditor Apply Here
Can you claim multiple tax incentives in Wyoming?
Yes. You are allowed to claim multiple solar incentives for the same installation. However, you can only claim each incentive once. For more guidance on how to claim your solar tax incentives, talk to your installer or consult with a licensed tax professional before submitting your tax forms.
Does Wyoming offer tax exemptions?
Rebate Program
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.rockymountainpower.net/savings-energy-choices/business/wattsmart-efficiency-incentives-wyoming.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Construction, Industrial, Federal Government, Installers/Contractors, Agricultural
Incentive Amount : See incentive catalog for full details Lighting: varies widely by type Lighting Controls/Sensors: Varies widely Evaporative Cooling: $0.06/cubic feet per minute Indirect-Direct Evaporative Cooling: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Evaporative Pre-cooler: $75/ton of attached cooling capacity Chillers: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Air Conditioners: $25-$75/ton Advanced Rooftop Controls: $2,800-$4,500 Electronically Commutated Motors: $1/watt or $100/horsepower, depending on which application is filled out Variable-Frequency Drives: $200/horsepower Green Motor Rewinds: $1/horsepower Building Envelope: Varies Food Service Equipment: Varies Widely by Type Clothes Washer: $100 Heat Pump Water Heater: Not specified Smart Plug Strip: $5/qualifying unit Compressed Air: Varies Oil and gas pump-off controller: $1,500 Agricultural Equipment: Varies widely by type Adaptive Refrigeration Control: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Fast Acting Door: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings Wastewater-Low Power Mixer: $0.15/kWh annual energy savings
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/efficiency-and-savings/residential-rebates
Applicable Sectors : Residential
Incentive Amount : Cheyenne Electric - Laramie County Customers LEDs: up to $5 MR-16 LED: up to $8 PAR 38 LED: up to $12 Heat Pump Ductless Mini Split: $200/unit Packaged Terminal Heat Pump: $350/unit High Efficiency Evaporative Coolers: $100-$800/unit Heat-Pump Water Heater: $200/unit Furnace Blower Motor: $160/unit Central A/C: $350 Air Source Heat Pumps: $350 Room A/C: $25 Refrigerators: $50 Freezers: $10 Dishwashers: $20 Smart Power Strips: $10 Clothes Washers: $20 Clothes Dryers: $50 Room Air Purifier: $25 Dehumidifier: $75 Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger: Up to $500 Wyoming Electric - Weston County Customers LED Bulbs: $1.50/unit (up to 40 units) Central A/C: $250/unit Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charger: Up to $500 Wyoming Gas LLC Customers Furnaces: $325 - $525 Boilers: $400 Gas Storage/Tankless Water Heaters: $300 Programmable Thermostat: $15 Smart Thermostats: $50 - $100 Insulation: $0.50/sq. ft., up to $750 Air Sealing, Weatherstripping, or Pipe Wrap Insulation: 70% of costs, up to $200 Duct Sealing: 70% of costs, up to $300 Windows: $50/unit Patio Doors: $50/unit
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.carbonpower.com/rebates-2020
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount : General rebates Off-Peak Heating: $16/kW Heated Floors: $12/kW Electric Thermal Storage: $4/kW Electric Water Heaters: $1.50-$3.00/gallon Heat Pump Water Heaters: $350/unit Desuperheater: $100/unit Clothes Dryer: $30/unit Hybrid Clothes Dryer (vent-less): $90/unit Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling: $60 Induction cooktops: $100 - $350/unit LED Lamps: 50% of cost, up to $8/lamp Air Source Heat Pumps: $300-$450/ton, plus $100/unit for integrated controlled ETS backup Terminal Heat Pumps: $85/unit Ground Source Heat Pump: $500/ton Air Conditioners: $100-$150/unit, plus $25/unit additional incentive for lifetime tank warranty on heat pump waste heat units. Whole House Fan: $100/unit Low Income Weatherization: match up to $500 Outdoor Power Equipment Electrification Riding mower: 25% of cost, up to $1000 Snow blowers, walk-behind mowers, e-bikes: 25% of cost, up to $150 Chainsaws: 25% of cost, up to $100 Trimmers, leaf blowers & power washers: 25% of cost, up to $50 Additional batteries: 50% of cost, up to $25 Electric Vehicle Chargers No retail sale or fee collection capability Level 2 Chargers: 50% of equipment and installation costs, up to $500 for non-managed chargers Retail sale or fee collection capable Level 2 Chargers: 50% of equipment and installation costs, up to $1,000 DCFC (rated 50-75 kW): 50% of equipment and installation costs, up to $3,000 DCFC (rated 76-149kW): 50% of equipment and installation costs, up to $5,000 DCFC (rated 150kW & above): 50% of equipment and installation costs, up to $7,500
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://wattsmarthomes.com/
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Multifamily Residential
Incentive Amount : New Home Program New home prescriptive path - electrically heated home: $1,000 New home prescriptive path - electrially cooled home: $500 Dual fuel heat pump: $2,000 Appliances Clothes Washers: up to $50 Dishwashers: $20 Refrigerators: up to $50 Freezers: up to $20 Heat Pump Clothes Dryers: $230 Heat Pump Water Heater: $300 - $600 Room Air Cleaners: $25 Heating and Cooling Dual Fuel Heat Pumps: up to $2000 Ductless Heat Pumps: up to $2000 Air Source Heat Pumps: up to $1700 Smart Thermostats: up to $100 Line Voltage Thermostats: up to $30 Central Air Conditioners: up to $50 Duct Sealing and Insulation: up to $600 Electronically Commutated Motors: up to $100 Evaporative Coolers: up to $150 Rooftop Heat Tape Timer: up to $100 Weatherization Air Sealing: $0.10/sq. ft. Insulation: $0.75/sq. ft. Windows: $1.00/sq. ft. Accessories Engine Block Heater Controls: $125 Lighting Occupancy Sensors: $10 Smart Plugs: $10 Smart Switches: $10
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://central.libertyutilities.com/all/residential/ways-to-save/rebates.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial
Incentive Amount : Water Heater: $125 - $200 Furnace: $200 - $300 Boiler: $200 - $300 Boiler Reset Controls: $150 - $500/boiler Programmable Thermostat: $25 Vent Damper: $125 Heating Equipment Tune-Up: $100-$250 Cooking Equipment: $5-$500/unit Steam Trap Replacement: $50-$150/trap Custom: varies
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/efficiency-and-savings/commercial-rebates
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial
Incentive Amount : Laramie County Customers See program website for more details. Weston County Customers See program website for more details. Wyoming Gas LLC Customers See program website for more details.
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.lvenergy.com/energy-efficiency/conservation-residential/
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Multifamily Residential
Incentive Amount : Energy Audit: $100 Window Replacement: $4.80 - $12.80/sq. ft. Door Replacement: $30/door Insulation: $0.05 - $1.88/sq. ft. Digital Thermostats: $15/unit Smart Thermostats: $80 - $100/unit Ground Source Heat Pumps: $2,400 - $2,800 Ductless Heat Pump: $650 Air Source Heat Pump: $400 - $1,100 Financing: Contact Utility
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.blackhillsenergy.com/efficiency-and-savings/residential-rebates/cheyenne-electric-laramie-county-residential-rebates
Applicable Sectors : Construction
Incentive Amount : Prescriptive Path Furnace: $250 - $350 Water Heaters: $50-$80 Tankless Water Heaters: $80 Performance Path Natural Gas Homes: $2,500
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.thermwise.com/builder-applications-wyoming/
Applicable Sectors : Construction
Incentive Amount : Gas Furnace: $300 - $350 Dual-Fuel Heating System: $1,000 - $1,200 Gas Storage Water Heater: $100-$350 Gas Boiler: $400 - $600 Solar Assisted Water Heating: $750 Tankless Gas Water Heater: $350 Hybrid Gas Water Heater: $350 Energy Recovering Ventilation: $300 HVAC Monitoring: $50 R-5 Windows: $2.50/sq. ft. R-20 Exterior Walls: $200 - $350 Smart Thermostat: $50 - $75 Combined Space and Water Heater: $750
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.thermwise.com/business-applications-wyoming/
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Local Government, Nonprofit, State Government, Federal Government
Incentive Amount : Food Service Equipment: Varies, see program website Clothes Washer: $75 Modulating Gas Dryer: $75 Gas Dryer Moisture Sensor: $25 Storage Gas Water Heater: varies, see program website Tankless Gas Water Heater: $2.00/kBtu Furnace: $300 - $350 Boilers: $2.00 - $3.50/kBtu Direct-Contact Gas Water Heater: $1.10/kBtu Solar Assisted Water Heater (Pool): $750 Gas Unit Heater: $1.25 - $6.00/kBtu Infrared Heating System: $5.00/kBtu Boiler Outside-Air Reset Control: $250 Boiler Tune-Up: up to $250 Demand Control Ventilation: Varies, see program website Pipe Insulation: $1.50 - $4.00/sq. ft. Smart Thermostat: $0.07/sq. ft. Building Insulation: $0.08 - $0.12/sq. ft.
Implementing Sector : Utility
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.dominionenergy.com/wyoming/save-energy/thermwise
Applicable Sectors : Residential, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount : Appliance Rebates Smart Thermostat: $50 - $75 Water Heaters: $100 - $350 Tankless Water Heater: $300 Solar Assisted Water Heater: $750 Furnace: $300 - $350 Boiler: $400 - $600 Fireplace: $200 Dual-Fuel Heating System: $1,000 - $1,250 Weatherization Rebates R-5 Windows: $2.50/sq. ft. Wall Insulation: $0.30/sq. ft. Continuous Wall Insulation: $0.40/sq. ft. Floor Insulation: $0.20/sq. ft. Attic Insulation: $0.07 - $0.25/sq. ft.
Implementing Sector : Utility
Grant Program
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/planning_projects/zero-emission-vehicles/national-electric-vehicle-infrastructure-(nevi)-program.html
Applicable Sectors : Commercial
Incentive Amount : Varies, grants are awarded competitively
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : https://www.wyoenergy.org/financing/
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Local Government, Schools, Agricultural
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Category : Financial Incentive
Website : http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/content/business-energy-audits-retrofits
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Local Government, Nonprofit
Incentive Amount : 75% of the cost of an energy audit
Implementing Sector : State
PACE Financing
Category : Financial Incentive
Website :
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Interconnection
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website :
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Residential
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Solar/Wind Access Policy
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website :
Applicable Sectors : Residential
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Solar/Wind Permitting Standards
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website :
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Construction, Industrial, Installers/Contractors
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Building Energy Code
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : http://bcap-ocean.org/state-country/wyoming
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Residential
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
Net Metering
Category : Regulatory Policy
Website : http://psc.state.wy.us/
Applicable Sectors : Commercial, Industrial, Local Government, Nonprofit, Residential, Schools, State Government, Federal Government, Agricultural, Multifamily Residential, Low Income Residential
Incentive Amount :
Implementing Sector : State
What is the best way to pay for solar?
Cash payments
Paying cash upfront is easily the simplest and most cost-effective route — if you can afford it. It lets you maximize your total savings by avoiding interest rates and other fees. You also don’t have to worry about making monthly payments. But the downside is you have to spend a lot of cash at once which isn’t an option for everyone.
Pros
Cons
Financing
Financing solar panels is probably the most common payment method. You get to own the system — as opposed to leasing — but you don’t have to spend all your cash at once. And although you do have to pay interest, you can secure a fairly low interest rate as long you have good credit.
Pros
Cons
Solar leases and PPA agreements
If purchasing solar equipment isn’t an option for you, a lease or a PPA may be worth exploring. This is where you are essentially “renting” the equipment for a fixed rate each month. And although you don’t have ownership of your system, there are other benefits such as maintenance and servicing agreements.
Pros
Cons
Going solar doesn’t have to break the bank
Going solar is becoming more affordable than ever. And thanks to a variety of solar incentives in Wyoming, you can save thousands more on your investment.
Want to get an idea for what it will cost you to go solar? You can use our solar cost calculator to generate a customized estimate instantly. We take into consideration a wide range of criteria including location, electric bill, roof size, and other factors. Try it out today and start planning for your future.