In Wyoming, a 6.2-kW system for an average home costs about $22,977 after incentives in 2026, saves about $1,404 in the first year and pays back in 13.7 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 6.16 kW × $3.73/W | $22,977 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $22,977 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $22,977 | $1,404 | 13.7 yr | $26,011 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $22,977 | $1,404 | 12.1 yr | $45,858 |
| Rates stay flat | $22,977 | $1,404 | 16.7 yr | $10,840 |
| Survey price $3.6/W (LBNL) | $22,176 | $1,404 | 13.3 yr | $26,812 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $41,391 | $1,404 | 22 yr | $7,597 |
| Exports cut to 50% of retail | $16,412 | $720 | 18.3 yr | $8,140 |
Verdict: at average Wyoming numbers, solar is a marginal investment in 2026 — payback takes 13.7 years, leaving you $26,011 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: cheap power (the 10th-lowest price of 51), which caps what each kWh saves; strong sun (the 6th-best yield of 51); 1:1 net metering, which credits every exported kWh at the full retail price. Get at least three quotes: every $0.25/W you shave off the price moves payback by roughly a year or more here.
Net metering and exports in Wyoming: Net metering at retail-based rate up to usage (RMP kWh credits); some co-ops avoided cost.
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Wyoming average of $1,364/kWh adds $18,414 and saves almost nothing extra under 1:1 net metering — buy it for backup, not payback; payback becomes 22 years.
EnergySage's Wyoming page lists a 18.7-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 1:1 net metering, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.