Utah vs Wyoming Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of Utah and Wyoming solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | UT · Utah | WY · Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $115 | $115 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 5.5 ◆ | 5.3 |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $2.8 ◆ | $2.95 |
| State Tax Credit | 25% / $400 ◆ | None |
| Net Metering | modified | avoided-cost |
| SREC Market | No | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | No | No |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | No |
| Payback, pre-credit model (yrs) | 9 ◆ | 10.3 |
| 25-yr savings, pre-credit model | $28,400 ◆ | $24,800 |
Payback and 25-year savings were modeled while the federal residential credit applied. They are not a 2026 quote. The calculator uses $0 federal credit and state incentives only.
State Tax Credit Comparison
Utah offers a 25% state income tax credit (capped at $400). Wyoming offers no state income tax credit.
Net Metering Policies
Utah: modified rate net metering active. Wyoming: avoided-cost rate net metering active.
Net metering is often the most economically significant solar policy because it determines how excess production is valued. Retail-rate states (where you receive full retail price for exported energy) have substantially better solar economics than avoided-cost or no-net-metering states.
Average 25-Year Savings
Utah: $28,400 over 25 years (avg payback 9 yrs). Wyoming: $24,800 over 25 years (avg payback 10.3 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
Utah edges out Wyoming on lifetime savings primarily due to higher solar irradiance.
Note: state averages mask significant within-state variation. Your specific utility, roof orientation, and household electricity profile drive your actual numbers — use the calculator to model your home directly.