Wyoming vs Colorado Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of Wyoming and Colorado solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | WY · Wyoming | CO · Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $115 | $125 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 5.3 | 5.4 ◆ |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $2.95 | $2.85 ◆ |
| State Tax Credit | None | None |
| Net Metering | avoided-cost | retail |
| SREC Market | No | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | No | Yes |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | Yes |
| Avg Payback (yrs) | 10.3 | 8.6 ◆ |
| Avg 25-Year Savings | $24,800 | $38,600 ◆ |
State Tax Credit Comparison
Wyoming offers no state income tax credit. Colorado offers no state income tax credit.
Net Metering Policies
Wyoming: avoided-cost rate net metering active. Colorado: retail 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
Wyoming: $24,800 over 25 years (avg payback 10.3 yrs). Colorado: $38,600 over 25 years (avg payback 8.6 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
Colorado delivers stronger lifetime solar economics than Wyoming 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.