Wyoming Solar Rebates

Wyoming has not been totally dormant in regard to solar power; it just hasn't done much. There is plenty of solar, and wind, potential in the Equality State but that potential is largely getting the "coaled" shoulder from the state legislature. There is little hope for Wyoming residents until, at the earliest, the start of the 2009 legislative session. In the meantime, here is what you can expect:

REBATES & INCENTIVES

Photovoltaic Incentive Program

• This incentive looks great at first glance: PV systems (no size specified) are eligible for a rebate of up to 50% of system costs. But there are two catches...
• Incentives are capped at just $3,000.
• Program budget is limited to $75,000 per year. That amounts to only 25 possible rebates per year.

NET METERING

• PV systems up to 25 kW are eligible for net metering under Wyoming law.
• There is no enrollment limit and net excess generation (NEG) is credited to the customer's next monthly bill and, at the end of the annual billing cycle, is purchased from the customer at the utility's wholesale rate.

And that's it so far. There is a sales tax exemption in place, but it is only available to commercial installations. Wyoming has some good ideas regarding solar power, but they need to be expanded and some new ideas should be adopted. Property tax exemptions are always nice. The biggest difference could be made simply by increasing the maximum incentive and available funds of the state's PV incentive program. We shall see what 2009 has to offer...

USEFUL LINKS

• Wyoming Business Council
• Public Service Commission
• DSIRE: Wyoming
• Solar Power Rocks: Wyoming