Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Rawlins, Wyoming. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Creative Energies is a leading regional solar installer headquartered in Lander, WY, with a strong presence in central and southern Wyoming. They are widely recognized for their high-quality installations, deep expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems, and excellent customer service. They serve the Rawlins area extensively.
Based in Cheyenne, WySolar is a dedicated solar energy company that focuses exclusively on residential and commercial solar installations across southern Wyoming. They are known for their straightforward consultation process, expertise with local utility interconnect agreements, and strong knowledge of available state incentives.
Independent Power is a well-established electrical and solar contractor based in Casper. They bring a strong electrical engineering background to their solar projects, making them a great choice for more technically complex installations. They offer a full suite of services from design to maintenance and serve a wide area, including Rawlins.
** The home solar market in Rawlins, Wyoming, is best characterized as a developing market served by strong regional specialists rather than local storefronts. The high solar irradiance (sunlight) levels in southern Wyoming make it an excellent location for solar power generation. However, the relatively low population density means that most top-tier providers are based in larger cities like Casper, Cheyenne, or Lander and extend their service territories to cover Rawlins. **Average Quality & Competition:** The quality of providers serving Rawlins is generally high, as the companies that succeed in this regional model are established, professional, and highly certified. Competition is moderate; while there may not be dozens of companies vying for business, the few that do operate are reputable and experienced with Wyoming's climate and regulatory environment. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages, but system costs can be influenced by travel distances for crews. The average cost for a residential system before incentives typically falls between **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt**, meaning a standard 6 kW system could range from $15,000 to $21,000. The strong federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which currently allows for a 30% tax credit, significantly reduces the net cost. Wyoming does not have a state tax credit for solar, but it also has a favorable property tax exemption for residential renewable energy systems.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Rawlins regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Rawlins, Wyoming.
Rawlins' high altitude (over 6,800 ft) and clear skies provide excellent solar irradiance, meaning panels can be highly productive. Cold temperatures actually improve the efficiency of photovoltaic panels, and modern systems are designed to handle heavy snow loads. While winter days are shorter, the reflective snow can sometimes boost production, and a well-designed system will generate significant power year-round, with peak production in the sunnier spring and summer months.
The gross cost for a typical residential system in Rawlins ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Wyoming has no state sales tax on solar equipment, and you can claim the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Rocky Mountain Power (the local utility) offers net metering, crediting you for excess power sent to the grid. With these incentives, the payback period typically falls between 8-12 years, depending on your energy usage and system size.
You must obtain an electrical permit from the City of Rawlins or Carbon County Building Department. While Wyoming state law (W.S. § 18-5-613) prohibits HOAs from outright banning solar installations, they can have reasonable rules regarding placement for aesthetic purposes. It's essential to review your HOA covenants and submit your plans for architectural review if required. A reputable local installer will handle the permitting process for you.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in Rawlins' specific climate and with Rocky Mountain Power's interconnection process. Look for Wyoming-licensed electrical contractors, check for certifications like NABCEP, and ask for references from local installations. A trustworthy provider will perform a detailed site assessment, explain how they account for snow and wind, and provide a clear production estimate specific to your property's sun exposure.
Yes, panels will produce power whenever sunlight hits them, even in cold, bright winter conditions. Snow will temporarily reduce output, but panels are installed at an angle and are smooth, so snow often slides off on its own. It is generally not recommended to manually clear snow due to safety and panel damage risks. Your system's annual production estimate from a qualified installer will already account for seasonal snow cover in our region.