Why Wyoming’s Sunshine Shouldn’t Go to Waste: Solar Potential vs. Reality

Wyoming’s Untapped Solar Potential

Why Wyoming’s Sunshine Shouldn’t Go to Waste: Solar Potential vs. Reality

Wyoming is blessed with abundant sunshine – averaging around 5.5 to 6 peak sun hours per day and well over 200 sunny days each year. In fact, southern Wyoming (around Cheyenne) sees some of the highest solar irradiance in the nation, thanks to high elevations and clear skies, putting the state in the top ten for sun exposure. From Casper to Cheyenne to Laramie, communities enjoy bright, high-altitude sunshine that could be generating significant solar energy. This above-average solar resource means Wyoming has the natural conditions to be a solar powerhouse, comparable to many leading solar states. The cold winters don’t diminish this potential – in fact, solar panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and Wyoming’s snow can even reflect extra sunlight onto panels on clear winter days (a bonus many hotter states don’t get). In short, Wyoming’s solar potential is sky-high, with vast open land and big skies soaking up sunshine. Why Wyoming’s Sunshine Shouldn’t Go to Waste: Solar Potential vs. Reality

Solar Power in Wyoming Today: The Reality Check

Wyoming’s solar adoption lags far behind its potential. Pictured above is the 150 MW South Cheyenne Solar Facility – one of only two utility-scale solar farms in the entire state. Despite our world-class sunshine, Wyoming has only about 334 MW of solar capacity installed statewide, ranking roughly 45th in the nation for solar development. This meager capacity accounts for only ~1.14% of Wyoming’s electricity generation – meaning barely one percent of our power comes from the sun, even though we enjoy over 233 sunny days per year on average. In practical terms, Wyoming’s solar output is a drop in the bucket: current solar installations (rooftop and utility-scale combined) are enough to power only about Fifty-thousand homes in a state of 580,000 people. Clearly, most of Wyoming’s sunshine is going to waste, as solar energy remains an almost negligible part of our energy mix.

It wasn’t until 2019 that Wyoming even saw its first utility-scale solar project go online. As of 2024, we have two large solar farms (one near Cheyenne and one near Green River), and a handful of small commercial and residential systems. By contrast, neighboring states like Colorado and Utah have thousands of megawatts of solar. Wyoming’s sunshine is just as strong – so why aren’t we taking advantage of it?

Why Is Solar Adoption So Low in the Cowboy State?

Wyoming’s slow embrace of solar isn’t due to lack of sun – it’s due to policy and economic barriers. The state’s politics and economy have long been tied to coal and fossil fuels, which creates a strong inertia against change. Here are the key factors holding back Wyoming’s solar growth:

Policy Inertia and Coal Dominance

Wyoming’s economy has been heavily dominated by coal and fossil fuels for decades, and that influence extends to its energy policies. State leaders have been slow to pivot from coal to renewables, resulting in policy inertia that favors the status quo. In fact, coal still generates over 70% of Wyoming’s electricity, and there’s no state Renewable Portfolio Standard mandating renewable energy use. This coal-centric mindset has created barriers to solar adoption – for example, utilities have little incentive to buy solar power when coal plants are entrenched, and some policymakers view solar as a threat to coal jobs and revenues. As one report noted, fossil fuel interests and political inertia have historically stifled renewable energy incentives in Wyoming. In other words, the “coal first” culture has made it difficult for solar to gain a foothold.

Lack of State Incentives or Support

Unlike many states, Wyoming offers minimal state-level incentives to encourage solar. There is no state tax credit or statewide rebate for installing solar panels – homeowners and businesses must rely mainly on the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit. Wyoming does have net metering (allowing solar owners to get credit for excess power they send to the grid), but systems are capped at 25 kW, and credits are given at the utility’s avoided-cost rate (not full retail). The state has a small renewable energy rebate program (up to $3,000) and a sales tax exemption on solar equipment, but these are relatively modest. Overall, Wyoming’s incentive environment is far less supportive than in states that have booming solar markets. Essentially, if you go solar in Wyoming, you do it in spite of state policy, not because of it. This lack of support has undoubtedly slowed adoption – especially when paired with the low cost of coal power locally, which can make the economics of solar a tougher sell without incentives.

Cheap Power Today, Missed Savings Tomorrow

Wyoming enjoys relatively low electricity rates (around 11–12 cents per kWh for homeowners), thanks in part to cheap coal power. While that’s good for consumers in the short term, it can make people less motivated to switch to solar to save money – the payback period for solar here can stretch beyond a decade. However, this is a bit of a catch-22: those low rates won’t last forever (utilities have sought rate increases), and installing solar can lock in lower energy costs for the long run. With no state push for solar and only modest immediate savings, many Wyomingites simply haven’t felt urgency to adopt solar. But as we’ll see, this means missing out on big benefits down the road.

The Missed Economic Opportunity of Solar

Given Wyoming’s solar potential, the lack of development isn’t just an energy issue – it’s an economic opportunity going untapped. Embracing solar could bring significant jobs, investment, and savings to the state. Here’s what Wyoming is missing out on by not harnessing more of its sunshine:

• Job Creation: Solar power could spark a new industry in Wyoming, diversifying job opportunities beyond fossil fuels. Right now, only about 182 solar jobs exist in the state (a tiny workforce). Large-scale solar projects employ hundreds of workers during construction, and a growing rooftop solar market would mean more long-term installation and maintenance jobs across Casper, Cheyenne, Laramie and beyond. These are local, good-paying jobs that can’t be outsourced. Every megawatt of solar installed means electricians, technicians, and construction crews put to work.

• Tax Revenue and Local Economic Boost: Utility-scale solar farms can inject millions into local economies. They generate property tax revenue, lease payments to landowners, and sales taxes from construction. For example, a 100 MW solar farm can contribute substantial property taxes to a county each year. The Nature Conservancy’s Wyoming “Brightfields” initiative has highlighted how building renewables on former mine lands can create jobs and tax revenue for communities while producing energy. In short, more solar development means more dollars staying in Wyoming – through taxes that fund schools and services, and through income for Wyoming landowners who host solar panels on their property.

• Savings for Homeowners and Businesses: For individuals, going solar is like an investment that pays dividends. While Wyoming’s current electric rates are low, solar panels can still significantly reduce or eliminate monthly power bills. Over the 25+ year life of a solar system, the average Wyoming homeowner could save around $18,000 on electricity costs. That’s money back in your pocket, which is especially valuable as utility rates creep up over time. Businesses can save even more on operating costs by locking in solar power. Essentially, choosing solar means trading an unpredictable monthly bill for a one-time upfront cost that will pay for itself and then some. Wyoming’s widespread ranches and small businesses stand to benefit from these long-term energy savings.

• Energy Independence & Resilience: Solar also offers energy resilience – something increasingly important given extreme weather and grid outages. With solar panels (and optionally a battery backup), Wyoming homes and businesses can keep the lights on during outages or winter storms. Every kilowatt of solar installed makes the grid a bit more distributed and resilient, reducing reliance on distant power plants. For rural properties and ranches, solar can power remote operations more reliably than a long utility line. By adopting solar, Wyomingites can achieve a measure of energy independence, generating their own power right from their rooftops or backyards. This not only builds self-reliance but also keeps energy dollars local.

• Diversifying Wyoming’s Economy: Perhaps most importantly, growing the solar sector helps diversify the state’s economy. Wyoming has long relied on boom-and-bust fossil fuel industries (coal, oil, gas). Renewable energy like solar offers a chance to broaden our economic base with sustainable, future-oriented development. As one clean energy entrepreneur noted, there’s huge renewable economic development happening in surrounding states – investments that Wyoming has been slow to capture. By not embracing solar, we risk falling behind and losing out on new industries. On the flip side, if Wyoming does capitalize on its sunshine, it could attract new businesses (like data centers seeking renewable power), keep young workers in-state with green jobs, and stabilize revenues as coal revenues decline. Solar is a golden opportunity to transition Wyoming’s economy for the future.

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A Brighter Solar Future for Wyoming?

The good news is that Wyoming’s solar story doesn’t have to remain in the shadows. There are signs of progress on the horizon. Several large solar projects have been proposed or are under development – including a massive 771 MW “Cowboy Solar” farm planned in Laramie County that would be by far the state’s largest. If these projects come online, Wyoming’s solar capacity would leap forward, bringing in over a billion dollars of investment and making renewable energy a more visible part of the landscape. Surrounding states have shown that when the economics reach a tipping point, solar can take off quickly. Wyoming has the raw ingredients for a solar boom – incredible sun, open land, and improving technology – it just needs the right mix of policy support and public will to spark it.

For homeowners and small businesses, there’s also increasing interest and awareness. Solar panel costs have dropped dramatically over the past decade, making systems more affordable than ever. Federal incentives (like the 30% tax credit) are in place through at least 2032, effectively giving Wyoming residents a big discount on going solar. And local installers and roofing companies are gearing up to serve the market. In Casper and Cheyenne, for instance, more rooftops are starting to sport shiny panels as early adopters lead the way. Every new installation proves that solar works in Wyoming’s climate – and that it pays off.

Ultimately, Wyoming stands at an energy crossroads. We can continue to rely almost exclusively on coal and let our sunshine go unused, or we can embrace a balanced energy future that fully uses our state’s abundant solar resource. The reality is that coal jobs and revenue have been declining for years due to market forces. Solar (and wind) are among the fastest-growing energy sources nationwide, and Wyoming has a chance to ride that wave rather than get left behind. By investing in solar now, Wyoming can create jobs, save consumers money, and ensure our communities aren’t solely dependent on extracting resources from the ground.

Don’t Let Wyoming’s Sunshine Go to Waste – Take Action

Wyoming’s nickname is the “Equality State,” but when it comes to solar, we’ve been far from equal with our neighbors. It’s time to change that. With so much sun at our fingertips, why let it go to waste? Each home or business that goes solar is a step toward a stronger, more resilient Wyoming. Whether you’re in a sunny Casper subdivision or on a ranch outside Cheyenne, solar can work for you – and the benefits will last for decades.

If you’re curious about how solar might look on your own roof, or how much you could save, reach out to local experts. It’s easier than ever to get a personalized solar assessment. In fact, professionals in solar panels in Wyoming are ready to answer your questions and guide you through the process. Making the switch not only lowers your bills, but also allows you to power your home or business with clean, Wyoming-made energy.

Don’t wait for policy to catch up – homeowners and small businesses can lead the charge. Every new installation helps build momentum and shows others what’s possible. Wyoming’s sunshine is one of our greatest untapped assets. By installing solar panels on your property, you’re not just doing what’s right for the environment – you’re making a smart investment and contributing to Wyoming’s energy independence.

Join the solar movement in Wyoming. Let’s turn our high plains sunshine into real power for our communities. With the right choices today, we can ensure Wyoming’s future is bright, prosperous, and powered by the very sun that shines down on us. The sun is rising on Wyoming’s solar future – be a part of it! Why Wyoming’s Sunshine Shouldn’t Go to Waste: Solar Potential vs. Reality

Ready to explore solar for your home or business? Contact a trusted Wyoming solar roofing provider for a free consultation and see how much you can save. It’s time to put Wyoming’s sunshine to work for you and not let this incredible resource go to waste any longer. The future is bright – let’s harness it!

Why Wyoming’s Sunshine Shouldn’t Go to Waste: Solar Potential vs. Reality

Sources

1. Environmental Health News (EHN) – Wyoming hesitates to embrace solar energy despite its potential

2. Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) – Wyoming State Solar Facts & Figures

3. NextEnergy.ai – Maximize Your Savings: Solar Panel Tax Incentives in Wyoming

4. EcoWatch – Is Solar Worth It in Wyoming? (2026 Guide)

5. Wyoming Energy Authority – Solar Energy in Wyoming

6. Grokipedia – Solar power in Wyoming (overview of capacity and challenges)