Wyoming saw its first utility solar project built in 2019, with additional interest in commercial solar projects around the state. Solar energy is one of the fastest-growing technologies worldwide, and compared to other areas with the same latitude, Wyoming has a better-than-average solar resource. In 2024, Wyoming produced an estimated 3.52 thousand megawatt hours.
Photovoltaics (PV) is a process that involves converting light into electricity, which is known as the photovoltaic effect. Solar panels utilize PV technology to convert sunlight into electrical energy. Although a single PV only produces 1-2 watts, solar panels can connect numerous PV cells to create more watts.
There are several types of PV technology. Silicon solar cells, initially developed by Bell Laboratories in 1954, are utilized in various applications, such as space satellites and buildings. Meanwhile, thin-film solar cells, made from semiconductor layers like cadmium telluride, provide lightweight and flexible solutions that are suitable for portable devices. Lastly, the more expensive III-V solar cells deliver high efficiency for applications requiring a high power-to-weight ratio, like satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Latitude, climate, and weather patterns significantly impact insolation, which refers to the amount of solar radiation received on a given surface area during a specific time. Generally, locations in lower latitudes and arid climates receive higher insolation than other locations.
Southern Power Cheyenne Solar in Laramie County is a 150-megawatt facility that opened in 2024. Sweetwater Solar is an 80-megawatt facility covering more than 700 acres outside Green River in southwest Wyoming. Approximately 14 companies operate in the solar sector in Wyoming.
In the upcoming year, several projects in Wyoming are expected to produce between 2,000 and 2,500 megawatts of solar power. Siting initiatives, including the Brightfields Energy Siting Initiative, will clarify opportunities for energy developers.
The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming has developed a mapping tool to drive solar energy development onto previously disturbed lands. By using former mines, brownfields, landfills and other industrial sites for renewable energy, communities can turn unproductive lands into assets, generating jobs and tax revenue, producing energy and conserving vital natural landscapes.
