Solar in Cheyenne: Black Hills Energy and high plains climate

Local market

Solar in Cheyenne by the numbers

Metro population

100K

Typical cost per watt

$2.85

Paid lead cost

$75.00 to $140.00

Installer density

Low

Climate for solar

How much sun does Cheyenne get?

Cheyenne gets around 5.2 peak sun hours per day with 236 sunny days per year, strong for solar. High plains altitude (around 6,000 feet) provides modest production boost. Winter snow derating is modest (10 to 15 percent annual loss). Strong winds are a dominant structural factor; proper attachment and wind-rated racking matter.

Who delivers power here

Utilities serving Cheyenne

Black Hills Energy, investor-owned, serves all of Cheyenne, High West Energy (electric cooperative) serves parts of surrounding Laramie County.

For how exports are credited and what the statewide rules look like, see the Wyoming solar market guide.

Permits and inspection

Pulling a residential solar permit in Cheyenne

Cheyenne City Building Services typically runs residential solar permits in 2 to 4 weeks. SolarAPP+ is not accepted. Laramie County unincorporated areas run through the county with 2 to 4 week typical timelines. Black Hills Energy interconnection post-install typically runs 4 to 6 weeks.

Running a solar company here

Running a solar company in Cheyenne

Running a solar company in Cheyenne means working in a small market with low installer competition. The best Cheyenne operators handle Black Hills Energy interconnection fluently, spec wind-rated racking (sustained winds exceeding 30 mph are common in Cheyenne), and model winter snow derating honestly. Lead costs run $75 to $140 on Google search, among the lowest in the US because installer density is thin.

Questions people ask

Solar in Cheyenne: FAQ

Does Black Hills Energy have net metering in Cheyenne?

Yes, retail-rate net metering for residential solar systems up to 25 kW AC under Wyoming Public Service Commission rules. Credits accrue monthly at retail; annual true-up at year-end with excess paid at avoided cost.

How long does a solar permit take in Cheyenne?

Cheyenne City Building Services typically runs residential solar permits in 2 to 4 weeks. Laramie County unincorporated runs 2 to 4 weeks typically. Black Hills Energy interconnection post-install adds 4 to 6 weeks.

How much does solar cost in Cheyenne?

Cheyenne runs about $2.85 per watt installed for residential, meaning a 7 kW system typically costs around $20,000 gross. After the 30 percent federal tax credit, net cost is approximately $14,000. Wyoming has no state solar tax credit.

Is solar worth it in Cheyenne?

For Cheyenne homes with high electricity use and south-facing roofs, yes but with longer payback than retail-NEM states with higher electric rates: typically 11 to 14 years with the federal tax credit. The combination of strong sun hours and altitude boost helps; low Black Hills Energy retail rates stretch payback.