Growing Interest in Community Solar Projects Sparks Debate in Wyoming and Montana
As discussions around renewable energy continue in Wyoming and Montana, interest in community solar projects is increasing, Cowboy State Daily reports.
These initiatives allow homeowners to subscribe to shared solar arrays, offering an alternative to individual rooftop installations.
In Montana, lawmakers are considering the Montana Solar Shares Act, a bill designed to encourage private investment in solar energy and lower residential electricity costs. Supporters argue that the legislation would unlock funding without requiring public subsidies. However, major utility companies, including NorthWestern Energy and Montana-Dakota Utilities, have voiced concerns about the financial burden placed on utilities.
A similar debate recently unfolded in Wyoming. State Representative Scott Heiner introduced a bill to support community solar projects, but it failed due to disagreements over net metering—a system that allows homeowners to receive credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid. Additionally, Wyoming lawmakers passed a resolution emphasizing fossil fuels over renewable energy, which Governor Mark Gordon signed into law.
Despite legislative challenges, community solar projects are moving forward. In western Wyoming, Lower Valley Energy announced a new initiative in Star Valley, aimed at providing a stable and locally owned energy source with minimal impact on agriculture and wildlife.
The Montana Solar Shares Act proposes a model where a ranch, subdivision, or municipality could develop a 5-megawatt solar array, selling subscriptions to local consumers. Under this system, participants receive credits on their electricity bills similar to homeowners with private solar panels.
Some utility providers oppose community solar initiatives, arguing they introduce additional costs and administrative burdens. NorthWestern Energy has raised concerns about infrastructure expenses, estimating that new software required to track solar subscriptions would cost $250,000—an expense they say would ultimately be passed on to ratepayers.
However, proponents point to successful programs in other states, arguing that utilities can adapt. Advocates compare subscribing to community solar to services like Netflix, emphasizing its flexibility and accessibility for renters and homeowners without optimal sun exposure.
