Planning and Zoning

To improve access to solar, the City has permitted solar on all residential and non-residential zoning districts as an accessory use and in some nonresidential areas for primary use. To determine your property's solar eligibility, please determine your property's zoning district on our zoning map and look at the Table of Allowed Use within the Unified Development Code to determine permitted uses. All development must follow height and setback requirements outlined in section 15.14.030.A. of the Unified Development Code. For the protection of the use of solar collectors, review the Solar Rights section.

Permitting and Building

In order to install residential or commercial solar units or energy storage system, appropriate building and/or electrical permits must be applied for and approved by the City's Code Administration Department.  Completed Permits must include:

• Building and/or Electrical Permit application form
• Site Plans (existing and proposed)
• Structural Plans*
• One-line electrical drawing
  • with all equipment identified
  • detailed specifications for all proposed equipment identified
  • Copies of manufacturer's installation manuals
• Verification of compatibility with utility power and household loads
• Signed copy of a net metering agreement
• All work  within city limits must be performed by a city of Laramie licensed contractor
• Payment of applicable plan review and building fees

Any question regarding permitting should be directed to Code Administration at 307-721-5271 or codeadmin@cityoflaramie.org

Please allow enough time for a 2-3 weeks plan review.  The Code Administration Division will contact you once your plans have been approved.  For further detail and clarification of required documents, please review Informational Bulletin #23 and use the checklist to ensure all documents are included for submission. 

Inspection

A final inspection must be scheduled before equipment is energized.  This inspection will review all structural systems, equipment attachments, electrical code compliance, general compliance with approved plans, and other ordinances and regulations according to unit design and included components.  Following written approval from the Code Administration, energization of solar unit(s) will be permitted.

All inspections must be scheduled with Code Administration at 307-721-5271 or codeadmin@cityoflaramie.org

*Structural plans are generally prepared by a Wyoming registered professional engineer

With the exception of properties located within the Downtown Commercial Zoning District, all property owners can protect their use of proposed and constructed solar collectors by applying for a solar access permits.  As per Wyoming Statute 34-22-102-a-ii, a 'solar right' is a property's right to an unobstructed line-of-sight path from a solar collector to the sun which permits radiation from the sun to impinge directly on the solar collector. These rights ensure usage and access to solar collector units between the hours of 9:00 am and 3:00 PM. The priority of new construction with regard to interference in solar rights shall vest as of the date of application for a building permit. For greater information regarding the City's and State's solar rights regulations, review section 15.14.030.A.2 of the City of Laramie Unified Development Code and Wyoming State Statute 34-22-101.

A complete understanding of the pros and cons of solar energy in the "Gem City of the Plains" is a great place to start understanding the feasibility of solar on your property.  For a more complete understanding of the specific benefits and downfalls for your property, please discuss them with a licensed contractor.

Pros

• Energy Independence and Resiliency - Solar unit installation offers homeowners the ability to create their own energy for their property. While unit size and design will vary according to individual needs, land availability, and cost restrictions, solar installation can reduce the cost of monthly utility bills and even provide energy in case of a disruption of energy services.
• Clean Energy Source - Solar units transform abundant radiation from the sun into either thermal or photovoltaic energy. This energy is cheap, abundant, and produces no carbon emissions, reducing the property owners' greenhouse gas emissions.
• Lots of Sun - Laramie is above the national average for sunny days which greatly increases the efficiency of a solar unit. Additionally, due to a very small amount of fog, haze, and smoke, the intensity of sunshine is usually high.
• Get Paid - Surplus energy from a solar system can be reintroduced to the energy system allowing other users to use the energy that your system has produced. Utility companies pay owners for the use of this surplus energy.*

Cons

• Upfront costs - While solar energy is often cheaper in the long run it is not free.  The majority of costs are frontloaded on customers who will need to pay for equipment, contractors, and city permits.
• Wind, Snow, and Location - Wind and snow loads affect the angle at which a unit can be placed.  In order for optimum solar generation, units need to meet the angle of the latitude of an area; For Laramie, that means 41^o and south-facing. Due to the effect of these loads that angle may need to be reduced, decreasing the efficiency of the units. 

*Please pay attention to local and state net-metering regulations to determine any restrictions.