70-Megawatt Solar Farm Proposed for 550 Acres West of Casper
Developers told county officials Tuesday that livestock will graze beneath raised panels on private land near Natrona.
By Simon Bennett ·
A proposed solar array covering 550 acres would generate 70 megawatts of power on private land 20 miles west of Casper. Paul Stroud presented the plan to the Natrona County Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday. He spoke on behalf of Cowboy Energy and its partner, Baran Group.
The site is visible from Highway 20/26 near the town of Natrona. Stroud described an agrivoltaic design that combines energy production with ranching. Dark monocrystalline panels would sit six feet off the ground. This height allows sheep or cattle to graze beneath the structures. Wiring would be buried underground to protect the cables. The panels would feature non-reflective glass to reduce visibility from the highway and shield against hail. Stroud said the panels would also be arranged on different levels.
He noted that this setup is gaining traction in Colorado and on the East Coast. The design cuts soil erosion and slows water evaporation. It also provides shade for livestock during summer. Stroud stated that landowners could continue growing hay or other crops. “The land won’t change, even if they’re growing hay or they’re growing any kind of crops,” he said. “They can still do that.”
Stroud estimated that construction would create about 250 temporary jobs. Developers plan to hire locally for those positions. The project would also generate sales and property tax revenue for the county and state. Existing power lines on the site would make it simple to connect to the grid. Stroud added that the panels are expected to retain 90 percent of their efficiency after 30 years.
Commission Chair Hal Hutchinson asked about potential opposition, noting that neighbors filled the courtroom when the Haystack Solar Project was discussed. Stroud said he believes the public will support Casper Creek once they attend meetings and learn about the plans. He argued that preserving land use and increasing land values would help win support. The developers are working with the University of Wyoming to create a socioeconomic plan and manage cheatgrass.
Stroud emphasized that the project is in its earliest design stages. The company is opening dialogues with relevant agencies, including the fire department and the Wyoming Department of Transportation. “We are just here to basically introduce ourselves,” Stroud said. He said the team plans to hold many public meetings to inform residents about the proposal.
Developers aim to begin construction in 2030 if the project moves forward. The meeting served as a formal introduction of the plan to county officials and the public.
