Wyoming Solar Rights

Summary

Wyoming’s Solar Rights Act (1981), states that the “beneficial use of solar energy is a property right”. Solar rights -- a landowner's right against interference with sunlight for the purposes of solar energy -- are thus property rights. 

The Act states that these rights are only valid from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. Outside of these hours, the solar right may be infringed without compensation to the owner of the solar collector. The Act delegates responsibility of enforcement to local governments by requiring local governments to establish a permit system for the use of solar energy. A permit is necessary to establish the solar right.

The Act also states that local governments may voluntarily encourage solar development through land-use regulations, and that local governments may not prohibit the construction or use of solar collectors except for reasons of public health and safety.