Trapper Solar Project

Project Information

RWE Solar Development, LLC (RWE) is proposing to construct and operate the Trapper Solar Project (Project) in Routt County, Colorado. The Trapper Solar Project is a proposed 250-megawatt (MW) alternating current utility-scale solar energy facility and an approximately 125-MW (4-MWhour storage energy capacity) battery energy storage system (BESS). The Trapper Solar Project would encompass approximately 3,030 acres of private and state-owned land south of Hayden, Colorado in Routt County. Project components would include solar panels mounted on trackers arranged in multiple arrays, transformers, direct current to alternating current inverters, a collection system that connects the arrays to a BESS, a substation, an operations and maintenance building, and a switchyard. Surface-disturbing activities, including final grading, will be required to allow for the development of the Project. Operational activities, namely mowing vegetation and cleaning of the solar panels may be required for routine maintenance. Other facilities in the Project area may include a temporary construction laydown yard, a temporary staging area for panels and other equipment, temporary parking areas, and private gravel access roads.

RWE will prepare a Routt County Special Use Permit for the Project in accordance with Routt County Zoning Regulations, including Resolution 2023-P-083, adopted on October 31, 2023. If approved, construction of the Project is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2026 with commercial operation targeted by the winter of 2027. In support of these permits, and to comply with federal and state regulations, RWE has conducted a variety of resource surveys. In addition to surveys for natural resources like wetlands, and although not required for these permits, RWE has surveyed for the presence of archaeological sites, historic buildings and structures, and isolated cultural resources in the Project areas.