Gov. proclaims Iowa solar power day

While at the Iowa State Fair Wednesday, Governor Kim Reynolds declared the day “Solar Day in Iowa.”

State and solar-power officials were on hand for the presentation.

“Renewable energy, like solar, provides opportunities for farmers and communities in Iowa,” said Ray Gaesser, Chair of the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum.

According to information from Reynolds, Iowa ranks 16th among U.S. states in technical potential for solar energy production, more than Florida and Georgia, and has the potential to add enough solar to meet the state’s electric needs more than 150 times over.

Iowa’s solar industry employs more than 1,000 people and supports about 100 businesses involved in the supply chain. More than $949 million has been invested in solar in Iowa.

“Solar has been a true success story in Iowa, spurring local investment and creating jobs all across the state,” said Larry Steffen, Board President of the Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association (ISETA).

Union County will add to those numbers in the future.

Alliant Energy is planning a solar-power project east of Creston near the Howard and Osage street intersection.

According to information from Alliant, the Project would generate low-cost solar energy for Union County and neighboring communities in Iowa. The project is part of Alliant’s plan to add solar energy to its strategy. The facility will be built on privately owned land where landowners voluntarily participated for the construction.

It is possible for field work to begin in fall 2023. Construction could begin in either late 2023 or spring 2024.

Alliant Energy Strategic Project Manager Justin Foss said last year about 300 acres have been acquired, but that does not mean every acre will be used for solar power.

“The project boundary is all acres we could use, but not acres we will use,” he said. The 300 acres will be fenced and Foss expects 76 acres will have solar panels.

The location of the area is also strategic.

“It has proximity to the substation,” Foss said about the electrical unit south of the Osage and Howard street intersection.

Foss said the solar power provides energy during the summers, “When it’s needed most.”

“It’s quiet, no emissions and it’s an addition to our energy mix.”

The Creston Community School District will soon be leasing land to Alliant Energy for an eight-acre solar grid with an anticipated start date of spring 2024 in the grassy area west of the high school, middle school and bus barn.

Solar benefits both rural and urban Iowa with solar projects in all of Iowa’s 99 counties, according to information from Wednesday’s presentation.