Sandhills Energy is set to begin construction on two solar projects – each exceeding 4 MW – in Indianola and Waverly, Iowa. These projects are being developed simultaneously as part of an ongoing collaboration between Sandhills Energy and the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska (MEAN) to enhance renewable energy generation and promote energy independence across 16 communities at 15 sites in the Midwest. Construction on site is expected to begin in Q1 2025 on both projects pending final environmental approval from the USDA.
Indianola and Waverly are among four of the Iowa-based MEAN member communities poised for solar development. This partnership lets Indianola Municipal Utilities (IMU) and Waverly Utilities (WU) receive wholesale electricity supply from MEAN and integrate solar-generated power with traditional energy sources to improve local grid resilience and lower costs during peak power usage. The communities of Denver and Sergeant Bluff are set for similar solar installations in 2025.
“As WU moves to diversify its power mix, solar is an important component,” said WU GM Curt Atkins. “With the decommissioning of our hydro units in 2022, the new solar array will more than replace what the hydros produced.”
The 4.2-MW facility in Indianola, which is located on 25 acres and owned by IMU, is expected to reduce peak demand load during summer by 10% and up to 40% during winter. The solar facility in Waverly will cover approximately 24 acres and provide up to 6.5 million kWh of electricity annually.
“Indianola Municipal Utilities is not just generating reliable electricity for years to come; we’re creating a cleaner, greener future for our community, our kids, and their kids, too,” said IMU GM Chris DesPlanques.
Sandhills Energy and MEAN kicked off the 15-site series of solar installations with groundbreakings in Alliance and Sidney, Nebraska, in June. Solar facilities in these member communities will account for up to 5% of energy usage by 16 municipalities.
“The First Solar Series 6 photovoltaic panels in these solar facilities are ideal for Midwest conditions, offering hail resistance, under-mount framing to shed snow, and the industry’s best warranty against degradation,” said Raki Giannakouros, executive VP at Sandhills Energy. “In a volatile utility market, the solar project will provide stability and day-one savings that are projected to increase over time as wholesale energy rates rise.”
News item from Sandhills Energy