About the project


The Creston Solar Project is a 50-megawatt (MW) solar array in Union County, Iowa. The project may include a 25-MW battery energy storage system in the future. The Creston Solar Project will connect to the electrical transmission grid directly through the local substation. Once complete, the project will positively impact the environment and generate enough clean, low-cost energy to power approximately 11,000 homes annually.

Fast facts

  • Location: Union County.
  • Acreage: Approximately 300 acres.
  • Timeline: We expect to begin construction in 2023 and finish by late 2024.

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Project updates


February 8, 2024

We started construction on our Creston Solar Project late last year! Our first construction updates some of the work done at the site so far, what to expect during construction and why veterans make for good workers at solar projects. We expect to complete the Creston Solar Project later this year.

Read further about the progress in our latest project update..pdf

Economic benefits


  • The Creston Solar Project is expected to generate over $1.2 million in local school district revenue, over $270,000 in total county property taxes for Union County, and approximately $1.9 million in total property taxes over the life of the project.
  • Construction of the project will create approximately 80 construction jobs in Union County and nearly 250 construction jobs in the state of Iowa.
  • Lease payments to the participating landowners will provide long-term, stable streams of income for each landowner over the life of the project.
  • Replacement tax revenue, a state program determined by the generation output of the project, will provide annual payments to Union County.

Environmental benefits


  • We’ll plant native grass and seed mixes around the solar panels and throughout the solar arrays that will help build soil nutrients and create pollinator-friendly habitat. Pollinator-friendly vegetation is proven to prevent soil erosion and add benefit to high-value crops.
  • The grass will mature in four years following construction, and as it does, it will improve the water quality and ecological health of the watershed and surrounding bodies of water. The grass reduces the nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment and biological oxygen demand that can lead to excess algae growth and habitat degradation.
  • Requiring only sunlight for fuel, the Creston Solar Project represents a long-term reduction of traditional fossil fuels for energy generation, contributing to a cleaner environment and clean energy future for Iowa and the Midwest.

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