Duane Arnold Solar Project

About the project

The Duane Arnold Solar Project is an estimated 200-megawatt (MW) solar array located in Lee County, Iowa. The Duane Arnold Solar Project will connect into the electrical transmission grid directly through the substation formerly used for the retired nuclear-powered Duane Arnold Energy Center. Once complete, the project will positively impact the environment and generate enough clean, low-cost energy to power at least 40,000 homes annually.

Fast facts

  • Location: Linn County.
  • Acreage: Approximately 1,100 acres.
  • Timeline: We expect to begin construction in 2023 and finish by late 2024.

Sign up to receive quarterly project updates directly to your inbox.

Economic benefits

  • We project the Duane Arnold Solar Project will have a positive economic output of up to $260 million in the state of Iowa, including up to $154 million in Linn County. This takes into account the cumulative ripple effect of new jobs, wages, tax revenue and other economic activity during construction and through the life of the project.
  • Lease payments to the participating landowners will provide long-term, stable streams of income 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 Linn 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. As it does, it will improve the quality and the ecological health of the watershed and surrounding bodies of water. The native plants reduce the nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, and biological oxygen demand that can lead to excess algae growth and habitat degradation.
  • Requiring only sunlight for fuel, the Wever 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.
See all our Iowa solar projects >>

Recent stories from our blog

Improving wind energy for all

Learn how three advancements make wind energy generation better for protected species, your ears and the environment.

Read More

Watts up with energy terminology

Learn more about energy terms like amps, watts, kilowatts and more.

Read More

The people behind renewable projects: Wind site managers

Wind site managers ensure reliable energy production from wind projects across the world.

Read More