CRESTON, Iowa – Officials with Alliant Energy report crews last week began construction on the Panther Solar Field in Creston. The 1.4-megawatt solar project partnership is between Alliant Energy and the Creston Community School District.  The solar project falls under the Alliant Energy® Customer-Hosted Renewables program. The company expects it will be operational in early 2025 and provide lease payments to the district for at least 20 years.

Creston School District Superintendent Deron Stender says “It has been a pleasure to partner with Alliant Energy to develop a solar garden on district property. The solar garden reflects the joint effort to support renewable energy, and provide educational opportunities and valuable resources for children, staff, Creston Schools and the community.” In addition to generating reliable, renewable energy, the Panther Solar Field will help Alliant Energy understand the benefits of placing projects on the local distribution system. With a local energy source and increased efforts to underground electric lines, Alliant Energy hopes customers see increased reliability in the community.

The school can use the approximately 2,500 solar panels as an educational opportunity for students of all ages.  Alliant Energy says the Panther Solar Field is an important part of the company’s Clean Energy Blueprint, their roadmap to diversifying its energy mix, and accelerate its transition to renewable energy. The company’s Clean Energy Vision includes a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from its utility operations by 2050.