Des Moines set to build its first municipal solar field

Des Moines will construct a solar field on the city's southeast side under plans approved by the Plan and Zoning Commission last week.

Why it matters: It's DSM's first municipal solar field and another step in the city government's goal to eliminate its use of fossil fuel by 2035.

• It will produce enough energy to power new greenhouse and animal control facilities, city engineer Steve Naber told Axios last week.

Details: The field will be located at sites near Southeast 15th and Maury streets, on city properties that are adjacent to the new facilities that are in the works.

• The solar project will cost between $3M-$4M.
• Construction will start next spring and take about a year to complete.

What's happening: The city is going through a formal process to vacate segments of an alley so the four-acre site can be better developed for the projects.

• A timeline for a return on investment through energy cost savings has not yet been determined, Devin Perry, a city spokesperson, told Axios this week.