Iowa Events Center solar project could top $7M+

• Wells Fargo Arena could also become one of the first arenas in the nation to adopt large-scale solar, potentially setting Polk County as a leader in how to better use government buildings to lower operation costs, IEC general manager Chris Connolly tells Axios.

Catch up fast: The IEC complex of downtown buildings is owned by Polk County and includes Wells Fargo Arena, Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center and Hy-Vee Hall.

• Their roofs cover much of a six-acre campus.

Zoom in: The solar idea began about two years ago as county supervisors discussed IEC improvements and goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

State of play: The estimates include creating premium parking near some IEC entrances that would use solar canopies to shade cars and offer EV charging ports.

• The county's exploratory process is ongoing, county administrator John Norris tells Axios, and estimates do not include federal incentives that could offset costs.

The big picture: The U.S. Department of Energy provides guidance for local governments to integrate solar into their facilities.

• The state of New Mexico, Edina, Minnesota and Iowa City are examples of public entities adding solar to public buildings.
• Des Moines is building a solar field anticipated to be completed this year.