Des Moines solar field to begin operations on former landfill site

Des Moines' first municipal solar field is expected to begin generating power Friday.

Why it matters: Harriet Street Solar Field will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of about 570 homes, bringing the city closer to a carbon-free electricity goal.

Zoom in: The $2 million project will provide renewable energy to DSM animal control and greenhouse facilities.

The intrigue: The site — near the corner of Southeast 15th and Harriet Streets — was previously a landfill, making it difficult to redevelop for most other uses, city architect Ann Sobiech Munson tells Axios.

• The city is planting about 17 acres of pollinator habitat and native grasses around the site.

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