Polk County Supervisors vote to install solar panels at county buildings

DES MOINES, Iowa — Polk County is making moves toward the goal of reducing its carbon footprint.

The county’s Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to approve funding for the first phase of installation of solar panels on three county-owned buildings. Solar panels will be installed in August at the Polk County Administration, Northside Community Center, and River Place facilities.

The county says the $2.3 million investment will save $5.1 million in energy costs over the next 30 years.

“Not only will this result in energy cost savings for taxpayers for years to come, but it signals our commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy,” said Polk County Administrator John Norris.

The first phase of solar panels is just one part of an effort to reduce the county’s carbon footprint by 90 percent by 2040. Other investments being considered are replacing county-owned vehicles with an electric vehicle fleet and using enhanced HVAC systems in county facilities.

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