Polk County launches a new solar initiative

• Solar panels are being added to Polk County's administration, River Place offices and North Side Community Center buildings.

Why it matters: The system will generate enough energy to power the equivalent of more than 300 homes and kick off what could become a massive collection of government-owned electricity fields.

Catch up fast: Three years ago, Polk County set a goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 90%.

• Transitioning to an electric-based vehicle fleet and installing new heating and cooling systems are among the recent steps.

Driving the news: Supervisors approved a $2.3 million contract for the solar project this week.

• Construction will begin in the next few weeks and take about six months, Adam Draayer, a county employee and climate team member, tells Axios.

Zoom in: Payback on the investment will take around a decade and ultimately save $5.1 million over 30 years. Federal tax credits will pay for about a third of the project.

• Power generated from the first sites will only offset county usage and won't generate revenue from the sale of excess electricity yet, Draayer said.

What's next: Panels could be installed at other county sites in coming years — including a solar field on top of the Iowa Events Center that could produce enough power for 3,000 homes.

• Panels that double as shade for cars parked on top of a city parking ramp along Court Avenue are also being considered, Draayer said.