Project Overview
Southpaw Solar is an expected 450-megawatt solar and energy storage system, featuring a form of agrivoltaics, proposed by Ranger Power in Louisa County, Iowa.
Project Details
In Louisa County, the photovoltaic panels used in the Southpaw Solar Project will be surrounded by prairie grasses and pollinators compatible with grazing and beekeeping.
Rows of solar panels will be spaced out, wide enough to drive a vehicle between, for the care and maintenance of the land.
The project, located on the open and sunny portions of the land of private landowners who have chosen to participate in the project, is designed to prevent glare and minimize sound.
Solar energy provides local farmers with a stable source of income during times of volatile input prices while protecting their land for future generations. The Southpaw Solar Project will be located primarily on fields and vacant land.
Southpaw Solar is Committed to Preserving Quality Farmland
Dual Agricultural Use
The project area will remain productive and engaged in agriculture throughout its operational life. By featuring a form of sheep/cattle grazing or other compatible crop use, the land will be productive in both clean energy generation and traditional agriculture.
Temporary Use of the Land
The project is designed to be a temporary use. At the end of the project’s life, all equipment will be removed and the land can be returned to traditional farming. Financial assurance will be provided to Louisa County before construction begins to ensure funds are available to decommission the project.
Native Vegetation Under the Solar Panels
This vegetation helps reduce erosion, improve soil health, and support the long-term agricultural productivity of the land.
Supporting Local Farm Families
Payments on voluntary leases provide participating landowners with stable income, helping family farms remain intact for future generations. This stability helps preserve the agricultural heritage of Louisa County.
Southpaw Solar is expected to bring:
Job Creation
Southpaw Solar will bring over 1,400 new jobs to Iowa, including locally sourced construction jobs and up to 40 additional jobs supporting ongoing operations and maintenance after the project’s completion.
Tax Revenue
Southpaw Solar will generate over $20 million dollars in local tax revenue over the lifetime of the project, directly benefitting the Louisa County community.
Community Investment
The project will bring a stable source of income to farmers and landowners through leased land payments, providing income that can be used to stabilize or expand existing farming operations, make purchases at local community shops and restaurants, pay bills, or buy new equipment for their farm.
Revitalized Ecosystems
Solar energy supports the local ecosystem with native vegetation and pollinator habitat, reducing runoff, and pumping nutrients back into the soil as it lies fallow.
Long-term Job Opportunities
Southpaw Solar creates up to 40 long-term jobs during the operations phase of the project.
Project End
At the end of the Southpaw Solar project life, facilities will be removed completely, and the land will be available for future agricultural use.
Get in touch
Contact Ranger Power
A strong partnership with local residents is key. Ranger Power welcomes questions about the Southpaw Solar project. We believe that taking a community-first approach by sharing information, listening and adapting is part of our responsibility and helps build a project that communities can support.
If you would like to learn more about the Southpaw Solar Project, please reach out to our team or send a letter to show your support.