Since going online in 2024, Des Moines’ first free-standing city solar field has produced more than 1,800 MWh of electricity — enough to power 280 homes for a year, according to a recent social media post from the city.
Once an unregulated dump site, the Harriet Street Solar Field now largely powers two neighboring city facilities: Animal Rescue League Animal Services, 1441 Harriet St., and a nearby greenhouse. Costing around $3 million to construct, the project provides renewable energy and marks a step toward the city’s goal of achieving carbon-free electricity, city officials said.
The electricity produced by the solar field has avoided over 1,527 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions, city officials said in the Facebook post. The panels have a 30+ year life expectancy, officials wrote.
Approved in 2023, ADAPT DSM is an ambitious climate action plan that aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 in Des Moines. The plan also seeks to make city buildings more efficient, improve access to alternative transportation, such as walking and biking, and invest in alternative forms of energy, such as solar panels for city buildings.
More: Des Moines cut sustainability staff in 2025. What’s happened since?
Since the city eliminated its dedicated sustainability team in 2025 due to budget cuts, the city hired contractors to help plan its first community resilience hub, a resource center residents could turn to when disaster strikes, and to work with city staff on other climate initiatives outlined in ADAPT DSM. Des Moines city staff updated City Council members about the contracts at a work session on Monday, June 8.
Harriet Street Solar Field is among several other solar installations on city property. Other installations include the panels on Fire Station 11, 4150 E. 42nd St., the parking garage across from the historic Des Moines City Hall, 400 Robert D. Ray Dr., the Municipal Services Center II, 1700 Maury St., the Franklin Avenue Library, 5000 Franklin Ave., and the Reichardt Community Recreation Center, 915 College Ave.
The area around the solar field also includes planting of native grasses and a pollinator lawn, a mix of low-growing plants that attract pollinators, like bees, former city architect Ann Sobiech-Munson said in 2024.
(This story was updated because it contained an inaccuracy.)
Virginia Barreda is the Des Moines city government reporter for the Register. She can be reached at vbarreda@dmreg.com.

source