Installation of the largest single solar production facility in Iowa is nearly complete and should be generating electricity early this month.
Luther College in Decorah is installing the $1.2 million solar energy field.
Located on two acres on the north side of the college campus, the system includes 1,250 solar panels that can generate 280 kilowatts of electricity on sunny days.
Electricity will be used by Baker Village, an all-electric student housing facility that uses geothermal energy for heating and cooling.
The solar field will be connected to Alliant Energy's distribution line and when the panels produce more electricity than is being consumed the excess will flow into Alliant's system to power nearby homes in Decorah.