Clēnera Renewable Energy, Central Iowa Power Cooperative, and RES Host Ribbon Cutting for Wapello Solar

Clenera, LLC, joined by Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) and RES (Renewable Energy Systems), hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony today at Wapello Solar LLC located near Wapello, Iowa. Landowners, federal, state, and local officials, along with energy industry leaders, gathered to celebrate the successful completion of the 127.5 MWDC solar facility.

Dignitaries in attendance included Iowa’s Lieutenant Governor, Adam Gregg; Senator Joni Ernst; Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks; and Iowa State Senator, Tim Goodwin.

Clēnera partnered with RES to construct Wapello Solar in six months, creating approximately 250 jobs at peak construction. Despite beginning construction during the COVID-19 pandemic, Wapello Solar progressed with little to no delays and entered commercial operation on March 8, 2021.

Located on nearly 800 acres, Wapello Solar features 318,000 bifacial solar panels supplied by Risen Energy that are fixed to FTC Solar’s Voyager single-axis trackers, which are optimized for bifacial performance. The 34 Sungrow inverters work to convert the 127.5 megawatts of direct current into alternating current. Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO) is purchasing the demand and energy from Wapello Solar through an exclusive 25-year power purchase agreement.

“The commercial operation of Wapello Solar adds an important source to our diverse portfolio for member-owners,” said CIPCO Executive Vice President and CEO Bill Cherrier. “CIPCO strives to provide wholesale power and services in a safe, reliable and cost-effective manner, and Wapello Solar moves this mission forward.”

“Wapello Solar highlights RES’ vision to create a future where everyone has access to affordable zero carbon energy, and we are pleased to see this project achieve commercial operation,” said Tim Jordan, Senior VP of Solar Construction at RES. “This project is a real credit to all the construction workers, suppliers, and stakeholders who worked tirelessly to get to the finish line.”

FTC Solar’s CEO, Tony Etnyre, said, “We are thrilled to partner with Clēnera and RES on this wonderful project, which is a major milestone for solar energy in Iowa.”

“The Wapello Solar Project is another landmark for the strong multi-year partnership between Sungrow and Clēnera. Clēnera’s entrepreneurial and impressive PV/Storage portfolio met with Sungrow’s bankability and technology prowess will continue to effectively support the national mobilization towards building the renewable future,” said Hank Wang, President of Sungrow Americas.

“We look forward to supplying Clēnera projects through dynamic industry leaders like RES and are energized by their enthusiasm in selecting Sungrow as a long-term technology partner,” added Karsten Mall, Sungrow’s recently appointed General Manager of the Company’s North American division.

“On time is more money,” paraphrased Mr. Bypina Veerraju Chaudary, CSMO of Risen Energy. “Placing close to a third of a million bifacial long-life solar panels in Louisa County, in time for grid connection, ensures that the good people of Iowa can have clean energy and its associated benefits, today, and for many decades to come.”

“At Clēnera, we believe in supporting local communities and providing reliable, affordable, and clean energy to utilities and the valuable people they serve,” said Clēnera CEO, Jason Ellsworth. “We appreciate the support for Wapello Solar from Clēnera’s utility, technology, EPC, and landowner partners, as well as the community and local businesses.

At the end of the ribbon cutting ceremony, Clēnera, CIPCO, and RES presented charitable donations to Wapello High School’s STEM activities, Wapello High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) program, and Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach office, respectively.

About RES

RES is the world’s largest independent renewable energy company active in onshore and offshore wind, solar, energy storage, transmission and distribution. At the forefront of the industry for 39 years, RES has delivered more than 19 GW of renewable energy projects across the globe and supports an operational asset portfolio exceeding 7 GW worldwide for a large client base.  We understand the unique needs of corporate clients and have secured 1.5 GW of power purchase agreements, enabling access to energy at the lowest cost. RES employs more than 3,000 people and is active in 10 countries. For more information, visit www.res-group.com.