Published on August 03, 2026
AMES, Iowa – Learn more about solar energy production and take a guided tour at the SunSmart Ames Solar Farm “Solar Showdown” event from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27. The solar array is located west of Sam’s Club at 623 Airport Road.
This family friendly event will include games and trivia, information from various City of Ames departments, as well as showcase the sheep being used for natural vegetation control, bee colonies and honey production in collaboration with Iowa State University, and landscaping that emphasizes pollinators and native plantings. Guided tours of the large-scale, 10-acre solar farm will be provided.
“So many Ames Electric Services customers have invested in our community solar farm, but few have seen it up close,” said Nolan Sagan, City of Ames Sustainability Coordinator. “We are excited to show how much is taking place at the solar farm."
The SunSmart Ames Solar Farm was completed in December 2020 with hundreds of participants investing in energy production. Ames Electric Services customers can still purchase shares in the solar farm, called “Power Packs” at $240 each. Each Power Pack represents 175W of generating capacity. For those who may be in Ames a short time, Power Packs are transferable and can be donated or sold to another Ames Electric customer or back to the utility. For more info, visit: www.CityOfAmes.org/Solar.
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