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Goldfinch Solar

Solar panels Solar panels

Supporting Solar Power in Iowa

As one of the most cost-effective sources of electricity available today, solar power is instrumental in achieving net-zero targets in Washington County, Iowa. 

Bechtel Enterprises supported the continued growth of solar infrastructure in Iowa by developing Goldfinch Solar, a 200-megawatt facility expected to generate enough clean energy to power up to 33,000 homes annually. In 2026, the project was sold to MidAmerican Energy, a Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. 

The facility will be built on private land in Washington County, Iowa, near existing transmission lines, reducing the need for new infrastructure. Low panel height will also protect visibility to neighbors and on nearby roads. 

Washington County Economic Benefits

The facility offers new sources of long-term local and state tax revenues for schools, government services, and public infrastructure and creates direct and indirect jobs during construction and operations. Additionally, Goldfinch Solar will provide business opportunities in Washington County for companies seeking to expand to locations with access to renewable power.

Fast Facts

200MW
Capacity

Upon completion, the facility will generate 200MW of energy.

33K
Homes

Goldfinch Solar will provide power for up to 33,000 homes.

  • Taxpayers are protected against decommissioning costs.
  • Existing transmission lines will limit the need for new infrastructure, helping to manage project costs.
  • Low panel heights will protect visibility for neighbors.

Our Experience in Renewables

Building on a history of partnering with customers and communities to deliver projects that enable current and future generations to thrive, Bechtel is applying over half a century of experience in power generation to work with the people of Washington County to reduce carbon emissions. In fact, Goldfinch Solar is not the first project Bechtel has developed in Iowa. Through a joint venture, we’re co-developing Salt Creek Wind in Tama County, Iowa, which is set to generate 270 megawatts of wind energy once completed.

Cutlass Solar 1 in Texas
Escape Solar in Nevada

Bechtel has also helped customers create solar projects around the world. Bechtel co-developed and built Cutlass Solar in Texas, and globally, we’re helping Sun Cable deliver the Australia-Asia PowerLink. We look forward to continuing to push the boundaries in this rapidly growing market as we develop more of our own projects and build toward a net-zero future.