Hy-Vee Chariton Distribution Center Solar Array

Origins:

Hy-Vee is at the helm of the largest customer-hosted solar project of its kind in the state of Iowa. The grocery retailer partnered with Alliant Energy to construct the 2.86-megawatt Chariton Solar Field adjacent to its Chariton Distribution Center in southern Iowa. The 12-acre site, the first phase of which became operational in August 2024, consists of 4,400 solar panels and is projected to generate enough energy to power 360 homes each year. Hy-Vee also partnered with construction teams SunVest Solar and Tri-City Electric to site and build the solar field. Additionally, Iowa State University researchers will use an on-site apiary to gather data on the best mix of plants to grow on the solar field to attract pollinators and learn more about what fruits and vegetables can be grown between the rows of solar panels. The apiary was funded by Hy-Vee and the Alliant Energy Foundation. Future plans for the site are expected to include an additional solar array that will increase the total generation capacity to power all of Chariton, Iowa, including Hy-Vee’s extensive distribution center operations in the area. By generating clean energy that goes directly to the community and sustaining its investment in rural Iowa, Hy-Vee continues to strive toward its mission of making lives easier, healthier and happier.

Contribution:

In 2023, Hy-Vee committed 12 acres of the 95-acre Chariton Distribution Center campus to be developed into a solar field. As a leading grocery retailer, Hy-Vee is committed to doing its part to protect the environment and its communities through sustainable practices such as the Chariton Solar Field. In addition, as attracting people to live and work in rural communities becomes more difficult, this project is part of Hy-Vee’s multi-pronged approach to change that. The solar field will not only help power Hy-Vee operations and the local community, but it will also help attract and maintain a strong workforce while focusing on quality of life for younger generations. By partnering with regional energy provider Alliant Energy and Iowa-based construction teams, Hy-Vee was able to realize its sustainability and community investment goals. The first phase of the solar field became operational in August 2024.

Objectives:

Hy-Vee’s main objective for the Chariton Solar Field is to generate renewable energy and enhance sustainability across the company’s supply chain. By partnering with Alliant Energy and Iowa State University, Hy-Vee seeks to drive innovation and measure the long-term impact of the initiative while promoting another key objective: supplying energy to the Chariton community while reducing the company’s overall carbon footprint. Through the apiary, Hy-Vee aims to benefit the environment and community by supporting pollinator health and biodiversity, as well as being an educational resource. Hy-Vee’s partnership with Alliant Energy also resulted in an investment in a fleet of 30 electric refrigerated trailers, reducing the retailer’s reliance on diesel fuel. This effort furthers Hy-Vee’s goals of quieter idling near stores and increasing operational efficiencies. The Chariton Solar Field serves as a pillar of Hy-Vee’s sustainability efforts by setting a precedent for environmental responsibility and leadership within the food retail industry.

Impact:

Since the first phase became operational in 2024, Hy-Vee's Chariton Solar Field has produced measurable environmental and community benefits as the clean energy generated goes directly to Hy-Vee operations and the community. The 2.86-megawatt system reduces local dependence on energy alternatives, such as fossil fuels, and directly aligns with Iowa’s transition toward clean energy initiatives. In addition to community benefits, the 12 acres on which the solar field is situated enables the large-scale project to be located adjacent to Hy-Vee’s Chariton Distribution Center, which efficiently integrates sustainability into Hy-Vee's supply chain operations. Through the on-site apiary, Iowa State University researchers have started gathering data on the best mix of plants to grow on the field to attract pollinators and what fruits and vegetables can be grown between the rows of solar panels. The apiary will reveal how to best sustain bee colonies, which play a crucial role in pollination, maintaining a healthy ecosystem, and food production. The project has also strengthened relationships between Hy-Vee, Alliant Energy, SunVest Solar, Tri-City Electric and Iowa State University, demonstrating how corporate partnerships can result in scalable clean energy solutions.

Quote:

“Hy-Vee’s supply chain employees, as well as our retail teams, are focused on making sure that we operate as sustainability as possible. This new solar field project is incredibly exciting in that it represents a more sustainable energy future for Hy-Vee as well as a chance to partner with multiple organizations to see how we can work together to help create a more sustainable energy future for all the areas Hy-Vee serves.”

- Jeremy Gosch, Chairman & CEO, Hy-Vee, Inc.

Support Statement:

“These initiatives encapsulate what can happen when a forward-looking company like Hy-Vee partners with their local energy company to advance sustainably. Hy-Vee’s decision to be a leader in this space is something we’re extremely proud of as we deliver on our purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.”

- Mayuri Farlinger, President, Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company