Alliant working with S. Korean company on solar installation

Alliant Energy is partnering with the South Korean company Hanwha Q Cells USA to construct a new solar power installation in the Town of Beloit on Alliant’s property.

Hanwha Q Cells USA will put up the 2.25-megawatt solar field, which it will own. Alliant has a 10-year contract with the company to purchase the electricity generated by the solar cells. The 2.25-megawatt output is enough to power 2,000 homes.

An Alliant spokesperson said the project will provide more clean energy in the region and also enable Alliant to meet the requirements of a 2013 EPA consent order directing the company to reduce air pollution at its power plants.

Construction is slated to begin later this year, and the new solar array could be operational in early 2016.