Expansion of Luther College solar energy farm gets city approval

The City of Decorah's Board of Adjustment has given its unanimous approval to a plan to expand the current Luther College Solar Farm by enough additional solar panels to generate 820 kilowatts. 

Solar panels generating around 100 kilowatts would be installed on the roof of Preus Library.  The remaining 440 kilowatts of panels would be installed behind the current solar panels on Pole Line Road and in the northeast corner of the adjacent field to the west.

Luther is leasing the current solar array from Decorah Solar Field, LLC, which is owned by Decorah resident Larry Grimstad.

The current solar facility produces 280-kilowatts through 1,250 solar panels along Pole Line Road.