MOLINE, Illinois (KWQC)— The project, which could be an alternative energy source, involves installing solar panels on land located south of the Quad Cities International Airport.

Currently, that area is used for farming, but it could also be used for solar panels.

“We look at crops that could be grown below the solar panel system that would be built. Alternatively, we look at pollinators because we know how important the pollination process is. When we look at this, we will be looking at what’s going on, not just locally in Illinois, but nationally and internationally,” said Bogdan Vitas, City Administrator of Moline.

Solar panels’ use is also beneficial for reducing the effect of climate change because they do not produce CO2, one of the greenhouse gases linked to climate change.

“The project would reduce the city’s carbon footprint and the cost of all the energy we consume. We consume about a million dollars in energy costs annually, and the solar panels would generate more than enough energy to offset the city’s costs”, said Vitas.

The project was set in motion when Moline joined the Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) program in July, which is part of the Department of Energy.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the program connects local organizations working towards cleaner energy with experts to help them redefine their plans based on their needs.

The solar farm is expected to be ready in the summer of 2026.

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