Cleveland Has Launched New Landfill Solar Projects

The city is converting underused landfill space into solar power arrays using federal grant funding.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Utilities

Isometric editorial illustration of solar panels installed on a sloped hillside, representing renewable energy development on repurposed land. — The City of Cleveland has begun constructing large-scale solar arrays on two former landfills, funded by a 2024 regional EPA grant. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The City of Cleveland has initiated plans to install solar arrays on two city-owned landfills to boost renewable energy generation. These projects are supported by a $129 million EPA grant awarded to a regional coalition in 2024.

Why it matters

The development aims to repurpose underutilized land while advancing the city's commitment to transition toward renewable energy sources. This initiative represents a significant step in regional efforts to reduce carbon footprints and lower long-term energy costs.

The projects will generate 7 MW of power at Kolthoff Drive and 2 MW at West 11th Street, contributing to a broader initiative targeting 53 MW of total solar capacity. This effort is supported by a $129 million EPA grant.

The players

Cleveland Public Power

This public utility operates electricity services for the city and currently manages a 4-MW solar project on a capped landfill in Brooklyn, Ohio.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

This federal agency oversees environmental regulations and provided the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants that funded the regional energy expansion.

The details

Developers Enerlogics Networks, Energy Independent Solutions, and Prairie Wind Group are spearheading the installation of these arrays, which will feature pollinator-friendly plantings. The Kolthoff Drive site will supply power to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, while the West 11th Street project will serve Cleveland Public Power customers.

Cleveland committed in 2018 to source 100% of its electricity from renewable energy by 2050.
A coalition of regional partners received a $129 million EPA grant in 2024 to support the energy projects.

Market Landscape

This move shifts the regional market by utilizing federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants to accelerate the adoption of utility-scale solar on unconventional land. The projects position the area to compete with other regions heavily investing in brownfield solar conversion.

Residents may see long-term energy cost savings as the city works to lower power expenses through these new installations. Additionally, the projects contribute to the broader municipal goal of reaching 100% renewable energy usage by 2050.

The takeaway

Repurposing contaminated or unused land for renewable energy projects offers a dual benefit of land reclamation and clean power generation. Communities can look to this model as a practical strategy for meeting ambitious long-term climate goals.