Butler County, NE — February 4, 2026
Sandhills Energy will host its first community engagement events for the Butler County Solar Project on February 25 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM at the Hruska Memorial Public Library. The meeting will give Butler County residents an opportunity to learn more about the project, ask questions, and engage directly with the Sandhills Energy team. These meetings are part of Sandhills Energy’s community-driven process to ensure the project is shaped with local priorities at the center.
Butler County Solar is designed to operate for 35 years, and across that lifespan, it’s expected to generate more than $20 million in local nameplate tax revenue, supporting education, local infrastructure, and essential public services across Butler County. Construction for Butler County Solar is scheduled to begin in Q2 2026, with completion anticipated in Q4 2027.
A Major New Source of Local Energy
Once operational, the 232.1-megawatt (MW) Butler County Solar facility will rank among the largest solar projects in the state. Located south of Columbus, the installation is expected to generate around 390,000 megawatt-hours of electricity in its first year, equivalent to powering 38,000 homes.
Since 2019, Sandhills Energy has worked closely with community leaders, landowners, utilities, and Nebraska Regulatory Agencies to guide the project’s development. Sandhills Energy’s development focused on land stewardship, environmental protection, and long-term energy needs to ensure the project integrates responsibly into the region.
“Successful solar development starts with trust,” says Brian Boerner, Senior Vice President of Development. “From siting decisions to construction planning, and long-term operations, this project has been guided by people who live and work in Nebraska.”
Long-Term Economic Benefits
Butler County Solar is projected to generate $627,184 in annual nameplate tax revenue, based on 2024–2025 tax levies. “Over the project’s 35-year lifespan, that amounts to more than $20 million in consistent revenue for Butler County,” says Brian.
Those dollars help strengthen local education through David City Public Schools, Central Community College, and Education Service Unit #6. They also support vital infrastructure and public services, including the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District and the Bellwood Rural Fire District. An estimated 200 construction jobs will also be created over the two-year site development process. The project will also employ up to five full-time, skilled staff throughout the operating life.
Trusted American Expertise
This 232.1 MW project will use the latest in solar technology to deliver reliable, long-term energy, and Butler County Solar is being developed with leading American-based partners known for domestic manufacturing, resilient design, and utility-scale expertise.
- DEPCOM Power, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, is a nationally recognized engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firm specializing in utility-scale solar. DEPCOM brings deep construction experience and a focus on workforce development, local job creation, and community investment.
- First Solar, headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, is America’s leading photovoltaic technology and manufacturing company. Its advanced thin-film solar modules are produced domestically and designed for reliable performance at utility scale.
- FTC Solar, based in Austin, Texas, supplies wind-resilient tracking systems engineered for regions that experience extreme weather conditions, including the high-wind environments common in Nebraska.
Community Event Details
When: February 25 • 5:30–6:30 PM
Where: Hruska Memorial Public Library (399 N 5th St, David City, NE 68632)
Residents are invited to:
- Meet the Sandhills Energy team
- Discuss the project
- Learn how Butler County Solar supports local energy, jobs, and long-term economic growth
Save the date and get updates on our Facebook Event.
For further information, please contact:
news@sandhillsenergy.com
About Sandhills Energy
Sandhills Energy is a renewable energy development company focused on commercial and utility-scale energy generation. Sandhills Energy manages every stage of project development—from site identification through engineering, construction, and operations. Working closely with utilities, municipalities, and landowners, Sandhills Energy accelerates the adoption of renewable energy across the Midwest and Great Plains.
