A Real-Life Story of How Solar Is Powering a Stronger Missouri Community

In the heart of Scott County, Missouri, Kelso Solar is taking shape as one of the largest solar projects in the state’s history. When complete, the 430 megawatt (MWdc), two-phase project will generate enough affordable, homegrown energy to power more than 62,000 average Missouri homes each year. Representing a $500 million private investment in Missouri’s energy infrastructure, Kelso will boost the state’s installed solar capacity by nearly 50%, helping meet growing demand for reliable power while keeping more of that investment right here at home.

As energy needs continue to rise, projects like Kelso are proving that utility-scale solar can be both practical and powerful for local communities — bringing jobs, tax revenue, and lasting economic benefits alongside the low-cost electricity it generates.

Supporting Rapidly Growing Demand with Made-in-America Innovation

As the U.S. faces its biggest surge in electricity demand in decades, projects like Kelso Solar are scaling fast to meet the need — delivering affordable energy through infrastructure built on American soil. With long-term, stable, and cost-effective pricing over the 35-year life of the project — and no exposure to volatile fuel costs — large-scale solar also strengthens America’s resilience to fuel price swings and global instability, including the kinds of geopolitical shocks that have historically sent fossil fuel prices soaring.

The rapid rise of energy-intensive industries — including artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and domestic manufacturing — is driving the urgent demand for reliable, low-cost power. Nationwide electricity use is forecasted to grow 35-50% by 2040. Solar is stepping up to meet the moment. In 2024 alone, solar accounted for 66% of all new electricity capacity added in the U.S., thanks to its unmatched speed of deployment, reliability, and economic value.

Kelso Solar as a Showcase of U.S. Manufacturing and Innovation

Kelso underscores Arevon’s commitment to maximizing the use of American-made products and bolstering domestic manufacturing, strengthening the nation’s renewable energy supply chain.

Kelso puts American innovation to work, using advanced technology and domestically manufactured materials to power the project. Key components include:

• Nearly one million solar panels manufactured by First Solar, the largest U.S.-headquartered solar panel manufacturer ranked among the world’s top 10 solar manufacturers. Founded in Ohio in 1999, First Solar operates three factories in the state, with a fourth in Alabama and a fifth underway in Louisiana.
• Advanced solar trackers from U.S. based Nextracker, the global leader in intelligent solar tracking technology. These systems help maximize the project’s energy output by precisely following the sun’s path throughout the day. The company has partnered with steel fabricators across the country to expand its U.S. manufacturing footprint and support thousands of jobs.

Local Economic Benefits: Jobs, Revenue, and Growth for Scott County

Kelso Solar is a clear example of how solar can be an economic game-changer for rural communities — delivering a stable, long-term source of revenue with minimal strain on public services, especially compared to developments like residential subdivisions that increase demand on schools, roads, and water infrastructure.

The benefits to Scott County are substantial and lasting:

• $34 million in new property tax revenue over the life of the project — increasing total county tax revenue by 10%, with more than $27 million directed to Scott County school districts.
• Up to 450 jobs created during construction, with a focus on hiring local labor.
• An anticipated $63.2 million added to Scott County’s gross domestic product (GDP) during the construction phase, with another $3.3 million annually during operations.¹
• 8.65 billion gallons of water saved each year compared to a similarly sized fossil fuel power plant — helping preserve local water resources.
• More than 600,000 metric tons of CO₂ emissions avoided annually, supporting a healthier environment for the region.

“An immediate, positive impact from Arevon’s Kelso Solar Project is an increase of nearly 10% in our local tax revenue. That’s significant for our district — especially given the current state of public education funding, where state and federal support is limited. Local dollars make a real difference. Arevon’s presence boosts our tax base right away. And what does that mean? It takes pressure off local taxpayers. We don’t have to ask them to raise the tax rate to fund essential services. As a local taxpayer myself, I really appreciate that.”

– Dr. Bradley J. Kolwyck, Superintendent, Scott County R-IV School District

We Show Up: Arevon’s Community First Approach

At Arevon, we don’t just develop renewable energy projects — we show up, we listen, and we act as responsible partners to the communities that make them possible. That means more than delivering electricity. It means supporting local priorities through volunteering, event sponsorships, and direct community investments.

As part of our long-term commitment, Arevon allocates a portion of each project’s capital cost to local community benefits — ensuring our investments leave a positive and lasting impact beyond the project itself. In addition to the tax revenue Kelso Solar will deliver, Arevon will continue to support the Scott County community via direct investments through the life of the project.

The Arevon team has built strong partnerships throughout Kelso Solar’s development, contributing to efforts that enhance safety, education, health, and quality of life:

Strengthening Emergency Response

A specialized side-by-side emergency vehicle was donated to the Scott County Rural Fire Protection District, enabling first responders to access hard-to-reach areas during critical firefighting and rescue missions.

Investing in Future Generations

Funding from Arevon has supported the Scott County R-IV School District with campus safety upgrades, supplied construction tools for the high school’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapter, and supported educational programs that equip students with hands-on agricultural and technical skills. This includes support for KidWind, which since 2004 has developed high-quality, engaging materials to help P-12 educators bring renewable energy education to life in the classroom.

Fighting Hunger Locally

Partnerships with the Southeast Missouri Food Bank’s Mobile Food Distribution events have helped deliver essential groceries and resources to hundreds of families in Blodgett and surrounding communities.

Supporting Children With Special Needs

Contributions of new soft play equipment, physical therapy mats, and funding helped outfit the Activities of Daily Living room at the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center — a vital pediatric therapy facility serving children across the region. Arevon also matched the Center’s $300,000 telethon fundraiser to help build a new on-site therapy gym.

Ensuring Access to Clean Water

The City of Blodgett has faced a pressing need for a secondary water well since the 1990s, with residents voicing deep concerns about the lack of a reliable backup supply. A contribution from Arevon made it possible to install the well and new piping with a larger diameter discharge, doubling the town’s water output. According to the Scott County Fire Chief, this improvement will allow first responders to fight fires more quickly and effectively, protecting both property and lives. Beyond safety, the community views the project as the first step toward restoring Blodgett to the thriving small town it once was, while strengthening its water infrastructure for long-term resilience.

“Economic development comes down to two things: increasing tax revenue and creating jobs. Kelso Solar delivers on both — benefiting our local taxing jurisdictions and providing quality jobs that keep money flowing to local businesses. But Arevon goes further. They bring a true culture of partnership — sponsoring events, investing in local projects, and supporting nonprofits that improve life here in Southeast Missouri. That’s what a real community partner looks like — and that’s a win for economic development.”

– Marcie Lawson, President and CEO, Sikeston Regional Chamber and Economic Development Corporation

Voices From the Community: Progress in Their Own Words

At the Kelso Solar groundbreaking, Mayor Jim Simmons — a lifelong resident of Benton, Missouri — shared the town’s story. Settled by English, German, Dutch, and French families seeking a better life, early Benton thrived on farming, timber, and fur trading. That was progress then.

Fast forward, and Benton — fondly known as “Mayberry” by locals — has seen six new subdivisions, upgraded sports fields, and revitalized parks in just the past 10 to 15 years. More progress. Now, with Kelso Solar in the neighborhood, the momentum continues. The project brings healthier, homegrown energy, a stronger tax base, and a boost for local businesses — all without straining Benton’s resources.

Here’s what Scott County community members have to say about how Kelso Solar is delivering tangible benefits for local families and businesses:

Mayor Jim Simmons
City of Benton, Missouri
“Arevon has been very generous to Benton’s local businesses and our surrounding area. I am excited to see the positive impact Kelso Solar will have on our community.”

Marcie Lawson
President and CEO, Sikeston Regional Chamber and Economic Development Corporation
“Arevon’s Kelso Solar has already provided substantial economic benefits to our community. Projects like these not only ensure affordable, reliable energy, but also create jobs and boost revenue streams.”

Dr. Bradley J. Kolwyck
Superintendent, Scott County R-IV School District
“Over the past two years, and more recently, schools nationwide — and here locally — have experienced security challenges. We’ve worked extremely hard to install many safety products, processes, and systems to protect our students, staff, and community. The generous donation from Arevon, combined with a private contribution, will add one more layer of protection. We’re also grateful for the additional support that helps us advance our outstanding educational programs.”

Chief Jeremy Perrien
Scott County Rural Fire Protection District
“I want to express gratitude to Arevon for their assistance in acquiring the unique side-by-side. This equipment will enable us to expand public safety services, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. The acquisition benefits not only our fire district but the entire area, as it’s available for deployment upon request.”

Michelle Fayette
Executive Director, Kenny Rogers Children’s Center
“We just held our biggest fundraiser of the year — our annual telethon — and raised more than $300,000. Arevon shared that because we’re working to build a new gym, they are going to match those funds. That’s incredible. It’s a very, very exciting donation for the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center.”

Building America’s Energy Future, One Community at a Time

Kelso Solar reflects Arevon’s commitment to building more than just energy projects. It’s about powering America’s future while investing in the communities that make it possible. From creating jobs and strengthening local infrastructure to helping secure long-term energy independence, Arevon is proving that renewable energy can serve both national needs and local priorities.

As one of the largest solar projects in Missouri’s history, Kelso is a blueprint for what’s possible — delivering homegrown, reliable power while driving real economic value for rural communities. It’s a model for how solar can strengthen America from the ground up — one community at a time.

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¹Based on an independent study conducted in September 2023 by Strategic Economic Research, LLC and authored by Dr. David G. Loomis a Professor of Economics at Illinois State University.