Solar panels on a home's roof. (CREDIT LINN COUNTY)
The Grow Solar East Central Iowa program announced that Iowans that opted into its group buy option earlier this year have contracted more than 459 kW of solar power, accounting for $1.3 million in local investment.
Administered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, Grow Solar allows homeowners/organizations to grow solar power opportunities in their communities.
The option of a group buy discount is made possible by homeowners that choose to pool their money together through a single solar installer. Eagle Point Solar, based in Dubuque, was the selected installer for the program, providing information to those interested in the program.
According to a news release from the program, “the initiative emphasized solar education and volume purchasing to make solar even more affordable. Offered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 1000 Friends of Iowa, and The Nature Conservancy in Iowa, with support from the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, multiple communities within the six-county region, and the Iowa Energy Fund, the program enabled property owners in a six-county region to pool their buying power together to secure significant discounts that make installing solar more affordable.”
The solar systems installed through the program will avoid greenhouse gas emissions equal to 370 metric tons of carbon dioxide in the first year alone. That is equal to avoiding driving a passenger vehicle 866,857 miles or burning 378,125 pounds of coal.
“We’re grateful to the community partners who helped spread the word and make this program possible,” said Emily Kavanagh, Climate and External Affairs Associate at The Nature Conservancy in Iowa. “This program empowers homeowners with knowledge and resources that can help them take greater control of their energy use and save money over the long term.”
Grow Solar also hosted “Solar Power Hour” informational sessions, concluding in the fall, giving free presentations on Grow Solar and solar power information.
More information on the program can be found on their website.
