Along with sunnier days, a limited-time program kicks off in April to give people access to solar education and competitive prices for residential, business, and farm solar installations through volume purchasing. Building on past successes, Linn County and Johnson County are combining efforts with several partners to offer Grow Solar Linn + Johnson Counties to residents throughout both areas.
Area homeowners, farmers, and business owners can attend online, free one-hour solar Power Hours to learn about solar and the volume purchasing, and sign up for free quotes and site assessments. The Midwest Renewable Energy Association is again providing program assistance, with the launch taking place at 6:30 p.m. on April 13. People can register for the kick-off or other Power Hours as well as program alerts at linnjohnson.growsolar.org. Program information will also be posted at https://www.facebook.com/GrowSolarLinnJohnsonCounties
The Linn + Johnson Grow Solar program will have more emphasis on energy efficiency than in years past. Program partners Green Iowa AmeriCorps and Johnson Clean Energy District will provide energy efficiency information and, to eligible households, at-home energy efficiency kits. In addition, home energy assessments may be able to be scheduled for the fall, when it is safe to do so.
In addition to the two counties, primary partners for the program include the City of Cedar Rapids, the City of Iowa City, Green Iowa AmeriCorps--Cedar Rapids/Matthew 25, Green Iowa AmeriCorps--Iowa City, Johnson Clean Energy District, Johnson County Conservation, Linn Clean Energy District, Linn County Public Health, and The Nature Conservancy in Iowa. The installer for the program will be Eagle Point Solar.
Group purchase programs provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to invest in high-quality, renewable energy solar installations and realize savings, while also helping reach sustainability goals. Estimated first-year savings on utility bills have ranged from $690 to more than $1,000, depending on the size of the array.
Grow Solar Linn + Johnson Counties is administered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA) at no cost to the counties or other program partners.
Additional information can be found in the original press release.