Recap: Going Solar Workshop
Did you miss our 2015 Going Solar Workshop at Luther College? Well don’t worry. We’ve got video of the lectures, along with other valuable information from the event.
View a PowerPoint presentation document on Iowa Solar Incentives.
Additional Solar Resources
We’ve got lots of great resources about how to go solar in our resources
View our Solar Installer Resource page.
View our Solar Incentives Resource page.
Learn about Decorah Bank and Trust Energy Efficiency and Renwable Loans.
The commercial panel began with Kelly Brickley, Certified Public Accountant from Hacker, Nelson & Co. who shared insights into tax incentives for solar installations. Carlton Kjos, Stephen Belay, and Lyle Luzum, followed Kyle by sharing their personal stories of why they added solar to their businesses or farms and the benefits that followed.
On the residential side, Ben Grimstad and Mike Huinker of Decorah Bank & Trust offered insight into the affordability of solar panels, while Barb & Jim Dale discussed the outcomes of installing solar for their home.
An expo followed the panels where local installers and contractors continued to answer questions and schedule site assessments. Among these were Blake Electric, Decorah Electric, Twin Oak Energy Solutions, Perry Novak Electric, and Tom Massman Construction (Energy Star rated solar-powered spec homes). At least a dozen attendees registered for assessments.
The conversation didn’t end Saturday. Due to the unprecedented response, the Luther College Center for Sustainable Communities and the Winneshiek Energy District are already planning to facilitate another workshop in late spring/early summer. Resources from the workshop including videos and slideshows will be posted on WED’s website, and both organizations continue to provide current resources to those curious about going solar. Our corner of Iowa is fortunate to have numerous installers to choose from, making solar more affordable here than anywhere else in the state. We believe our region has the most customer-owned solar installations in Iowa. There’s never been a better time to finally pursue your interest in powering your home, business, or farm with the energy of the sun. Join the locally-led energy transition today.
Luther’s Center for Sustainable Communities and the Winneshiek Energy District thank all of the attendees, installers, and presenters for coming to our first Going Solar Workshop. We look forward to seeing more solar panels appearing soon on houses, businesses, and barns across Northeast Iowa.
Residential Lecture Video
Commercial Sector Lecture Videos