Post Author's Photographer By Kristin Eggen May 8, 2020

By Joel Zook, Energy Planner

These truly are unprecedented times. With the partial shutdown of our economy that is now slowly crawling back, it’s hard to know what the “new normal” will look like. We do know however, that there are good opportunities to invest in our local economy through energy efficiency and renewable energy. Those investments will help create a more robust and resilient economy. Money that we can spend or save here in Winneshiek County can be spent and recycled through the local economy again and again.

In response to the pandemic, we’ve already seen a tremendous outpouring of support from our community. From people sewing masks and gowns for medical workers, deliveries of food to elderly and immunocompromised households, to curbside takeout orders and pre-purchases of gift cards of temporarily closed businesses. We’ve banded together to get through this, and we will.

Here’s an Energy District reminder that local solar installers are part of our community too, and are still open for business! If you’ve been considering solar and are able, making that decision and investing now will help keep Winneshiek County strong “? just as your support to local businesses on main street has helped them through this tough time.

Many electricians have enacted new measures to keep their employees and customers safe when doing residential work “? others temporarily suspended work in homes altogether. The good thing is that most of the solar work is outside and provides our local electricians a good opportunity to keep working while maintaining the recommended social distancing. All the local contractors I’ve spoken with are still bidding on new solar installs and would be happy with your business.

If you’ve considered solar in past years or have been curious about how it will work for you “? now’s the time to act. Solar prices are far lower than even a few years ago, but costs appear to be leveling out. Remember too that the federal and state solar tax credits are phasing out. The federal dropped from 30% to 26% this year, will be 22% next year, and zero for residential (10% for business) starting in 2021. The Iowa solar tax credit will equal 50% of the federal, so phases out on the same schedule.

Interest rates are at an all-time low so now is a good time to apply for a solar loan, or consider refinancing your home with the solar rolled into the loan. Homes with a good solar exposure can often save more money through energy savings than the payments (both principal and interest) of a 10-year loan during those first 10 years, and then provide nearly-free power for another 10 or more!.

Make an investment in your home or business and in our local economy. Check out our list of supporting solar installers or ask your electrician about going solar today.


Kristin Eggen first came to the Winneshiek Energy District as a Green Iowa AmeriCorps member in 2015. Eight years later, she is thrilled to lead the grassroots clean energy movement in Winneshiek County. Kristin deeply appreciates rural communities, Northeast Iowa, community sustainability, and nonprofit management. She uses The Art of Hosting Conversations that Matter methodology and graphic recording services to drive strategic conversations around community sustainability, justice, fundraising, and nonprofit health.

Love this post?

Share it with family and friends.

Sign up for our newsletter.

Don’t miss these

How to Request Use of the Mobile Solar Generator

August 13, 2026

Winneshiek County Emergency Management welcomes community organizations and municipalities to request use of the county’s newest asset for temporary use at special events. The Sun …

WED Speaks in Support of Energy Committee, Solar at School Board meeting

August 5, 2026

At the June 13, 2026 Decorah Community School District school board meeting Executive Director Kristin Eggen shares support for creating an ad hoc energy policy …

Solar Ribbon Cutting at Winneshiek County Recycling Facility

February 3, 2026

The sun shone on Tuesday, January 28 as a small crowd gathered to celebrate Winneshiek County Recycling’s one year anniversary of being a solar powered …