Joel Zook, Energy Planner I am taking another hard look at solar panels for my home. My roof is not an ideal site for solar; It faces west and is heavily shaded through most of the morning. I ran the numbers shortly after buying my house and the payback was longer than I was willing to commit to. However, it’s been a few years and prices continue to fall. Additionally,
Kristin Eggen, Communications Specialist Electric vehicles (EVs) have long been of interest to those seeking to decrease fossil fuel dependency and generate power in their communities through renewable energy. As the EV market grows in response to high fuel costs and clean transportation needs, we are excited about the clean, efficient transportation that EVs can and will offer. From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on June 2nd at the Winneshiek County Fairgrounds
Earlier month WED Energy Planner Joel Zook met up with journalist Pam Reinig of the Clayton County Register to talk about farm energy: PR: How many farm energy plans have you conducted? JZ: I’ve done about 20 Farm Energy Plans myself, start to finish. But the energy District has helped over 60 farmers complete Farm Energy Plans. I came on midway through the Energy District’s farm program and have helped
Home, farm and business owners gathered at Elkader’s Keystone Area Education Center on Saturday, March 18th for the Clayton County Energy District’s LED Lighting Workshop. Local vendors and contractors greeted attendees who gripped cookies and complementary coffee after during the 9:00am registration hour. Attendees soon migrated to the main presentation room where Clayton County Energy District’s board president Harry Blobaum welcomed the group. Winneshiek Energy District Energy Planner Joel Zook started
If you have installed a solar system recently but not yet sent in your state tax credit application, we suggest you do so immediately. First, talk to your installer to check whether they submitted it for you. If they did not, visit this Iowa Department of Revenue page to learn more. If your system became operational in 2016, you must apply for the tax credit by May 1. There are
With the end of Alliant Energy’s renewable rebates on the horizon, Alliant customers should act NOW to save their spot in the rebate program. Solar panel prices are great right now, and non-Alliant energy customers (without rebates) are seeing excellent payback times on their systems. Really. We’ve said this before, but if you are thinking about installing solar panels, now is the time. Panel prices are at their lowest in years
There has never been a better time for installing a solar photovoltaic array on your house. Prices on solar panels have dropped steeply over the past few years, with more and more panels being produced. Incentives are great too. There is a federal income tax credit on 30% the installed cost of renewable energy (with no upper limit). Iowa has recently passed a state income tax credit for 15% of
The Green Business Challenge: Save Energy and Save Money! The Winneshiek Energy District is encouraging businesses to save energy and save money with the Green Business Challenge. Businesses that sign up for the Green Business Challenge will gain recognition for their efforts and qualify to win one of three intensive electrical audits from Smartgreen.com energy consulting valued at over $3,000. Businesses that sign up for the Green Business Challenge enter