$10 million worth of green rebates  are proposed by the Democrats in the Senate for Iowans who install solar panels or small wind turbines to power.

Dave Krejchi, the President of Dalton Plumbing, Heating and Cooling in Cedar Falls says “Our measurements show that the systems we have installed reduced energy for hot water consumption by 75 percent. That is a huge energy savings provided by the sun. Based on our experience we believe solar is the growth industry for us and for Iowa.” 

Senator Joe Bolkcom, a Democrat from Iowa City, said that Iowa is going to offer same solar power rebates as neighbouring states like Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. These rebates will be offered on installation of solar panels and small wind turbines.

The Green Energy systems cost up to $10,000.  Installing solar panels to provide electricity for an entire home can cost up to $40,000.  These scheme will benefit over 1300 individual Iowans and up to 400 businesses in form of tax credits.  Senator Pam Jochum, a Democrat from Dubuque, says it will help a “diverse group” of small businesses that are installing these small-scale solar and wind systems.

Jochum said that “It will build a solar energy economy that will benefit every community in our state.”  The proposed rebate is up to $3000 for residential solar and wind projects and $15000 for businesses.

“What our fledgling Iowa solar and small wind industry needs now are customers,” Bolkcom says. “Our proposal for home, farm and business consumer rebates will help jump-start this industry in every Iowa county.”