Grow Solar Jasper + Poweshiek County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 1, 2025
Contact: Jessica Maldonado jessica.maldonado@policyworksllc.com 515-577-6388
Grow Solar Jasper + Poweshiek County Initiative Announced Businesses and Homeowners can Pool Purchase Power for Solar Savings
IOWA – The sun is shining for homeowners, farmers and business owners in Jasper and Poweshiek County, as the Grow Solar Jasper + Poweshiek program is set to commence on May 15th. The program will allow individual home, farm and commercial property owners to access competitive prices for solar installations through the power of volume purchasing.
The program is coordinated by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), 1000 Friends of Iowa and the Nature Conservancy in Iowa, with community support from Jasper County, the City of Newton, the City of Prairie City and Imagine Grinnell.
“Newton residents interested in the potential environmental and economic value of installing solar energy on their property now have access to the resources of Grow Solar, upon approval by city council,” said Newton Mayor Evelyn George. “Grow Solar Community Resources assist property owners through the process of going solar, including education, financial incentives, permitting and choosing a reliable contractor.”
Building on years of experience with solar programs in the area, this year’s group buy is an opportunity for residents to purchase a home solar system at a below-market cost. Partnering with local governments and community groups, the program is designed to help homeowners, small businesses and farmers cut down on energy costs by offering discounted solar panel installations. Past programs have helped Iowans save an estimated $690-$1,000 in their first year, depending on the size of the array.
“In times of uncertainty and climbing prices, one thing remains the same: we all need electricity,” says Evonne Waugh, Grow Solar’s program manager. “Investing in solar means securing lower bills for many years ahead.”
Through a solar group buy, community members join together to get better pricing on solar panel installations. Grow Solar will host free educational sessions, known as “Solar Power Hours,” to help everyone understand the ins and outs of solar energy. After these sessions, interested homeowners will be connected with a trusted solar installer for personalized site assessments and project proposals.
This year, 1 Source Solar has been independently selected to be the program’s installer. “We’re thrilled to once again be working with the Grow Solar program to expand solar access in our region,” says LaBrent Lawler, solar specialist at 1 Source Solar. “Jasper and Poweshiek counties have great solar potential, and we’re excited to share this opportunity with them.”
The benefits of switching to solar are clear and long-lasting. “Once you go solar, you start saving on your electricity bills immediately,” says Amber Markham of The Nature Conservancy. “And since panels last for decades, those savings really add up, making solar a wise long-term investment.”
Previous Grow Solar programs have been offered in Polk, Johnson, Linn, Jackson, Dallas, Warren and Black Hawk counties. Nearly four megawatts of new clean energy generation has been added through those programs, generating millions of kilowatt-hours of clean power every year. Previous programs have collectively saved residents hundreds of thousands of dollars on energy bills and significantly reduced carbon emissions.
“Previous Grow Solar initiatives in our area have already helped more than 500 households and businesses go solar,” shares Kari Carney, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Iowa. “Incentives that make solar much more affordable are still in place, making 2025 a great time to go solar!”
The program’s free Solar Power Hours will be hosted throughout the spring and summer, both in-person and virtually. The first Solar Power Hour is scheduled as a virtual session on May 15th. To register for the first event and find more information about the program, visit www.growsolar.org/jasper-poweshiek.
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association promotes renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable living through education and demonstration.
Grow Solar Jasper + Poweshiek Counties, led by MREA, the Nature Conservancy in Iowa, 1000 Friends of Iowa and Imagine Grinnell with community support from Jasper County, the City of Newton, and the City of Prairie City, facilitates group buying of solar panels to make solar energy accessible and affordable for residents and businesses in Jasper and Poweshiek Counties.
1 Source Solar has been providing solar and energy storage solutions for Iowa homes, businesses and utilities since 2015. 1 Source Solar has installed over 1500 solar projects, and is proud to foster the growth of the solar workforce in Iowa.