SOLAR ENERGY

SOLAR ENERGY. Dubuque was chosen in 2014 as a pilot community for solar-readiness program funded by the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The $20,000 grant was used to examine city policies and ordinances to find easier ways of installing solar energy. (1)

In addition to using rooftop solar arrays, two recommendations were made. One was the creation of a new solar permit that would simplify the application process and track solar array installation. This would also include solar installer certification classes with the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation and providing public education about incentives available or solar projects. The second recommendation was reviewing height and setback requirements for ground-mounted arrays. (2)

Due to a drop in the cost of solar energy, a proposed solar array constructed in Dubuque beginning in 2016 would be the largest single site in the state of Iowa, according to officials with ALLIANT ENERGY CORPORATION. The two sites, which would span 32 acres at two spots in Dubuque, could be operational by the end of 2017. One of the sites would be located on 26 acres just west of Dubuque's industrial parks, and the other closer to downtown, on the site of the old A.Y. McDonald foundry. (3)

The project in Dubuque was planned to provide a blueprint for how solar energy could best be used across the state of Iowa. Both of the sites, a growing industrial site and a vacant former industrial site, were very common in Iowa. By utilizing these two sites, the company hoped to learn how to develop similar sites across the state. (4)

The site located closer to downtown was also to provide a more strategic outcome for both Alliant and the city. When completed, the entire system, operating in ideal conditions, could generate four megawatts of energy, or more practically, power more than 500 homes each year. The cost of the project would be Alliant's; it would not cost the city any out of pocket expenses. (5)

Between 2014 and September 1, 2016 businesses in Dubuque reduced their energy usage by 10 million kilowatt hours according to Alliant. That was equal to removing 7,392 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent from the air and not sending $1 million out of the community annually. MERCY MEDICAL CENTER spent $100,000 to "retro-commission" its hospital resulting in $72000 in annual energy savings.

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Source:

1. Barton, Thomas J. "Energy Rising for Solar Projects in Dubuque," Telegraph Herald, September 1, 2016, p. 3A

2. Ibid.

3. Hanson, Brad. "Proposed Dubuque Solar Array Would be the Largest in the State," KWWL.com, June 23, 2016. Online: http://www.kwwl.com/story/32296895/2016/06/23/proposed-dubuque-solar-array-would-be-largest-in-state

4. Ibid.

5. Ibid.