Solar Sustainability Program

This video is about one of the sustainability programs currently available in Linn County, Iowa. The Solarize program supports extending solar power use in the area. The Solarize initiative started in 2017, when a group of homeowners supported by Linn County and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, came together to educate themselves and transform their energy supply into solar energy in their community. Since then the initiative has spread across Iowa and other Midwestern states.

• How do solar energy programs in Cedar Rapids work? 

• How do these programs benefit the population and conservation efforts?
• What are the benefits in terms of reliability, safety, cost, cultural and environmental impact these programs can bring to a community? Are there any downsides to these programs?
• What benefits would my own home have in going to this program? What are the drawbacks?

Students could: 

• Research reliability, cost, and effect, and impact on nature and society that this program has brought to communities in Iowa.  
• Investigate how solar energy programs work, from the engineering standpoint up to the commercial aspects. They should argue with evidence the benefits and possible downsides these technologies may have in the communities and the environmental impact.
• Research other options and programs available to the community and create a project/presentation comparing the alternatives.
• Receive a visit from an expert from the Sustainability Office or the corresponding office in their counties. 

• IGreen Cedar Rapids | What is Sustainability?: This website explains the different sustainability programs established in Cedar Rapids and the current efforts to use and promote renewable energy.
• Iowa Economic Development | Grants, Loans, and Tax Incentives: Document from Iowa Economic Development that explains the financial incentives to change into renewable energy.
• Linn County | Sustainability: This document explains the programs established in Iowa to educate the community about sustainability initiatives. It also explains the history of sustainability in our state.
• Linn County Conservation | Strategic Plan: Linn County’s strategic plan for conservation and sustainability as updated in January 2020.
• Linn County Conservation | Alternative and Renewable Energy: Introduction: This document explains renewable energy risks and opportunities for our communities.
• Iowa Environmental Council | Clean Energy: This website explains the different programs and initiatives for renewable energy in the state of Iowa.