The City of Columbus Junction is getting in on the solar power movement in Iowa by hosting a free workshop Thursday (11/3). Jared Todd, a native of Columbus Junction who works for the Iowa-based company Moxie Solar, will be conducting the seminar, which will outline the commercial, residential, and agricultural opportunities for installing and utilizing solar energy. Todd outlines some of the benefits of solar include getting back up to 45% of the total cost for individuals in tax credits, and up to 70% for businesses. He says that allows the system to effectively pay for itself within 3-5 years for businesses or 5-7 years for individuals, and allowing nearly 20 years of free energy. Additionally, it helps from a sustainability standpoint, because there are no emissions, as everything is pumped directly into the grid.

According to Todd, the tax credits were instituted to encourage solar installation. He adds, another contributing factor to the state’s solar boom is the cost, which has decreased by around 20% in the last year due to growing competition between providers and increased installation efficiency. Cost for solar arrays vary depending on size, but Todd says they can average between $10,000 and $20,000. Community Bank and Trust of Columbus Junction will be at the seminar to answer questions regarding financing. The workshop will start at 7 p.m. at the Columbus Junction City Hall. For more information, listen to the In Touch with Southeast Iowa interview with Todd at KCIIRadio.com. To register for the event, call 319-519-9182.