Solar energy – clean, cheap, deployable virtually anywhere -- is the world’s fastest growing energy source. This can’t happen fast enough, because solar energy is the nation’s linchpin for lowering fossil fuel emissions and slowing climate change. Currently, only 3.4% of the nation’s energy supply – and less than 1% of Johnson County’s -- is solar.
Here at JCED, we’re reaching out to communities about diversifying their energy supply with solar projects to reduce costs and increase resilience. Recent initiatives include a collaborative study on ramping up solar in Iowa City; a series of Solar Energy Breakfasts for community leaders; and a proposed county-wide forum on solar expansion with Better Together 2030. More details on that in Fall, 2023.
Iowa City Solar 2035
Recommendations:
- Create an environment conducive to rapidly advancing solar technologies;
- Develop a solar vision by engaging residents, business districts, and other groups;
- Solarize facilities with high intrinsic value, equitable access, and wide public support;
- Create and market a highly visible, well-integrated, and socially beneficial solar program to assist in the expansion of solar in the region.
Solar Energy Breakfasts 2022-2023
Four Solar Energy Breakfasts were held to provide community leaders with expert information and case studies on distributed solar. The well-attended meetings were hybrid – on site at MERGE in downtown Iowa City, and online to offices and coffee tables around the county.
View the recordings and slide presentations for each meeting