By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will present a public workshop on solar energy Monday, October 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Northeast Iowa Community College Conference Center in Peosta.
The session, titled “Fundamentals of Solar Energy in Iowa,” will help Dubuque County residents and local leaders better understand how solar energy systems work and how communities can plan for renewable energy projects.
The event is part of the Iowa Reliable Energy Siting through Technical Engagement and Planning (Iowa R-STEP) program. This statewide initiative provides education and support to Iowa communities considering large-scale solar projects.
The workshop will cover key topics such as how solar energy functions, the basics of sound local ordinances, and strategies for making informed community decisions about solar installations.
“Workshops like this give communities a chance to learn the facts and ask questions in a constructive way,” said Luke Seaberg, community development specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Local officials, landowners, and residents all benefit when decisions are based on reliable information and open conversation.”
Iowa R-STEP is a collaborative program led by ISU Extension and Outreach with participation from Iowa State faculty specializing in planning, economics, and engineering. It also involves nonprofit partners including the Iowa Environmental Council, the Center for Rural Affairs, and the Great Plains Institute.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Iowa R-STEP aims to strengthen community engagement in renewable energy development across the state.
This Dubuque County workshop offers an opportunity for residents, local officials, and landowners to learn more about solar power’s benefits and challenges while ensuring energy decisions are informed and community-driven.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education, Energy