Solar fairs planned for Eastern Iowa

Area residents interested in Iowa's growing solar industry are invited to attend two upcoming solar fairs in Eastern Iowa.

Solar energy fairs, which are free to the public, take place April 8 at the Delaware County Community Center at Manchester's Delaware County Fairgrounds, 200 E. Acers St., and May 20 at the Citizens State Bank Youth Development Center at Monticello's Jones County Fairgrounds, 700 N. Maple St.

Both events are from 8 a.m. to noon.

Lori Scovel, executive director with Limestone Bluffs Resource Conservation and Development, said the fairs are designed to be one-stop-shops for people interested in solar power, specifically for personal energy production.

Scovel said it's an industry that is growing increasingly popular in Iowa.

'It seems everyone is just more aware of our renewable energy sources. It's just one more option for responsible citizens to consider,” Scovel said.

Scovel said the events, which aim to attract about 100 people each, are modeled after a solar fair held in Tipton last year.

Speakers at the solar fairs include Scott Timm and Greg Brenneman, with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, and Asbury City Administrator Beth Bonz. Presentations are to focus on new solar technology and how cities and communities have taken advantage of solar power.

In addition, presentations are expected to look into what Scovel said is a growing market for solar - agriculture.

'The largest growth area in solar in Iowa is the ag community,” she said. 'This year we focused more on trying to engage our farmers and livestock producers. We kind of tweaked our education presentation to reflect that.”

Fairs also include a vendor expo featuring solar energy suppliers and installers.

In addition to the solar fairs, Iowa lawmakers - including state Reps. Liz Bennett, Ashley Hinson and Kirsten Running-Marquardt - plan to tour Linn County solar installations today, with stops at Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center, SiteGen Solar, Kirkwood Community College and World Class Industries, according to a news release. The tour is not open to the public.

l Comments: (319) 339-3175; mitchell.schmidt@thegazette.com