Letter: Alliant’s solar program is misleading

I am writing to echo Becky Stanfield's assessment of the Beyond Solar program in her Aug. 28 guest column 'Is Beyond Solar program a bit shady?”

I was proud to install solar panels on my home four years ago, not only because it helps the environment but because it also enables me and my family to control our own energy consumption and financials.

I appreciate the investments Alliant Energy has made in wind and solar generation, but the Beyond Solar program is misleading for customers and would not be a good deal for people like me who are passionate about solar energy. Charging such an expensive premium for Beyond Solar will not lead to new renewable energy. It was much more economical for me to build my own residential solar system. Currently, my monthly electric bill from Alliant is less than their base cost to enroll with Beyond Solar. The economics of the Beyond Solar program simply don't work for customers, and I personally would caution anyone from participating.

All Iowans should have the ability to invest in, and benefit from, renewable energy if they so choose. I urge Alliant to rework the Beyond Solar program to make it a true community solar garden with each new investment going toward new solar panels. The program as currently proposed simply sells renewable energy Alliant already generates at an unfair price.

Steve Luse

Decorah

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