Unlocking Solar for Your Business

Interested in learning how solar energy can work for a business? Solar energy is a cost-effective tool that businesses can leverage to reduce operating costs and achieve business sustainability goals. These savings can be reinvested in your people, and clean energy investments make businesses more competitive as consumer demand increases for sustainable business practices.

Many barriers exist for widespread solar adoption including gaps in education and understanding of permitting and zoning. That’s why communities across Polk County have come together to offer the “Grow Solar Polk County” program for area businesses and homeowners.

Grow Solar in DSM

Grow Solar is a group purchasing program that provides businesses and residents the opportunity to pool their purchasing power together for savings on solar installations. This type of program combines volume purchasing with community education to make solar more accessible and affordable for area property owners. It has been successful in other Iowa communities, including Waukee, Dallas County, Warren, Linn, Johnson and Jackson counties.

Powered by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association (MREA), Grow Solar is a program coordinated by the Nature Conservancy in Iowa and 1000 Friends of Iowa, with support from the City of Clive, City of Granger, City of Grimes, City of Elkhart, City of Des Moines, City of Johnston, City of Urbandale, City of Pleasant Hill, City of West Des Moines and City of Windsor Heights.

Nearly 20 “Solar Power Hour” educational events will be hosted throughout Polk County and virtually during the summer months. Power Hours are great opportunities to learn about solar and if it may be a right fit for a business. We thank the Greater Des Moines Partnership for co-hosting a virtual power hour on Wednesday, June 22. Register for the June 22 event and check out the full calendar of events at Polk.GrowSolar.org.

Innovative technology, like solar, is leading to a cleaner, cheaper and more efficient energy future, but it can be difficult and time-consuming figuring out if solar is right for a business or home. The Nature Conservancy in Iowa is a proud supporter of this program because it breaks down logistical barriers and brings a community together with the professional and educational materials they need.

Group purchase programs provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to invest in high-quality, renewable energy solar installations, while also helping reach sustainability goals. In similar programs, estimated first-year savings on utility bills have ranged from $690 to more than $1,000, depending on the size of the array.

Going solar can offer both economic and environmental benefits for your business. We hope you join us at the Solar Power Hour to learn more.

Looking for tools to help grow your startup or small business? Visit the Small Business Resources Hub to find the information you need or sign up for Mentor Connection to build relationships with a trusted group of mentors.