Homeowners, businesses and farmers in a six-county East Central Iowa region can again access discounted solar installation prices through the return of the Grow Solar program. This group purchase initiative allows individual property owners to pool their buying power for lower, competitive prices on solar systems.
The program is open to residents of Benton, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington counties. Organizers say it offers a way for participants to take control of energy costs, which are currently rising faster than in the past.
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association coordinates the effort in partnership with local entities including the East Central Iowa Council of Governments, the cities of Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, The Nature Conservancy in Iowa, 1000 Friends of Iowa and the Iowa Energy Fund.
“Solar provides local, predictable, and clean energy—helping Iowa communities manage long‑term energy costs and strengthen resilience,” said Sara Maples, Sustainability Program Manager with Cedar Rapids. “The Grow Solar campaign supports this transition by driving renewable‑energy job growth right here in Iowa.”
By generating a portion of their own electricity, solar owners can lower their bills and effectively “lock in” lower electricity costs, serving as a hedge against rising energy prices.
“By helping lower installation costs, the Grow Solar program aids participating residents, businesses, and organizations to start saving on their energy bills while contributing to a cleaner environment at the same time,” said Sarah Gardner, Climate Action Coordinator for Iowa City.
The bulk-buying approach results in lower prices than consumers could typically find on their own.
A committee of local stakeholders selected Eagle Point Solar as the trusted installer for the 2026 program. Dave Boekholder, VP of sales at Eagle Point Solar, noted the program’s value in bringing “energy and environmental awareness, solar education, bulk installation savings, and trusted expertise” to the communities.
Previous Grow Solar programs in Linn and Johnson counties have been successful, resulting in the installation of more than 3 megawatts of solar power by over 500 residents and small businesses.
“TNC has been proud to partner on Grow Solar programs throughout the state that have helped Iowans collectively save hundreds of thousands of dollars on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Emily Kavanagh, Climate & External Affairs Associate at The Nature Conservancy.
The program will host free educational sessions, called “Solar Power Hours,” throughout the spring and summer, both virtually and in-person. The first event is scheduled for May 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Big Grove Brewing in Cedar Rapids. A second in-person event will be held May 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Big Grove location in Iowa City.
Interested homeowners who attend the sessions will be connected with Eagle Point Solar for personalized site assessments and project proposals.
For more information, a full schedule of events and registration links, visit www.growsolar.org/eci.
