Alliant Energy begins construction on Cedar Rapids community solar garden

Alliant Energy plans to build a community solar garden in Cedar Rapids, Iowa – its first in the state.

It is part of Alliant Energy’s Community Solar program, which allows customers to benefit from solar power without installing solar panels on their property. Subscribers receive monthly credits on electric bills for every block of energy purchased. The credits will begin once the garden is operational and then continue for the 20-year life of the project.

The Cedar Rapids garden will consist of 18,000 solar blocks, with each 250-watt block producing an estimated average of 541 kilowatt-hours annually.

“We are excited for our Iowa customers to enjoy the benefits of clean, renewable energy,” Terry Kouba, president of Alliant Energy’s Iowa energy company, said. “We anticipate all blocks will be sold quickly given the level of interest we’ve gathered from our Iowa customers. The Community Solar program is just one more way we can use our knowledge and resources to serve our customers while bringing them options and solutions to meet their needs.”

Construction on the 4.5 -megawatt project, located north of the 1100 block of 33rd Avenue SW, began this summer. It is projected to be completed in late summer 2023.

Several businesses are already interested, including Transamerica and Aegon Asset Management. The diversified insurance and investment group has committed to purchasing 60 percent of the garden’s solar blocks and becoming the project’s anchor tenant.

“At Transamerica and Aegon AM, we have embedded sustainability as a central pillar within our company strategy,” Chris Thompson, US CEO at Aegon AM, said. “Guided by our purpose, we aim to positively impact society and the environment, and we are committed to supporting the transition to a climate-resilient economy and a net-zero world. Part of that transition is participating in renewable energy opportunities like the Community Solar program in Cedar Rapids.”

Further, Alliant Energy will donate up to $400,000 in solar blocks from the Cedar Rapids community solar garden to Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity homeowners.

“We appreciate Alliant Energy’s donation from its community solar project and willingness to support our efforts to help local families,” Brittany Scanlon, executive director, Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, said. “Alongside their affordable Habitat mortgage, this partnership will further empower Cedar Valley Habitat homeowners through savings on the cost of their energy bills. Taking away the pressures of staying housed and keeping the lights on allows our families to focus on opportunities to improve their health, transportation, education, employment, and more.”

Over the 20-year life of the garden, Alliant Energy will issue up to $600,000 in bill credits to Habitat for Humanity’s participating residents. That would bring the total donation to an estimated $1 million.

Between the donation to Habitat for Humanity and Transamerica/Aegon, 66 percent of solar blocks have been reserved. More than 6,000 solar blocks remain available for subscription. Enrollment in the project is open for Alliant Energy’s Iowa electric customers on a first-come, first-served basis. Solar blocks are priced at $395 each.