Commentary: Legislation would help Iowans save on electric bills
Community solar can provide power and infrastructure upgrades where it is needed most, and power closest to where it is consumed by the community. Most importantly, community solar lowers the cost of electricity bills for subscribers.
Article link: Telegraph Herald
by LORI SAINE American Legislative Exchange Council and NICK BOEYINK Conservative Energy Forum
February 20, 2025
Community Solar has become a way for Weld County small farms to generate passive, reliable income while maintaining their current farming operations. Multi-decade leases for community solar projects give the young farmer an opportunity to counterweight large capital investments and fund the American dream.
We couldn’t have said it better! Thank you, Lori and Nick - We’re excited and proud to support community solar legislation in Iowa that can provide much-needed support to farmers and ratepayers.
“Commentary on Community Solar Legislation in Iowa
Community solar represents a meaningful step forward for Iowa’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. Legislation to support this initiative not only aligns with the state’s values of self-reliance and innovation but also paves the way for long-term economic growth, grid reliability, and environmental stewardship.
Empowering Farmers with Opportunity
One of community solar’s greatest benefits lies in its compatibility with Iowa’s farming heritage. Farmers have long faced challenges in balancing the uncertainties of agricultural life with substantial capital investments. Community solar offers them a way to generate passive, reliable income without disrupting their primary farming operations. By utilizing less-productive land or grazing areas for multi-decade solar leases, young farmers can offset costs, stabilize their finances, and invest in growth opportunities that bring their American dream closer to reality.
Lightstar has witnessed firsthand the transformational power of solar partnerships on farming lands. Guided by a commitment to land stewardship and innovation, we have seen how these projects preserve farmland, empower farmers, and strengthen communities. These partnerships aren’t just about energy; they’re about empowering the individuals who are the backbone of Iowa’s economy.
Strengthening Grid Reliability in Rural Areas
Rural Iowans are no strangers to the challenges of electric infrastructure. Long stretches of power lines that serve sparsely populated areas increase costs and can impact reliability. Community solar offers an elegant solution. These projects strengthen the reliability of the electric grid while paying for their grid interconnection, keeping Iowa’s utilities whole. By locating power generation closer to where energy is consumed, especially in rural areas, community solar improves efficiency and reduces reliance on distant and costly infrastructure upgrades.
Economic Growth and Sustainability
Community solar doesn’t just create energy—it creates opportunities. These projects fuel job creation in construction, maintenance, and other related industries, ensuring economic benefits stay local. Iowa’s younger generations, often drawn to cities for work, could find new opportunities tied to their rural roots. Supporting these initiatives means strengthening the future of both agriculture and clean energy in the heartland.
Beyond economic benefits, these projects demonstrate leadership in sustainability. Clean energy production from solar panels not only reduces carbon emissions but also aligns with Iowa’s commitment to environmental stewardship. For farmers and landowners, engaging in community solar is a way to care for the land while ensuring it remains productive for future generations.
An “All-of-the-Above” Approach to Energy Production
Advocating for community solar does not mean abandoning traditional energy resources. Instead, it’s about diversifying Iowa’s energy portfolio and giving landowners the freedom to explore new income opportunities. Supporting clean, renewable energy projects strengthens Iowa’s energy independence and makes power more affordable for everyone by introducing healthy competition into the energy market.
A Call to Action
The proposed community solar legislation is an investment in Iowa’s future. It’s an opportunity to uplift rural communities, empower landowners, and create a more sustainable energy ecosystem. Stakeholders—farmers, voters, policymakers, and business leaders—must recognize the value in providing landowners the tools to harness clean energy for themselves and their communities.
Lightstar’s mission is rooted in collaboration and stewardship, and our work is a testament to the potential of community solar. We believe Iowa has a unique chance to lead nationally in adopting these initiatives, setting a standard other states can follow. Together, we can strengthen rural communities, enable farm viability, and ensure that Iowa remains a beacon of opportunity for generations to come.
To Iowa’s leaders and voters, now is the time to act. Support community solar, and take a step towards a brighter, more resilient future for Iowa. ”
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