Winneshiek County--Iowa's solar energy capitol

Since the State of Iowa began offering tax credits for solar energy systems in 2012, only two counties have had more than 100 qualifying solar installations--Johnson County, which has roughly 140,000 people, and Winneshiek County, which has just over 20,000 people.

State Senator Joe Bolkcom of Iowa City on Tuesday told members of the Winneshiek County Energy District that the county is "an amazing example" of how solar energy can be used to reduce energy costs and spur economic development.

The state's solar energy credit fund is now at $4.5 million.  Bolkcom told the Energy District audience he'd like to add another $5 million to the program during 2016's legislative session.

"This credit..has helped people save money on their energy bills..and has created employment opportunities around the state," said Bolkcom.  He says the state's $8 million in spending for the program the last three years has been matched by $50 million in private spending--and has created over 700 jobs across the state.