The Winneshiek County Planning & Zoning Commission is looking for ways to encourage solar and wind power installation--while making sure they are regulated properly

Winneshiek County Zoning Commission members are inviting all Winneshiek County residents interested in renewable wind and solar energy to two public meetings.

The February 11th meeting about solar energy and the March 10th meeting about wind energy are aimed at giving the public a chance to share concerns, suggestions and ideas for how the county should write regulations that will benefit solar energy and wind energy generation while protecting the health, safety and welfare of county residents.

The regulations would apply to solar and wind energy installations outside city limits of all cities in the county.

The 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 11th meeting will focus on solar energy. It will be held in the Courthouse Annex at the SE corner of the Courthouse parking lot.  Homeowners with solar arrays, those thinking of installing solar arrays, solar installers, firefighters who may need to deal with solar arrays, landowners or developers who are thinking of installing solar fields, and interested county residents are all welcome.

The second public meeting will be at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 10th, and will focus on wind energy.