State's solar energy tax credit program is underfunded, local energy experts say

Three energy experts talked with members of the Winneshiek Energy District on Tuesday.

One topic of discussion was the State of Iowa's solar energy tax credit program.  The Iowa Legislature has allocated $5 million in the state budget to cover solar energy tax credits.  This year, solar energy users submitted $12.6 million in claims.

Iowa Environmental Council staffer Kerri Johannsen says the legislature should have allocated $15 or $20 million towards the program.  $5 million "is not an appropriate amount," she told Winneshiek Energy District members.

Those submitting the additional $7.6 million in solar energy tax credit applications now will have to wait two or three years before their credits kick in.  Johannsen says that makes it harder to persuade people to authorize solar energy projects, especially for businesses.