In Iowa the area experiences enough sunshine to warrant a solar rating of “good”, making it a viable candidate for a solar energy system. The average Iowa resident’s electrical usage is 10,428 kWh/year. If a Burlington homeowner has 400 square feet of roof space for a Photovoltaic solar collector array and $36,000 for equipment and installation – less $10,800 from a federal tax credit – electricity usage can be reduced by half. The benefits include:

• An estimated increase in property value of $8,540
• An estimated 25-year utility savings of $17, 918
• An estimated 25-year greenhouse gas (CO2) reduction of 107 tons
• IA provides a property tax exemption for 5 years for any market value added by the solar system