The solar industry is one of Iowa’s fastest growing job markets, but state regulators are considering a move which critics say would steer homeowners and businesses away from solar. An Iowa utility official disagrees, saying the changes will be a plus. Channing Congdon, with Fairfield-based Ideal Energy Solar, says changes are looming in what’s called “net metering,” the billing system that credits solar system owners who add power to the grid.
The Iowa Utilities Board is considering changes in how net metering is handled by Alliant and MidAmerican Energy. Congdon fears the ruling would “cap” net metering as soon as April 1st.
Current solar energy system users will be able to keep their current deal according to Congdon, but he says new solar users will be subject to the new regulations. He says it’ll have a “chilling effect” on new solar energy development in Iowa.
A coalition of solar companies and non-profit groups is trying to sway the Iowa Utilities Board’s ruling with an online petition.
