Dollars and Sense: Roeder takes advantage of renewable energy through solar incentive programs

by Lissa Blake

A great way to save some money while doing the right thing. That’s what Waukon resident Paul Roeder had to say about his recent installation of 16 solar panels on the roof of a storage shed in his backyard.
“Our whole standard of living is tied to the amount of energy that we use. If we believe that our kids are going to have a better standard of living than we do, it’s going to take more energy,” said Roeder.
Roeder, who sits on the Allamakee County Planning and Zoning Commission, is an advocate for renewable energy. While he works as a wind turbine project developer, he definitely appreciates the advantages that come with solar power. “The benefit of solar is that there are no moving parts,” he said.
He said he got the idea for installing the solar panels after a conversation with Waukon’s John Blake of Blake Electric. Blake is a certified installer of solar electric systems. “John had done some work for us and we got talking about renewable energy and he shared some of the incentives with us,” said Roeder.

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Roeder said he was pleased to find the federal government has a program that pays for 30 percent of the project cost, and that Iowa has a program that mirrors that. Blake said the Iowa incentives cover 15 percent up to $3,000 for residential, or up to $15,000 for businesses. In addition, Alliant Energy has incentives that can add up to another 25 percent.
“The question I asked John was 'where else can I get a 60-percent return on my money in the next six months?’ … I think if people knew these programs were out there, they would look into it and go after it,” said Roeder.
In addition to the tax credits, Roeder said the solar panels will cut his electric bill by 45 to 50 percent. “I’m looking at a nine-and-a-half-year pay-off (on the equipment) and shielding myself from any price increases (from the electric company). Inflation won’t hit my pocket book like everyone else’s,” he said. “If someone has a fixed income, this is an area they can control.”
Roeder said the whole process, from start to finish, takes from 60 to 70 days. “It’s a great way to do the right thing and save money. And make the world a better place for ourselves and our grandkids,” he said.
“Two thousand years ago, people oriented their houses facing the sun. As my grandmother used to say, ‘Work it smart, don’t work it hard,’” he said. “These incentives can change your lifestyle and what comes out of your pocketbook by making some good decisions. I’m really hoping to encourage people to look at renewable energy.”
Roeder added, “John’s done a great job and he’s passionate about his work. He’s the go-to guy when it comes to this stuff.” Both Roeder and Blake said they’d be happy to visit with anyone interested in learning more about solar and the incentives associated with it.
Blake added, when choosing a solar technician, it’s important to ask about his or her experience. “You definitely don’t want to be somebody’s guinea pig. It’s important the installer knows what they’re doing.”
For more information, contact Roeder at 563-380-1397 or Blake at 563-568-7768.