Nonprofits in Allamakee County complete major energy projects following recommendations from the Allamakee Energy District

submitted by the Allamakee Energy District

In 2024, the Allamakee Energy District (AED) started offering free energy assessments to non-profit organizations in Allamakee County with funding from the Just Transition Fund, a project of the Rockefeller Philanthropies.

To date, AED has contacted 35 non-profit organizations in Allamakee County. It has provided detailed on-site energy assessments to 20 entities and other forms of assistance to six others.  Five nonprofits in the county recently completed major energy projects.

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing recently installed a 42 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) array on a non-utilized south-facing slope behind the church’s parking lot. The system is sized to generate approximately 90% of the electricity the church and the rectory consume over a typical year.

The Archdiocese of Dubuque provided low-cost financing for the entire $109,000 project, which has an eight- to nine-year projected payback. Northeast Iowa Mechanical installed the system.

Father Joseph Sevcik, pastor of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, commented, “As Christians, we strive to be good stewards of our resources. The Vatican has been installing solar systems over the past year. After reviewing our Energy Audit and Solar Assessment from Paul and Jim (Paul Cutting and Jim Martin-Schramm of AED), it was clear to our Pastoral Council that this solar project would be a great benefit in multiple ways. The Archdiocese helped us to make it happen.”

Also in Lansing, the United Methodist Church implemented AED’s energy planning recommendations that the church complete its LED lighting upgrades and replace several 45-year-old electric furnaces with high-efficiency heat pumps that are at least 50% more efficient. Tri-State Heating is currently installing the $63,500 heating system.  The church raised two-thirds of the upfront cost through a capital campaign and took a 10-year loan to finance the rest. The energy cost savings over time will exceed the installed cost and help support the church’s ministry in Lansing.

Pastor James “Buck” Buckhahn of United Methodist Church was able to use his secular engineering experience along with help from AED to develop a comprehensive bid package for their aging HVAC system and cost-saving measures in upgrading the church’s lighting to LED. Being 100% reliant on electricity for heating, the new heat pump system will help free up additional money for ministry.

Once these energy efficiency projects are completed, the church may consider AED’s solar site assessment, which concluded that a 19 kW solar array could generate all the electricity the church consumes and be paid off in 7.25 years with energy cost savings.

In Waukon, First Presbyterian Church recently implemented all of the measures recommended by AED’s energy planner, Paul Cutting. Northeast Iowa Mechanical installed 10 mini-split heat pumps as well as a 15 kW solar array that has a projected 6.5-year payback period. In addition, the church hired Kerr Electric to install LED lighting in the Fellowship Hall. In total, the projects cost $101,500 and were paid for with fundraising, internal savings, and energy cost savings.

Rev. Grant VanderVelden, pastor of First Presbyterian Church, remarked: “When the church leaders first started planning this project, we quickly realized that we were facing a steep learning curve. None of us were experts in commercial solar power, and we weren’t sure where to start. Jim and Paul from the Allamakee Energy District were invaluable partners who helped us ask the right questions, and they provided much-needed expertise and encouragement that guided us well through unfamiliar territory. The folks at the Allamakee Energy District are a blessing to our community.”

Also in Waukon, TASC, a nonprofit that supports individuals with disabilities, recently replaced all of the fluorescent lighting in its facility with more efficient LED fixtures per AED’s recommendations. Closer to Harpers Ferry, the Friends of Yellow River State Forest contracted with Eagle Point Solar to install a 21 kW solar array that will help power seven buildings - including the forester’s office, park technician office, sawmill, wood shop, and garage.

Other nonprofits in the county are implementing or will soon implement energy planning recommendations provided by AED. For example, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Waukon recently voted to install a 23 kW solar array, which Novak Electric projects will be completed in May 2025.  AED helped the nonprofits installing solar arrays understand how they could reduce the cost 30-40% by accessing the financial value of federal tax credits available to nonprofits via cash grants after the projects are up and operating.

For additional information, contact AED’s Outreach and Engagement Coordinator, Jim Martin-Schramm, via email at james.martin-schramm@cleanenergydistricts.org or call 563-202-0909.