Starting May 15, homeowners, farmers and business owners in Jasper and Poweshiek counties can access a solar installation program. Coordinated by the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 1000 Friends of Iowa and the Nature Conservancy in Iowa, the program is designed to help cut down on energy costs by offering discounted solar panel installations. “Newton residents interested in the potential environmental and economic value of installing solar energy on their property now have access to the resources of Grow Solar, upon approval by city council,” Newton Mayor Evelyn George. “Grow Solar Community Resources assist property owners through the process of going solar, including education, financial incentives, permitting and choosing a reliable contractor.” The program is also made possible with community support from Jasper County, the city of Newton, the city of Prairie City and Imagine Grinnell. Through a solar group buy, community members join together to get better pricing on solar panel installations. This year, Ankeny-based 1 Source Solar has been selected to be the program’s installer. Previous Grow Solar programs have been offered in Polk, Johnson, Linn, Jackson, Dallas, Warren and Black Hawk counties. Nearly 4 megawatts of new energy generation has been added through those programs. For more information, visit growsolar.org/jasper-poweshiek.