greenpenny Bank’s Parent Company, Decorah Bank & Trust, Recognized for Solar Initiatives

Des Moines, Iowa – Written by Howard Learner, Iowa View contributor Howard A. Learner is executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization, which is engaged in Iowa with its Des Moines office.

Bankers understand finance, money and good investments. So, when community banks step up to install solar energy panels on their buildings, that’s a strong signal that renewable energy is both good for business and good for the environment.

Solar energy is accelerating in the Midwest as the technology keeps improving, the economics get better and environmental quality benefits are valued.

Decorah Bank & Trust added its first solar panel in 2008 and has installed enough building rooftop and parking canopy solar arrays at its Decorah and Cresco banks to power almost 20 entire Iowa households.

Solar energy is most available on hot, sunny days when peak demand occurs as air conditioners load is high and commercial electricity rates spike. More businesses are now looking to install solar energy on their buildings both to avoid high utility rates and to advance environmental values.

Decorah Bank & Trust has designed loan programs that often cover 100% of small-business, residential and farm renewable energy projects. The grants and tax credits available for Iowans installing solar support loan repayments, making this another example of how doing good can be good business.

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Author, Howard Learner