Four Churches, One Municipal Government in Allamakee County Complete Solar Projects

Your contribution today guarantees Decorah News is asking the questions tomorrow. Act now. ALLAMAKEE COUNTY — Four churches and one municipal government in Allamakee County recently completed major solar energy projects with help from free energy planning services provided by the Allamakee Energy District. The city of New Albin recently completed construction of an 83-kilowatt ground-mounted solar photovoltaic array to help power its new, award-winning Algaewheel wastewater treatment facility. The array was installed by Blue Sky Solar and financed by New Albin Savings Bank. It is designed to generate about 100% to 110% of the facility's annual electricity use. George Blair, a New Albin City Council member and mayor pro tem, cited both economic and environmental benefits. "Solar is the cheapest form of energy — with or without subsidies," Blair said. "The cost savings will reduce the infrastructure cost for the citizens of New Albin." He also credited the Allamakee Energy District with helping confirm that solar was a practical option for the community. Also in New Albin, Christ Community Evangelical Free Church added a 9-kilowatt solar array to its standing-seam metal roof. The system, installed by Blake Electric, is expected to offset most of the church's annual electricity use. "Honestly, pursuing solar just made sense," Pastor Tommy Case said. "When the Allamakee Energy District approached us and made us aware of the grant money available, it was apparent this was a great option for our church." He said future savings could be directed to ministries, missions or other community needs. In Waukon, Zion United Church of Christ completed a 31-kilowatt roof-mounted solar array installed by Northeast Iowa Mechanical. St. John's Lutheran Church in Waukon added a 23-kilowatt ground-mounted array installed by Novak Electric. "St. John's Lutheran was motivated to invest in solar due to rising electricity bills," church members Randy Hesse and Dennis DeBhur said. "We'll use the energy cost savings over time to help pay building insurance and salaries." Pastor Cathy Jurgens of Zion UCC said the district's assistance was critical. "I had been wondering about solar for years, but I had no idea where to start," she said. In Postville, St. Paul Lutheran Church completed a 61-kilowatt ground-mounted solar array, also installed by Novak Electric. Pastor Lynn Noel said the project reflects a long-term commitment to stewardship and efficiency. "Our primary goal was becoming better stewards of our financial resources with rising energy costs, while also being mindful of environmental impact," Noel said. Earlier in 2025, First Presbyterian Church in Waukon and Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing also completed solar projects with district assistance, bringing the total number of nonprofit installations supported this year to seven. The Allamakee Energy District provided free site assessments, system sizing and coaching to help organizations understand project economics and access federal subsidies covering about 30% to 40% of total costs. All systems are interconnected with Alliant Energy. Payback periods range from 5.5 to 8.25 years, averaging 6.9 years. Over the expected 25-year life of the systems, the projects are projected to generate nearly $1.3 million in energy cost savings that can be reinvested in local missions, public services and the Allamakee County economy. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.