Eagle Point Solar highlights rising energy costs, new incentives for schools, municipalities

DUBUQUE, Iowa (KWQC) -As electricity rates continue to climb across the Midwest, Eagle Point Solar says more schools, cities and public facilities are turning to solar energy as a way to stabilize long‑term operating costs.

Kent Kraus of Eagle Point Solar says several factors are driving utility prices higher, including the growing number of AI data centers, major grid‑infrastructure upgrades and volatility in natural gas markets. Recent analyses show rates rising an average of 8 to 12 percent per year — roughly double historical increases.

For schools and municipalities, Kraus says those higher costs come directly out of general‑fund budgets, reducing dollars available for classrooms, staffing and infrastructure. Solar, he says, offers a way to hedge against those increases.

One option gaining traction is a power purchase agreement, which allows non‑taxable entities such as school districts and cities to install solar arrays with no upfront cost. An outside investor funds and maintains the system, while the school or municipality purchases the solar power at a rate lower than traditional utility prices.

Commercial solar projects also remain eligible for federal tax credits through projects that begin construction before July.

Homeowners, farmers and business owners can also benefit this spring. While residential tax credits have expired, Eagle Point Solar is offering a 20 to 30 percent manufacturer rebate on residential solar arrays for a limited time.

More information, including office locations and free solar analysis requests, is available at eaglepointsolar.com .

Eagle Point Solar’s Dubuque office is located at 2400 Kerper Blvd., Suite A‑20, and can be reached at 563‑582‑4044.

The toll‑free number is 877‑357‑2555.

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