Dubuque’s Renew DBQ Solar Program

The City of Dubuque is helping residents with low-to-moderate incomes access solar infrastructure through its Renew DBQ program. Starting in 2021 as a pilot program, Renew DBQ was able to help 10 families with low- to moderate-income (LMI) overcome the initial up-front cost hurdle of going solar by creating an informal Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC) market. This project takes a three-part approach to sustainability by reducing monthly energy bills for residents with LMI, serves as an economic multiplier/job creator for local installers, and helps the City to reach its 50% by 2030 greenhouse gas reduction goals, achieving a triple bottom line. The city is currently looking for funding to continue program.