The University of Iowa's Office of Sustainability will host a “Solar Works for Iowa” event Friday, June 20, at the UI’s solar electric vehicle charging station, located outside the Madison Street Services Building, 640 S. Madison St. in Iowa City.

The "Solar Works for Iowa" campaign, organized by Iowa Climate Advocates and others, is being held to showcase how solar power is working for Iowa and to promote expanded state tax credits for solar projects at homes and businesses.

The public is invited to learn more about solar power at the UI event, which is from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Friday, June 20. Speakers include State Sen. Rob Hogg of Cedar Rapids and Liz Christiansen, director of the UI Office of Sustainability.

UI Facilities Management completed the solar electric vehicle charging station in 2011. It generates over 70,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and provides charging spaces for approximately 20 electric vehicles for Facilities Management and other UI departments.

The "Solar Works for Iowa" campaign also highlights the Senate File 2340 signed by Gov. Terry Branstad May 30. Iowans can now receive state tax credits on solar projects worth up to $5,000 for a homeowner and up to $20,000 for a business owner. When combined with a 30 percent federal tax credit, Iowans can receive almost half of the cost of solar projects back in tax credits. The statewide cap for available tax credits was increased from $1.5 million to $4.5 million.

“Solar Works for Iowa” includes events in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown, Cedar Falls, Independence, Decorah, Fairfield, and other locations around the state. See a complete list of events at Iowa Climate Advocates.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to attend this event, call Liz Christiansen in advance at 319-335-5516.