Wiltz Returns to Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association Board of Directors
Van Meter VP of Energy Excited to Advocate for Equitable Solar Policies in Iowa
CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA – (April 4, 2024) – The Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association (ISETA) announced that Chad Wiltz, Van Meter’s Vice President of Energy, has joined its Board of Directors. With decades of experience in power generation and solar, Wiltz will serve his second term on the ISETA board.
Genie Maybanks, ISETA Executive Director, said, “We look forward to having Chad’s voice return to the room as we continue with efforts to maintain net-metering and work to grow solar opportunities in Iowa.”
ISETA serves as the voice of the solar industry in Iowa. From public policy to education, ISETA is dedicated to continuing solar growth in Iowa. Currently, the Iowa solar industry employs over 1,000 people, and in the last four years, more than $200 million has been invested in solar using the Iowa solar investment tax credit. All 99 counties have seen solar investment, and over the next five years, Iowa is projected to move up from 35th to 31st in largest solar investment by state.
Wiltz has been involved since the early days of ISETA and is looking forward to advocating for favorable solar policies that continue to advance the industry.
“Solar energy adoption continues to grow across the Midwest and state of Iowa. The work ISETA does is becoming increasingly important in creating a structured, known and sustainable path for its continued growth and its positive impact on state and local economies,” said Wiltz.
Wiltz will serve a three-year term. In 2027, Iowa state law will initiate a ‘Value of Solar’ study, and ISETA is counting on Wiltz’s expertise to make sure the right priorities are included.
“[Wiltz’s] passion for the industry will also help us as we shape our integrated resource plan and enter the next phase of green energy solutions, especially with batteries and emerging solar technologies,” said Maybanks.
In addition to serving on the ISETA Board of Directors, Wiltz leads Van Meter’s solar segment, which has been providing solar energy solutions and services for nearly 20 years. Van Meter has large solar distribution centers in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas and Minnesota.