Community Solar Units at CFU Simple Solar
Simple Solar is a community solar project, or a large collection of solar panels built and maintained by CFU. The project offers a flexible and affordable way to invest in renewable energy without the high upfront capital costs, ongoing maintenance or concern about salvage value.
Customers receive a monthly bill credit based on the energy output for each unit purchased.
Energy generation started at the site on April 1, 2016. The project is located near Prairie Lakes Park in Cedar Falls on eight acres donated by the City of Cedar Falls.
Purchase Solar Units
As customers move out of CFU's service territory, CFU buy units back. Those units then become available for purchase again on a first-come, first-served basis. CFU customers who wish to purchase Simple Solar units for 2026 must sign up by November 1.
Contact CFU Energy Services at 319-266-1761 or energyservices@cfunet.net to be added to a waitlist.
View real time solar energy output on our Simple Solar Dashboard here.
Simple Solar Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the purpose of the Simple Solar program?
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| Simple Solar provides an opportunity for customers to invest in the environmental benefits of solar energy without the high upfront capital costs, ongoing maintenance, or concern about salvage value. |
| What is the cost? |
| The cost is a one-time payment of $110 per unit if signed up by November 2025. |
| How much do I get per unit? |
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One unit is equivalent to about a 170 Watt of solar panel or about 300 kWh per year. One unit generates on average $1.20 per month in bill credit ($14.40/yr/unit).
For full details on how the credit is calculated and the 2025 energy value, see our current electric rate schedule here.
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| How does Simple Solar compare to solar on my roof? |
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Simple Solar economics are similar to rooftop solar installations. The credits you will receive will fluctuate with the solar panel output, just like owning panels. The credits will be lower in the winter and higher in the summer.
Benefits of the Simple Solar Program vs Rooftop Solar Installation:
- Move with you (if you stay a CFU customer)
- Refundable
- No maintenance
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| Can I get a refund? |
| Yes, you will simply need to request a refund. Solar panels depreciate like cars, so the refund amount decreases over time. |
| How do I pay for units and when do I get credits? |
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The unit(s) will be billed on your January utility bill. The first bill credits will appear on your February bill.
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| Is there a limit to how many units I can purchase? |
| Customers can only offset 100% of their electricity use, as we want to make sure as many customers as possible can participate. If you would like to know the maximum number of units you can purchase, please email energyservices@cfunet.net or call Sarah Blunt at 319-266-1761. |
| Can I buy for a charity or transfer units? |
| Yes, you can purchase for other entities, such as a church. Units will transfer if you move within Cedar Falls. |
| What happens after 2036? |
After May 2036, the credit purchase agreement dissolves and you will no longer receive bill credits.
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