Grow Solar Polk County, a community group purchasing program that emphasizes solar education and volume purchasing to make solar more affordable for businesses and homeowners, has extended its program to Oct. 31. The program surpassed its first goal of 50 kilowatts earlier this month. Grow Solar Polk County participants helped lower the program’s pricing below its already lower-than-market rate. Pricing will continue to decrease if the group collectively reaches benchmarks of 250 kilowatts and 350 kilowatts. Group purchase programs provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to invest in renewable energy solar installations. In similar programs, estimated first-year savings on utility bills have ranged from $690 to more than $1,000, depending on the size of the array, according to a press release. Grow Solar Polk County began hosting “Solar Power Hour” informational sessions in June. During the free, hour-long presentations, representatives of the program give a brief explanation of the program and discuss the projected costs of installing solar. The next event will be from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 3 at Confluence Brewing Co. in Des Moines. For more information about Grow Solar Polk County, click here.