Solar Energy in Iowa (2026)
14 rules on the books across Iowa, 11 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Panel Permits
Permits required for installing rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels, including electrical inspections and interconnection approvals.
Iowa: statewide
StatewideSome RestrictionsIowa Code section 476.49 requires rate-regulated electric utilities to offer net metering to customer-owned solar up to…
Read full rule →Adair County
Significant RestrictionsAnyone siting a utility-scale solar energy system in the unincorporated area of Adair County files an application with…
Read full rule →West Des Moines
Significant RestrictionsIn the City of West Des Moines, installing a solar energy system requires City approval under Zoning Code section…
Read full rule →Ames
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Ames, Iowa, Sec. 29.1309(9) requires anyone installing a non-exempt solar energy system to apply for a…
Read full rule →Council Bluffs
Some RestrictionsInstalling rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels in the City of Council Bluffs requires an electrical permit from the…
Read full rule →Davenport
Some RestrictionsDavenport allows rooftop and ground-mounted solar as an accessory use citywide, subject to building and electrical…
Read full rule →Dubuque
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Dubuque, installing or altering a solar thermal collector system requires a permit from the city manager…
Read full rule →Linn County
Some RestrictionsGround-mounted solar in unincorporated Linn County needs a minor site plan and all permits before construction…
Read full rule →Polk County
Some RestrictionsUnincorporated Polk County allows roof-mounted, building-mounted and ground-mounted Accessory Solar Energy Conversion…
Read full rule →Sioux City
Some RestrictionsSioux City exempts solar arrays and energy storage units from the certificate-of-occupancy step and lets them exceed…
Read full rule →Story County
Some RestrictionsInstalling a roof- or ground-mounted solar array on unincorporated land in Story County requires a zoning permit under…
Read full rule →Johnson County
Few RestrictionsRooftop solar is welcome across Johnson County, and Iowa City actively encourages it. A homeowner needs a building and…
Read full rule →HOA Restrictions
State and local laws that limit what HOAs can restrict when it comes to solar panel installation, placement, and appearance.
Expedited Solar Permitting
California SB-379 (and equivalent laws) requiring cities to offer same-day or near-same-day automated solar permits, plus SolarAPP+ adoption.