National Solar Capacity Ranking: 35th
Data Current Through: Q1 2025
Data References:
SEIA/Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables Solar Market Insight Q2 2025
IREC, National Solar Jobs Census
Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly
SEIA National Solar Database
1162
35th (20th in 2024 additions)
151,417 homes
1.83%
898
66 (10 Manufacturers, 29 Installers/Developers, 27 Others)
$1.7 billion
42% over the last 10 years
1,189 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 40th)
18,890
DSIRE Incentives Database – Iowa – Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Iowa and across the United States
Iowa Environmental Council – Solar
Iowa Utilities Board – Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Iowa public utilities
Iowa State Legislature – Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Iowa
Iowa Solar Panels Overview – Learn about the history of solar policy in Iowa, along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage
Solar Panel Cost in Iowa – Learn about the history of solar policy in Iowa along with up-to-date pricing information on EnergySage
Solar Rebates & Incentives in Iowa – Check out EnergySage’s list of key solar incentives in Iowa to see what programs you can benefit from
U.S. Energy Information Administration – Iowa State Profile – Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government
Iowa Energy Storage Policy and Market Overview
Iowa is a leader in renewable energy production and is in an optimal position to grow energy storage capacity. However, there is a current lack of alignment in energy storage value and the market. High capital costs and future uncertainty of the market remain as barriers to growth in Iowa. As of June 2022, Iowa had about 7 MW of grid-scale battery storage capacity.
Despite initial hesitancy, Iowa state actors are committed to energy storage development. In 2020, the state Economic Development Authority released a comprehensive storage report outlining barriers to growth, and policy pathways. The report outlines key initiatives to increase storage capacity that are unique to Iowa. Main priorities include investing in solar and wind plus storage, incentivizing BTM storage, considering V2G opportunities, and utilizing the abundant R&D resources from state research centers. Iowa’s storage deployment can capitalize off the state’s existing renewable energy capacity, grow the storage market, and reduce energy curtailment.
Iowa Energy Storage Policy Resources