Plug-In Solar in Iowa — Status: deferred
Bill: HF 2046 / SF 2056 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Rep. Charley Thomson
Legislative Status: Deferred until 2027. HF 2046 and SF 2056 were introduced but died at the Iowa funnel deadline in February 2026 without receiving a committee hearing. Sponsors plan to reintroduce in the 2027 session.
Current Status: Dead — Failed Funnel Deadline (February 2026)
Last Updated: April 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 12.4¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $145/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 4¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.5 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would exempt certified plug-in solar devices from IUB interconnection requirements.
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without MidAmerican Energy or Alliant Energy approval.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. Iowa utilities currently require interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Iowa does not currently offer a state solar income tax credit for residential systems (the prior credit expired). Net metering available through MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — Iowa Solar Incentives — Full list of Iowa state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 3,207,004 |
| Total Households | 1,296,877 |
| Owner-Occupied | 916,707 |
| Renter-Occupied | 380,170 |
| Single-Family Homes | 880,766 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 117,398 |
| Median Household Income | $73,122 |
| Median Home Value | $200,900 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 4.72 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1097 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | June–July |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| MidAmerican Energy | ~838,000 electric customers (across IA, IL, SD) | Yes |
| Alliant Energy (Interstate Power and Light) | ~500,000 electric customers in Iowa | Yes |
| Iowa Association of Electric Cooperatives | ~650,000 people | Yes |
| Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities | ~224,514 customers | Yes |
News Coverage
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)