Powered by Wolf River Electric – Solar Done Right Across Iowa

Ready to go solar in Iowa? Whether you’re in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or a rural co-op territory, Iowa offers strong solar potential—and with policy changes in recent years, it’s more important than ever to work with a trusted installer. Wolf River Electric helps Iowans navigate the evolving landscape, from utility rules to incentive programs and everything in between.

Step 1: Initial Assessment

The process starts with a site evaluation. Wolf River Electric offers no-cost solar assessments to determine if your property is a good fit. We’ll look at:

  • Roof angle, sun exposure, and shading

  • Ground-mount options for rural areas

  • Your current and future electricity usage

We also walk you through the impact of Iowa’s utility billing structures, like inflow-outflow billing and net billing, so you understand what to expect from your investment.

Step 2: System Design

We custom-design your system based on your energy goals and local utility requirements. Our Iowa team is well-versed in:

  • Iowa Administrative Code chapters 15 & 45

  • NEC-compliant electrical design

  • Load-bearing and roof condition considerations

Wolf River Electric provides a full design package that includes:

  • Panel layout and inverter selection

  • Optional battery backup

  • Interconnection documentation for Alliant, MidAmerican, or your co-op

Whether you want to offset your usage entirely or just reduce peak charges, we’ll design a system that works for your goals and location.

Step 3: Permitting and Inspection

Permitting requirements vary by city and county in Iowa. Larger municipalities like Des Moines typically require both electrical and building permits, while smaller towns may only require electrical approval.

Wolf River Electric handles all permitting for you:

  • Submits paperwork to city or county offices

  • Coordinates electrical inspections

  • Ensures plans meet state and utility safety codes

We know which forms and checklists each utility and AHJ requires—saving you time and frustration.

Step 4: Installation

Once permits are secured, we schedule your installation. Wolf River Electric crews are licensed, insured, and local to Iowa, and they’re trained to install systems that can withstand harsh winters, storms, and high winds.

We install:

  • Roof-mounted systems with secure flashing and racking

  • Ground-mounted systems with proper frost-depth foundations

  • NEC-compliant wiring, labeling, and disconnects

Most systems are installed in 1–3 days. We’ll even coordinate with your utility if they want to inspect or swap meters during install.

Step 5: Utility Interconnection

Iowa now uses net billing or inflow-outflow billing for most solar customers. That means:

  • You’re credited for the energy you export—but often at a lower rate than what you pay for usage.

  • Self-consumption is key to maximizing savings.

  • Some credits may roll over; others reset annually or are paid out at avoided-cost.

Wolf River Electric manages all interconnection paperwork and ensures your system is approved before being energized. We stay up to date with MidAmerican, Alliant, and co-op policies, so you’re always compliant.

Conclusion:

With utility billing rules in flux, solar in Iowa requires more than just panels—you need a trusted partner who understands the full process. Wolf River Electric will help you evaluate your site, navigate changing compensation models, and install a long-lasting system tailored to Iowa’s climate and policy environment.