DES MOINES, IOWA (August 19, 2026) — Governor Kim Reynolds has proclaimed today, August 19, as “Solar Day in Iowa.” To mark the occasion, solar industry leaders and advocates gathered at the Iowa State Fair to recognize the growing role solar energy plays across Iowa during “Solar Day at the Iowa State Fair.”
“Iowa has always been a state that knows how to harness its natural resources, and the sun is no exception,” said Ray Gaesser, Chair of the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum.
“Solar gives farmers, businesses and families another tool to consider when making decisions about their land and their energy future. It is exciting to see how this resource continues to provide a ripple of economic impact through both rural and urban Iowa.”
The Governor’s proclamation reads:
WHEREAS, Iowa is a world leader for the production, development and technology of renewable energy. These industries create jobs in Iowa and grow the state's economy; and
WHEREAS, Iowa has the potential to add enough solar to meet the state's electric needs more than 150 times over; and
WHEREAS, Solar energy has become an important option for Iowa farmers, businesses and homeowners to manage their energy future; and
WHEREAS, Solar energy benefits both rural and urban Iowa, with solar installations in all of Iowa's 99 counties; and
WHEREAS, Iowa's solar industry employs nearly 1000 people and supports 100 businesses involved in the supply chain; and
WHEREAS, more than $1.9 billion has been invested in solar in Iowa, growing local economies; and
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Kim Reynolds, Governor of the State of Iowa, do hereby proclaim August 19th, 2026 as: Iowa Solar Day
“Solar is becoming an increasingly familiar part of Iowa’s energy landscape, from businesses and agricultural operations to homes and larger projects,” said Todd Miller, Board President of the Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association.
“Having a day at the Iowa State Fair dedicated to recognizing solar gives Iowans a chance to learn more about the industry and the opportunities it brings to the state.”
