What are the best areas for solar in Iowa?

The top-rated areas for solar in Iowa are ZIP 52411 (score: 100/100), ZIP 51054 (score: 100/100), ZIP 50226 (score: 100/100). Rankings are based on walkability, median household income, population density, and existing competition.

What makes a good location for solar?

A strong location for solar combines high walkability (foot traffic), solid median income (spending power), sufficient population density, and manageable competition. Our opportunity score weighs all four factors on a 0–100 scale.

How does Iowa compare to other states for solar?

Iowa averages 95/100 across 20 scored ZIP codes — rated a excellent market. Scores factor in walkability, income, population, and competition.

Home › All States › Iowa › Best Locations

Best Cities for Solar Panel Costs in Iowa

← Iowa Overview

Top 20 ZIP codes ranked by opportunity score. Score combines walkability (foot traffic), population density, median income, and solar installers competition.

The top markets here average $123,852 in household income. ZIP 52411 leads at 100, $164,972 median income, zero existing solar installers.

80–100 Excellent 60–79 Good 40–59 Fair <40 Challenging

Sort by:

#	ZIP Code	Score	Walkability	Median Income
#1	ZIP 52411 Pop. 8.4 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$164,972
#2	ZIP 51054 Pop. 5.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$121,228
#3	ZIP 50226 Pop. 7.3 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$161,627
#4	ZIP 52068 Pop. 4.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$123,096
#5	ZIP 50013 Pop. 4.2 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	—
#6	ZIP 50124 Pop. 4.7 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$122,974
#7	ZIP 50323 Pop. 17 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$173,659
#8	ZIP 52242 Pop. 4.4 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	—
#9	ZIP 52338 Pop. 3.9 Thousand	98 Excellent	—	$124,357
#10	ZIP 52333 Pop. 7.4 Thousand	96 Excellent	—	$113,917
#11	ZIP 50263 Pop. 28 Thousand	94 Excellent	—	$107,864
#12	ZIP 50003 Pop. 9.5 Thousand	92 Excellent	—	$104,643
#13	ZIP 52314 Pop. 6 Thousand	92 Excellent	—	$106,667
#14	ZIP 50047 Pop. 6.6 Thousand	90 Excellent	—	$101,345
#15	ZIP 52726 Pop. 4.9 Thousand	90 Excellent	—	$101,667
#16	ZIP 50261 Pop. 3.1 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$150,341
#17	ZIP 50643 Pop. 3.1 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$120,724
#18	ZIP 52753 Pop. 6.1 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$100,122
#19	ZIP 50156 Pop. 4.4 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$97,298
#20	ZIP 52328 Pop. 2.9 Thousand	86 Excellent	—	$132,833

Data updated March 2026. Sources: Census Bureau ACS 2023, USDA National Walkability Index 2021, County Business Patterns 2022.

What the Data Shows

Opportunity is spread across Iowa, not locked in one metro. The top ZIPs average $123,852 in household income. The common thread: solar demand that outpaces supply. These markets have room.

How to Use This Table

Click any ZIP for a full breakdown: demographics, nearby competition, and walkability score. The opportunity score weights income, foot traffic, and competition equally. If your concept skews upscale, sort by Income. If lunch crowds matter more, sort by Walkability.

← Iowa Overview Best Locations by State ›