Governor Reynolds Proclaims Today as “Solar Day in Iowa”

Governor Kim Reynolds has designated today, August 13th, as “Solar Day in Iowa.” In honor of the occasion, solar industry leaders and advocates came together at the Iowa State Fair to celebrate all things solar at “Solar Day at the Iowa State Fair.” 

“Iowa farmers have a long history of harvesting the sun to feed, fuel and power the world,” said Ray Gaesser, Chair of the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum. “Whether it’s powering farm facilities or leasing land for utility-scale projects, solar energy is a drought-proof resource that helps farmers hedge against fluctuating commodity markets.” 

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.
• Whereas, Iowa ranks 16^th among U.S. states in technical potential for solar energy production, ahead of states such as Florida and Georgia, and has the potential to add enough solar to meet the state’s electric needs more than 150 times over.
• Whereas, Solar energy has become an important option for Iowa farmers, businesses and homeowners to manage their energy future.
• Whereas, Solar energy benefits both rural and urban Iowa, with solar installations in all of Iowa’s 99 counties. 
• Whereas, Iowa’s solar industry employs more than 1000 people and supports nearly 100 businesses involved in the supply chain. 
• Whereas, More than $1.1 billion has been invested in solar in Iowa, growing local economies.

“From rooftops to row crops, solar energy benefits Iowans in both urban and rural parts of the state,” said Todd Miller, Board President of the Iowa Solar Energy Trade Association and co-founder of 1 Source Solar. “The Iowa State Fair is the perfect backdrop to celebrate solar’s impact in Iowa, especially our rural and agriculture communities.”  

Governor Kim Reynolds | https://governor.iowa.gov/