Worker installing rooftop solar panels

Generating your own solar

Is going solar the same as going "off the grid?"


Most rooftop solar systems continue to use the local electric system. Generally, solar systems do not produce all the energy a home needs on cloudy days or at night. An average home will need a reliable energy supply for the majority of its electric needs. You’ll also need to be connected to the grid to be compensated for putting any extra power you may generate back on to the electric system. Extra power is usually produced during early afternoon hours.

Ready to connect? Review the steps here.

Step by step process

Frequently asked questions

Family looking at solar panels

Got questions about generating your own renewable energy?

Call our Renewable Hotline at 1-800-972-5325 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

or email us at [email protected].

Solar powered home icons

Solar video series and e-book

Our solar video series has short videos packed with information to help you learn more about solar energy and whether generating your own is the right choice.

Our downloadable e-book [PDF] has details about installing customer owned solar, the interconnection and billing process.

Building Solar Panels

Iowa customers: Find out if solar is right for you

Check out our tool that can estimate your solar potential and savings by address. This will help determine whether generating your own solar energy is right for you. Estimates are based on information you enter.

Recent stories from our blog