West Des Moines is drafting its first ordinance regarding solar panel installation at homes and businesses.

The Des Moines Register reports that the ordinance would dictate where the panels could be located and could require screening to shield their view from neighboring properties.

The issue arose last year when resident Scott Whitney approached the city about installing a solar energy system at his home. City officials told him he would have to wait because the city code didn't cover social panel installation and use.

West Des Moines would be one of the first Iowa cities to create rules governing solar panels, and the decisions could eventually affect other cities that follow its lead.

A draft proposal has few limitations for rooftop panels, but rules governing backyard units are more restrictive.

The city would require ground units to be building material similar to the home in order to block their view from neighboring properties and the street. It would also restrict their height to 7 feet.

The requirements would add costs to an already expensive process that could make the difference for people considering adding solar panels.

"This is something new that will take time to get used to," Whitney said. "But I think the value of it needs to be considered in parallel with the aesthetic value. We have plans to make them look good, but they're giant black panels. Whether they're on the ground or on the roof, they'll be noticeable."

Nathaniel Baer, energy program director for the Iowa Environmental Council, said solar energy is on the verge of statewide adoption and that it's encouraging to see West Des Moines address the issue.

But he said new rules could turn away some people interested in installing panels.

"There's opportunities across the entire state," he said. "This is one issue that is of real concern, if communities adopt ordinances that dampen the adoption of solar."

• [Editor:tianyawei]