Solar power in Idaho
Idaho has some room for improvement as far as solar incentives go; there is no renewable portfolio standard or tax exemptions that currently exist. However, there is a very beneficial state income tax credit.
Also, although there is no net metering law, the three major investor-owned utilities in the state do offer net metering to their customers.
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Idaho
Idaho solar power facts
$2.78 watt
Average cost: 5kW solar power system
?7 Years 3 Months
Average payback time
$58,310
Average lifetime savings
?4¢ kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
23¢ kWh
If you don't get solar
?13,846 kWh
Annual power production
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of a 10.15kW system
This 10.15kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill in Idaho is $150, however, your situation may vary so try our solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
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Solar companies in Idaho that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
How much can solar panels save you in Idaho
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Idaho
| System Size | Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,416 | $6,929 |
| 4kw | $8,377 | $9,047 |
| 5kw | $10,286 | $11,109 |
| 6kw | $12,077 | $13,043 |
| 7kw | $13,831 | $14,937 |
| 8kw | $15,451 | $16,687 |
| 9kw | $17,050 | $18,414 |
| 10kw | $18,500 | $19,980 |
How much do solar panels cost in Idaho?
$2.78 per watt
Cash purchased solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$3.08 per watt
Financed solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$0.0¢ /kWh
Lease/PPA
Ave 15 year term, 2.5% price escalator
What are the pros and cons of installing solar panels in Idaho?
The advantages of installing solar panels in Idaho include the state tax credit, as well as the 26% federal solar tax credit. These two incentives alone make solar an excellent investment for your home or business in Idaho.
SolarPowerRocks provides a great breakdown of solar incentives and policy for each state within the US.
The main disadvantage of installing solar panels in Idaho is that the state receives less sunshine than some other states. This means that your solar system will produce a little less here than it will in sunnier states, such as Florida. Also, the state does not provide a sales or property tax exemption on solar energy equipment like many other states do. The lack of a renewable portfolio standard puts less pressure on utilities to create incentives for expanding solar.
Enter your details to calculate the potential costs and savings you can expect when you install solar panels on your home.
Best solar companies in Idaho
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Idaho
Best brands of solar panels
To find the best brands of solar panels you can use America's most trusted solar panel comparison and reviews website, SolarReviews.
However, reviews of solar panels can be a bit meaningless because most consumer owners have not had any issues and so while solar company reviews are very important when choosing solar installers they are of less use when choosing solar panels.
For more information to help you make an informed decision about this topic, I would recommend this article about buying solar panels.
How much electricity will solar panels produce in Idaho
Solar panels produce different amounts of energy in different locations.
Around the Boise area solar panels installed on a south-facing 27-degree pitch roof will typically produce:
1,150kWh
per year per 1kW of peak DC
(direct current) capacity
For more information about how your location, roof direction, and roof tilt affects solar power production use the solar panels calculator and enter your zip code.
I want to buy a solar panel kit and install it myself
What rebates, solar tax credits and other solar incentives are available in Idaho?
Idaho State Solar Tax Credit
Idaho offers residents who install a solar system on their property the option to claim a tax credit against their state income tax. For the year you install your system, you can receive a credit equal to 40% of the costs of a solar system, up to $5,000.
For the subsequent 3 years, you can obtain a credit equal to 20% of the costs of the solar system up to $5,000. Idaho has a relatively low state income tax, so this incentive almost entirely knocks out the cost.
Net metering in Idaho
Avista Utilities, Idaho Power, and Rocky Mountain Power all offer net metering despite the fact that the state has no net metering requirement. This means that customers of these three utilities will receive credit on their bills for the full retail value of each excess kilowatt hour (kWh) their solar system produces.
This allows for big savings on your electric bill each month.
Idaho Solar Calculator
Regardless of what you want to know about the economics of installing solar panels for your home or business in Idaho, we have a solar calculator that can show you exactly the information you require.
What you can find out about installing solar panels in Idaho using our full monthly solar calculator
This solar calculator requires you to input your address, utility company, your average monthly power spend - It tells you:
- What size solar system do you need?
- Answers the question of How many solar panels do I need?
- How many square feet of roof space you need for solar panels
- Solar electricity production in annual kWh (kilowatt-hours) you can expect from your solar system in Idaho
- The value of solar tax credits and other incentives you are entitled to based on the estimated size of system you need, your location and your utility provider.
- Likely cost based on an average of prices charged for solar systems of that size in the last year in Idaho or Boise ;
- The likely payback period on your solar panels and your investment return.
- Your total lifetime solar savings based on each of the major solar finance options, a cash purchase, a cash purchase funded with a HELOC sol (home equity line of credit) and a zero-down PPA or third party lease product.
If you want to see all of the above but also see live pricing, the three best solar deals available in your city and get binding quotes from each of these solar companies then use this Idaho solar panels calculator. This calculator requires you to also input your name and contact details because most of our 200+ installer partners will only authorize the sharing of their live solar pricing where we have validated that you are a real homeowner with a home in their service area. We respect the privacy of your data and only share your contact details with the solar companies you ask us to get binding quotes from.
Going solar in Idaho
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Idaho can help you be more energy-efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Residential Alternative Energy State Tax Deduction Year 1 | State | Personal Tax Deduction |
| State Energy Loan Program | State | Loan Program |
| Idaho Power - Net Metering | Utility | Net Metering |
| Rocky Mountain Power - Net Metering | Utility | Net Metering |
| Avista Utilities - Net Metering | Utility | Net Metering |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Your city may have further incentives to offer. Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives is the solar installers who specialize in your area.
