Idaho offers cheaper electricity rates than most U.S. states, averaging around 10 cents per kilowatt-hour. With fewer immediate incentives to install rooftop solar panels just to slash your utility bills, do alternative energy investments like residential solar power generation make sense for Idahoans?
This guide examines if current solar panel costs in Idaho can pencil out and eventually pay for themselves through long-term electricity savings and rebates. We‘ll analyze system pricing, expected utility bill offsets, state solar incentives, top local installers to partner with, and variables to consider when deciding if now is the right time to equip your home with photovoltaic solar electricity.
Solar Panel System Pricing in Idaho
According to 2022 solar installation data from EnergySage, Idaho homeowners are paying average solar panel costs of $2.52 per watt. For a roughly 6 kW system size suited to offset typical household operational needs, that translates into a $15,120 system price before claiming the federal tax credit or additional incentives.
Idaho Solar Panel Costs Over Time
| Year | Avg Cost Per Watt |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $2.52 |
| 2021 | $2.86 |
| 2020 | $3.14 |
| 2019 | $3.28 |
| 2018 | $3.57 |
Data Source: EnergySage Solar Marketplace Pricing Reports
We can observe solar panel pricing dropping over 8% annually within Idaho over the past 5 years as equipment costs decline industry-wide. This downward price trend has eased system affordability.
Regional pricing also fluctuates based on market maturity and local equipment costs and labor rates. For example, parts of southwest Idaho like Boise where installer density runs higher, recent bids reflect closer to $2.32 per watt.
Idaho Regional Solar Pricing Variations
| Region | Avg Solar Cost Per Watt |
|---|---|
| Statewide | $2.52 |
| Boise | $2.32 |
| Twin Falls | $2.44 |
| Idaho Falls | $2.62 |
| Coeur d‘Alene | $2.87 |
| Lewiston | $2.77 |
Solar quotes data provided by Energysage
Additionally, homeowners must decide between mainstream silicon-based solar panel types when designing their system:
- Monocrystalline panels (22% efficiency) cost around $3.09/watt
- Polycrystalline panels (15% efficiency) run cheaper near $2.42/watt
If you have limited roof space for panels, splurging on pricier but higher-efficiency monocrystalline models can maximize energy yield. These pricing factors all impact your bottom-line.
Electricity Bill Savings in Idaho
To determine potential utility bill reductions from solar panels, first examine your annual household electricity consumption. The average Idaho home uses 955 kWh monthly, equaling 31.9 kWh daily (Energy Information Administration, 2019). But your specific usage may run lower or higher.
Next, use your region‘s peak sun hours per day (how long panels can actively generate emissions-free power each day) to right-size an appropriate system. Parts of Idaho average nearly 6 peak sun hours.
When balanced against your roof‘s physical area, a 6 kW solar array should sufficiently offset typical household electrical loads. Over the 25-year lifespan of today‘s solar panels, Idaho households can thus save $9,600 in avoided utility bills on average compared to relying solely on grid electricity.
However, with average 10+ year payback periods even after solar tax credits, are the long-term savings worthwhile? Let‘s break down the math:
Statewide Average
6 kW Solar System Cost: $15,120
Electricity Rate: $0.1048 per kWh
25-Year Utility Costs: $29,700
Solar Savings: $9,600
Payback Period: 12.7 years
Now let‘s compare the payoffs across different Idaho cities using actual utility rates:
Net Metering Payoffs for Idaho Cities
| City | Utility Rate per kWh | 25-Year Utility Cost | Est. Solar Savings | Payback Period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boise | $0.11 | $32,400 | $11,500 | 10.9 years |
| Nampa | $0.12 | $35,100 | $12,600 | 9.3 years |
| Pocatello | $0.10 | $29,700 | $9,600 | 12.7 years |
| Idaho Falls | $0.09 | $26,300 | $8,400 | 14.2 years |
| Lewiston | $0.09 | $26,300 | $8,400 | 14.2 years |
*Assumes 6 kW solar system. Data from official utility company rate filings.
The above figures demonstrate how even within Idaho, variables like your local utility‘s electricity rates and sun intensity shape solar payoffs. Rural cooperatives show slower repayment schedules while cities paying extra distribution fees like Nampa offer quicker solar savings.
Overview of Idaho‘s Solar Incentives
To stimulate solar adoption faster, leading renewable energy states like California, Massachusetts, and New Jersey have implemented strong policy incentives. These include robust state tax credits up to $5,000 per home, solar renewable energy credits providing extra income for system owners, and strong net metering rates paying excess solar generation fed to the grid at premium wholesale prices.
By contrast, Idaho state policies provide fewer direct consumer solar incentives. But a handful of helpful programs do exist:
Idaho Residential Solar Incentives
| Type | Program | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax Credit | Solar ITC | 30% of system costs |
| $ State Tax Credit | Simplified Solar Tax Credit | $3,500 max |
| Net Metering | Statewide | $0.09/kWh bill credit |
| Property Tax | Solar Installation Exemption | 100% of added value |
Beyond these credits, Idaho lacks additional cash rebates, community solar access, or performance payments to incentivize homeowners adopting solar. So while helpful, existing policy support remains relatively modest.
Recommended Local Solar Installers
Once you decide to go solar, finding an established regional solar installer you trust is key for system performance and protection by warranties. Based on experience, certifications, pricing, and install quality reports, here are four top-rated local solar companies in Idaho to consider partnering with:
Sun Driven Solar
- 5+ years experience
- Headquarters: Boise, ID
- Services: Engineering, installation, monitoring
- Rooftop Retrofitting Skills
- Certifications: NABCEP, Pearl, Fire Code Trained
- Warranties: 10-year workmanship
Magic Solar
- 13+ years experience
- Primarily serves Southwest Idaho
- Services: Commercial and residential installs
- Certifications: Licensed, bonded, insured
- Competitive Pricing
Infinity Solar Energy
- 7 years experience
- Located in Meridian
- Specializes in custom installs
- Panasonic Equipment Dealer
- Licensed, insured
- 25-year workmanship warranty
Solar Integrated Technologies
- 3 years experience
- Based in Eagle
- Designs, engineers, & installs PV systems
- Certified installers
- 12-year system warranty
I recommend gathering quotes from at least 3 installers to find the optimal local partner for your solar power system installation.
Key Takeaways – Is Solar Worthwhile in Idaho?
While Idaho still lags leading solar states implementing more ambitious renewable energy legislation, if you prioritize environmental benefits over short term bill savings, investing in rooftop solar can make sense based on current market factors.
Variables Favoring Solar Adoption in Idaho:
- Low upfront equipment costs near $2.50 per watt
- Federal 30% investment tax credit participation through 2032
- Extra 20% state tax credit up to $3,500
- Inflation hedge against forecasted rising utility rates
- Future regulatory shifts may improve payoffs
However, given Idaho‘s bargain electricity prices and slower 10-15 year repayment timelines, solar works best currently as a sustainability investment rather than a fast money saver. If you believe in supporting green technologies regardless of payback math, going solar now allows you to reduce your environmental impact.
Weigh your household‘s unique electric costs, commitment to cutting carbon emissions, view on future energy prices, and appetite for long term investments to gauge if converting sunlight into power atop your own roof works as a timely step for your home and family.
