Idaho

Idaho goes solar with SunPower®

Solar is helping the Gem State reach its clean energy pledge

The state of solar in Idaho

Central locations in Idaho enjoy up to 210 sunny days per year, with warm, clear summers.* Based on Google Project Sunroof data, 87% of all buildings in the state are solar viable, with an estimated solar installation potential of 7.5 million MWh AC per year.*

How much solar energy does Idaho produce?

In the first quarter of 2021, Idaho’s solar capacity equaled 577.8 MW, enough to power just under 80,000 homes. Currently, less than 3.5% of the state’s electricity comes from solar, but SEIA’s data indicates that Idaho is starting to live up to its solar potential. The state currently occupies 24th place in the national solar ranking, a substantial rise compared to 37th in 2020.*

What are the advantages of going solar in Idaho?

People who invest in home solar panels may expect to recoup the installation costs within 12 years and go on to save more than $21,000 over 20 years.*

Although Idaho currently has some of the most affordable electricity costs in the U.S., Idaho Power now looks to increase rates by December 2021, a change that will impact nearly 600,000 customers.* Higher electricity rates mean households with solar systems save even more on monthly electric bills.

Finally, like the rest of the nation, Idaho faces a climate crisis. As temperatures in the state increase during the summer, the power grid will experience heavier loads due to higher energy demand. Homeowners who have solar systems with storage can have an emergency power supply during power outages and extreme weather events like wind and dust storms.*

How much does solar cost in Idaho?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:

  • Roof size, condition, and angle

  • Location within the state

  • Quality of the solar panels

  • License costs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Idaho, we found that the average cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,250 to $17,850, or in other words from $2.58 to $3.57 per watt, and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

In the last five years alone, the prices of solar panels in Idaho have dropped by 43%.* The average home solar system costs 70% less today than it did in 2010.* This industry trend has made solar systems much more accessible to the average homeowner and enabled a faster installation cost recoup.

Idaho property owners who opt to purchase a solar system can benefit from the 30% federal tax credit.*

Also, the Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction allows Idahoans to deduct up to 40% of their solar installation costs from personal income taxes in the year of installation and an additional 20% every year in the subsequent three years. The deduction caps at $5,000 a year and $20,000 total.*

Additionally, Idaho Power has a net metering program that allows its customers to earn energy credits for any excess energy their solar system produces.* Net metering is the system through which a utility company credits its solar-power-producing customers for the surplus energy they produce and sent back to the grid.*

What’s the best way to go solar in Idaho?

A home solar system offers several major advantages to you as a homeowner. It can cut down on monthly electricity bills, improve your property’s value, and generate savings over decades.

Choosing a reputable, experienced solar provider in your state will help ensure your system’s long-term performance and durability. Be sure to interview licensed, qualified solar providers who can get you the best solar system for your budget and power requirements.

Going solar doesn’t have to be a financial burden. Hire a solar contractor who can direct you towards solar incentives that will minimize your solar installation expenses.

Get started now by requesting a free consultation with SunPower below. We'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.

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