Choosing to go solar is always a good decision – both for the environment and your pocket. It can be a confusing process, especially if you are a newbie in the solar energy world. However, we are here to help you. In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about installing solar panels in Idaho.
Solar System Installation Costs In Idaho
Many people who are thinking about going solar are primarily worried about the cost. The good news for Idaho property owners is that the average price of solar panels in Idaho is lower than in most other states in the USA. It can range from $2.5 to $3, with an average price of $2.8 per watt of solar energy.
Here is the table of prices that you can expect to pay without any potential reductions, tax credits, or rebates.
| System size (kW) | Area Covered (sq. ft.) | System Cost before Reductions (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 90 sq. ft. | 2805 |
| 2 kW | 180 sq. ft. | 5610 |
| 3 kW | 270 sq. ft. | 8415 |
| 4 kW | 360 sq. ft. | 11220 |
| 5 kW | 450 sq. ft. | 14025 |
| 6 kW | 540 sq. ft. | 16830 |
| 7 kW | 630 sq. ft. | 19635 |
| 8 kW | 720 sq. ft. | 22440 |
| 9 kW | 810 sq. ft. | 25245 |
| 10 kW | 900 sq. ft. | 28050 |
The total price can be larger if you own a bigger property, but this is an approximate cost for the most common sizes of solar systems.
The price depends on other factors as well. When choosing the material for solar panels, you will probably be presented with a lot of different options.
With consultation from your contractor, opt for the middle to high price because the better the quality of your solar panels, the longer they will last. Cheap and bad material can just shorten the lifespan of your solar system, making it way less worthy than it should be.
You will also get to choose between a residential and commercial solar system. A commercial system is more expensive and more efficient than a residential one, but you may not need it if your property isn’t very large. The higher your electricity needs the more a commercial system pays off long-term.
Finally, the total cost of your solar system in Idaho will depend on the individual contractor that you hire. Some companies are in the business for a longer time so they charge a bit more, and some are just getting started so they offer their services at lower prices.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are a bad choice. It all depends on the quality of the materials used and the experience of the employees.
Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates For Solar Panels In Idaho
Going solar is a great step to take for numerous reasons – you can save a lot of money, you can contribute to saving the environment, and you don’t have to worry about your electricity bills anymore.
On the other hand, it can get expensive if you pay the full price all at once. Fortunately, the state of Idaho offers an amazing tax credit program that can lower the total cost of your system by more than 50% when combined with the other incentives. Let’s see what they are and how they can help you afford to switch to renewable energy.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The ITC is a federal program available in every state in the US, offering significant deductions on the total cost of your solar system installation. Following the recent legislative amendments, from 2022 until 2032, the program allows you to take off 30% of the total installation costs from your taxes.
This beneficial rate will experience a gradual reduction in the subsequent years, decreasing to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034, before phasing out completely by 2035. This updated structure aims to incentivize solar installations over the next decade, offering substantial savings on your solar panel system. Ensure to leverage the revised ITC reductions to optimize your investment in solar energy
| System size | Area it covers | System cost after the ITC |
|---|---|---|
| 1 kW | 90 sq. ft. | $2,076 |
| 2 kW | 180 sq. ft. | $4,147 |
| 3 kW | 270 sq. ft. | $6,211 |
| 4 kW | 360 sq. ft. | $8,284 |
| 5 kW | 450 sq. ft. | $10,350 |
| 6 kW | 540 sq. ft. | $12,423 |
| 7 kW | 630 sq. ft. | $14,496 |
| 8 kW | 720 sq. ft. | $16,560 |
| 9 kW | 810 sq. ft. | $18,633 |
| 10 kW | 900 sq. ft. | $20,706 |
As you can see, thousands of dollars can be saved when you include the ITC in the calculation. To be eligible, you need to be the owner of the property and the owner of the solar system. Just to be clear, this is not a type of refund, meaning that you don’t get this money back in cash. The 30% of the total cost is reduced from the taxes you would typically pay the government.
Deduction Of Alternative Energy Device At Residence
Idaho offers one of the best local deals compared to most other states in the USA. Installing a solar system can make you eligible for the deduction from taxable income by 40%.
More precisely, you can expect a deduction of 40% during the year when you decide to install the solar panels, and after that, it drops to 20% for three more years. The amount of deduction cannot exceed 5000$ in one year. The best thing is – you can combine this tax program with the ITC and save even more money.
Net Metering
Net metering is a system that most of the electricity providers in Idaho implement. It means that any energy that your solar panels produce that you don’t get to use is sold to the grid. Not only you can save money by going solar, but you can also earn it!
Savings
Although Idaho is one of the cheapest states when it comes to electric bills, you can still save tons of money when you go solar. The average monthly price of an electric bill is around 90$, which means that you can save up to $33000 if your solar panels’ lifespan is 30 years.
What To Look For When Installing Solar Panels In Idaho
Idaho is a large state so its climate differs depending on exactly where you live. In any case, Idaho is a good state to go solar. It gets just a bit less than five peak hours per day on average. This means that your solar panels will be able to get enough sunlight and function optimally wherever you are in the state of Idaho.
Your solar panels in Idaho should be facing south. If you plan to have a fixed solar system it should be positioned at around 36 degrees. If you want to adjust the angle of your solar panels seasonally, a common recommendation is approximately 19 degrees in summer and 56 degrees in winter, although consulting with a local expert to determine the best angles for your specific location would be advisable.
For maximum efficiency, you can opt to change the position of your solar panels four times a year. In this case, they should be at around 40 degrees in spring, 16 degrees in summer, back to 40 degrees in autumn, and at 61 degrees during the winter months.
If all of this sounds too complicated, don’t worry. This is just an approximate piece of information. Your contractor will explain everything in detail and position your solar system correctly.
Top 7 Solar Companies In Idaho
The process of switching to solar energy is not difficult or confusing if you have the right people consulting you and doing the work. Here is the list of the top 7 solar companies in Idaho, according to experience, rating, and quality of the materials used.
1. Aurora Power
- Location: 3412 36th St, Boise, ID 83703
- Phone: 208-368-0947
Aurora Power promises the best and the most efficient solar systems. They are located in Boise and provide both commercial and residential solar panels. They also offer an energy audit service for improving your energy efficiency if you cannot afford a solar system yet.
2. Elite Enterprise Group (EEG)
- Location: 16070 N Idaho Center Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687
- Phone: 208-477-4593
This company offers commercial, residential, and agricultural solar systems. Their service consists of consultation, design, financing, permitting, installation, and maintenance. They give a 25-year panel guarantee as well.
3. Revolusun
- Location: 2149 E Summersweet Dr, Boise, ID 83716
- Phone: 208-315-4082
Revolusun is a locally owned and operated solar company. According to the website, their goal is to leave a legacy of clean energy for their children. They provide solar panels as well as energy storage services.
4. Idahome Solar
- Location: 2484 N Stokesberry Pl, Meridian, ID 83646
- Phone: 208-997-6527
This company is located in Meridian and they have more than 25 years of experience. They offer rooftop solar, ground-mount solar, tracking systems, and energy storage. They promise superior quality and great customer service.
5. EGT Solar
- Location: 401 N Main St, Meridian, ID 83642
- Phone: 208-795-5170
EGT Solar is another company based in Meridian. They are passionate about helping people lead cleaner lives. You can get residential, commercial, and agricultural services from this company. They also have financing options.
6. Blue Raven Solar
- Location: 50 S Cole Rd, Boise, ID 83709
- Phone: 800-377-4480
Blue Raven Solar is one of the fastest-growing solar companies in the USA. Their process includes visitation to your home, design, and installation of your solar system. You can estimate your savings on their website.
7. Big Dog Solar
- Location: 1190 W Taylor Ave #104, Meridian, ID 83642
- Phone: 208-629-7005
Big Dog Solar offers residential, commercial, and agricultural solar systems. Their work is guaranteed and most of the components have a 25-year warranty. You can request a free quote on their website.
Summary
Although electric bills in Idaho are not as expensive as in some other states, going solar is still very much worth it. You will still be able to save a lot of money and use clean energy for a healthier environment. Idaho offers great incentives, so make sure to take advantage of them as soon as possible.