Is there a limit to the amount of solar panels a house can have in Idaho?

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.

How much to install solar panels in Idaho?

Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $3.46 in Idaho. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $34,556 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.

How much do solar panels add to house value in Idaho?

Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.

What direction should solar panels face in Idaho?

To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.

How many solar panel installers in Idaho?

Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 23 verified solar install companies in Idaho

Solar Energy in Idaho

Solar Rates, Incentives, Plans & Statistics

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Going solar in Idaho

In Idaho, an average home needs a 8kW solar system in order cover most of their electricity needs. Given the average residential price-per-watt of $3.46 in Idaho, a 8kW system can cost around $27,644 depending on applicable rebates and other factors.

Select your county by clicking on the map and see the potential generated solar power and panel pricing. See how it compares with the US state average.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.

Idaho: $17,278US Average: $18,170

Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.

Idaho: 13 yearsUS Average: 11 years

Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.

Idaho: $8,377US Average: $15,022

Solar Potential in Idaho

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Idaho.

Roof size 787sq. ft.

Capacity 11kW DC

Electricity 15.3kkWh AC per yr.

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Compare solar panels by system size in Idaho

Get the most value out of your roof by comparing the different benefits a given system size has.

System Size 4kW

Roof Size Min. space required

286 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $689 a year

Est. Price

$13,822

Savings from a 4kWthis system

Est. yearly production 6,130 kWh
Est. monthly savings $57
Full payback in 20 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.65 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 76 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,076 mi less a year

System Size 5kW

Roof Size Min. space required

358 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $861 a year

Est. Price

$17,278

Savings from a 5kWthis system

Est. yearly production 7,663 kWh
Est. monthly savings $72
Full payback in 20 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 95 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,095 mi less a year

System Size 6kW

Roof Size Min. space required

429 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,034 a year

Est. Price

$20,733

Savings from a 6kWthis system

Est. yearly production 9,196 kWh
Est. monthly savings $86
Full payback in 20 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.47 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 113 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,114 mi less a year

System Size 7kW

Roof Size Min. space required

501 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,206 a year

Est. Price

$24,189

Savings from a 7kWthis system

Est. yearly production 10,728 kWh
Est. monthly savings $101
Full payback in 20 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.88 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 132 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,133 mi less a year

System Size 8kW

Roof Size Min. space required

572 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,378 a year

Est. Price

$27,644

Savings from a 8kWthis system

Est. yearly production 12,261 kWh
Est. monthly savings $107
Full payback in 22 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.07 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 141 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,595 mi less a year

Current utility bill:

Idaho solar incentives, tax credit, and rebates

Idaho has 7 rebates and tax credits that you may be eligable for. Visit the official links for more details to see if you apply.

Questar Gas - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs

Value:Up to $50

Residential Questar Gas customers may be entitled to financial incentives for energy-efficient equipment or upgrades through the ThermWise program. Eligible projects will vary from time to time. Currently, HVAC and water heating/boiler systems, windows, insulation/weatherization, smart thermostats, and certain kitchen or laundry appliances may earn a rebate. To qualify, the equipment should conform to Questar's own standards and be installed by a participating program contractor. Additional information is available on the ThermSafe website.

Questar Gas - Home Builder Rebate Program

Value:Up to $50

Homebuilders in the Questar Gas service area are incentivized to follow energy-efficient building standards through the ThermSafe program. Rebates are offered for whole-house construction and specific parts and equipment. For the latter option, eligible projects will vary from time to time. Additional information and application forms are available from the ThermSafe website.

Questar Gas - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Value:Up to $75

Commercial Questar Gas customers may be entitled to financial incentives for energy-efficient equipment or building upgrades through the ThermWise program. Eligible projects will vary from time to time. Currently, HVAC and water heating systems, insulation/weatherization, and kitchen or laundry appliances may earn a rebate. The standard rebate amount is $1/saved therm for the first year, with a hard maximum of up to half of project costs. To apply, a business should submit a proposal with quantified details of expected gas usage reduction. Only projects approved with the proposal are eligible for incentives. Additional information is available from the ThermSafe website.

Idaho Power - Net Metering

Value:Varies

Idaho Power (IDP) is one of three Idaho utilities that may sign independent net metering contracts with renewable energy customers. Eligible generation technologies for net metering include solar, wind, biomass, fuel cell, and hydroelectric. At the beginning of the contract period, IDP will install or activate a bidirectional meter tracking net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will receive monthly bill credits for NEG at a fixed rate. Should generation exceed consumption for a certain billing cycle, credits roll forward through the end of the year, at which point IDP will mail the customer a check for the outstanding amount. Certain capacity ceilings apply. Additional information is available through the IDP website.

Avista Utilities - Net Metering

Value:Varies

Avista Power is one of three Idaho utilities that may sign independent net metering contracts with renewable energy customers. Eligible generation technologies for net metering include solar, wind, biomass, fuel cell, and hydroelectric. At the beginning of the contract period, Avista will install or activate a bidirectional meter tracking net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will receive monthly bill credits for NEG at a fixed rate. Should generation exceed consumption for a certain billing cycle, credits roll forward through the end of the year, at which point Avista will mail the customer a check for the outstanding amount. Certain capacity ceilings apply. Additional information is available through the Avista website.

Low-Interest Energy Loan Programs

Value:Varies

Residents and businesses in Idaho may be eligible for special financing on energy efficiency improvements through the State Energy Loan Program (SELP). Projects that qualify for loans include lighting, windows, insulation/weatherization, HVAC, certain large appliances, and new renewable energy systems (solar PV, small turbines, etc.) SELP applicants are subject to standard credit checks and must provide property or equipment collateral to secure the loan. Once approved, interest rates remain at 4% for a maximum 5-year payment term. A $100 (residential) or $250 (commercial) administrative fee must be paid between project approval and the credit check. Additional information is available from the Idaho Office of Energy Resources website.

Rocky Mountain Power - Net Metering

Value:Varies

Rocky Mountain Power is one of three Idaho utilities that may sign independent net metering contracts with renewable energy customers. Eligible generation technologies for net metering include solar, wind, biomass, fuel cell, and hydroelectric. At the beginning of the contract period, RMP will install or activate a bidirectional meter tracking net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will receive monthly bill credits for NEG at a fixed rate. Should generation exceed consumption for a certain billing cycle, credits roll forward through the end of the year, at which point RMP will mail the customer a check for the outstanding amount. Certain capacity ceilings apply. Additional information is available through the RMP website.

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Frequently Asked Questions

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.
Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $3.46 in Idaho. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $34,556 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.
Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.
To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.
Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 23 verified solar install companies in Idaho