Solar Panels Cost $8.8k-$17k in Ada County, ID | November, 2024
High Power Bills?
Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar
No data available
How much do solar panels cost in Ada County, ID in 2024?
No data available
For solar panels in Ada County, ID, the cost per watt in November, 2024 is approximately $3.17/W.
Stemming from the rate per watt, solar panel installations will cost you about $3,170 per 1000 watts (1 kW) of generation capacounty. When you consider the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to spend about $11,095 for a 5 kW solar panel system in Ada County. It's worth noting that a more extensive system could be required to adequately cover your energy requirements.
On the left side, choose your county to see the average roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panels for homes in your area. Displayed below is a summary of the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Ada County: $11,095US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Ada County: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Ada County: $10,540US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Ada County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Ada County.
Roof size 894sq. ft.
Capacity 12.5kW DC
Electricity 16.6kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Ada County, ID & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average monthly kWh usage for a Ada County resident is 927, with an average monthly bill of 109.96. Apartments and compact residences, which typically have diminished energy needs, are covered in this figure.
The rate of electricity in Ada County, ID, averaging, is 11.86¢ per kWh for November 2024.
Upfront, an 8 kW solar system is priced at around $25,360, but with a 30% federal tax credit, this drops to $17,752.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Ada County
On the left side below, there is the cost breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Ada County. The bigger the solar array, the higher the initial expense, but also the more substantial electricity savings and income tax credits you'll receive.
Using the solar panel cost calculator situated to the right and below, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $109.96 in Ada County. Modify the $109.96 to your typical bill payment for personalized results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $737 a year
Est. Price
$8,876
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,144 kWh
Est. monthly savings $61
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.1 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 51 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,727 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $922 a year
Est. Price
$11,095
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,680 kWh
Est. monthly savings $77
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.38 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 63 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,408 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,106 a year
Est. Price
$13,314
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,216 kWh
Est. monthly savings $92
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.65 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 76 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,090 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,290 a year
Est. Price
$15,533
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,752 kWh
Est. monthly savings $108
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.93 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 89 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,772 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,475 a year
Est. Price
$17,752
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 12,288 kWh
Est. monthly savings $110
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.97 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 91 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,882 mi less a year
Ada County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
For rural farms and small businesses, the REAP Grant might currently cover between 80% and 100% of the expenses for installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Think you might be eligible? Confirm your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
With the availability of a 30% federal income tax credit, solar energy becomes a practical solution for nearly all homeowners, notably in various parts of the country. Alongside federal incentives, there are many state and local efforts to support solar energy adoption.
Idaho residents have access to 7 solar rebate and incentive programs from different utilities and governmental organizations.
Solar incentives in IDIncentive Description Value
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.
Are solar panels worth it in Ada County, ID?
Homeowners in Ada County who intend to live in their residence beyond the payback period of their solar system will find solar panels an excellent choice. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Ada County, ID, you can expect to save approximately $15,295.4 over 20 years, with the break even point generally being 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Ada County, ID
The lack of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means you'll miss out on the earlier mentioned savings and be entirely reliant on your electric utility for power. The news has given several examples showing that total dependence on your utility isn't always the best idea.
On a yearly basis, the average number of outages per customer in Ada County has been 1.16. On average, the length of an outage is 142.53 minutes. Major events like high winds, equipment failure, or vandalism can cause these durations to rise considerably.
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Ada County.
A solar panel system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could help reduce the impact of future outages you might encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Ada County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Ada County, ID?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems come with a greater upfront cost, but the price per watt is reduced. Individuals often find that installing a solar system that can replace their electric bill is very advantageous. This method leads to maximum savings.
Make & Model - Just like other industries, the solar energy sector features a wide range of solar panel and mounting equipment brands and designs. Given the particular system preferences an contractor might have, selecting a highly rated contractor is crucial. The utilization of high-quality materials is likely to result in a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - It's obvious why monocrystalline panels are now the preferred option in the industry. These panels are more expensive, yet they provide more energy. Many installers tend to utilize panels made from this material.
Your Property - Every property and home is distinct. Sloped land, trees, or other considerations can make the installation more difficult. Many solar installers these days are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these aspects in the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies offer different wages to their employees, and these costs are eventually borne by the consumers. Often, businesses paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the location, permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation price. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your initial quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Ada County cities
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Ada County, ID Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As recorded in November, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Ada County, ID is $3.17/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Ada County, ID will cost approximately $11,095 after applying the federal tax credit.
Residents of Idaho can currently take advantage of 7 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.
Although cash payments offer the greatest savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are also beneficial. Many installers work with financing partners and will include this information in your initial quotes.
Yes, in Ada County, ID, the average time for 5 kWsolar panel systems to pay for themselves is 8 years, leading to electricity savings of $15,295.4 over a 20-year period.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
