Solar Panels Cost $9.7k-$19k in Idaho Falls, ID | October, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Idaho Falls, ID in 2024?
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In Idaho Falls, ID in October, 2024, the current price per watt for solar panel installations is estimated at $3.49/W
In accordance with this rate, expect to pony up $3,490, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar system can produce. In Idaho Falls, you can expect to spend approximately $12,215 for a 5 kW solar installation once the 30% federal income tax credit is factored in. It should be noted that a larger system could be necessary to adequately cover your energy requirements.
Choose your county from the menu on the left to find out the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Shown below is a breakdown 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.
Idaho Falls: $12,215US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Idaho Falls: 12 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Idaho Falls: $3,610US Average: $15,784
Solar Potential in Idaho Falls
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Idaho Falls.
Roof size 858sq. ft.
Capacity 12kW DC
Electricity 15.6kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Idaho Falls, ID & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Idaho Falls, energy consumers usually see an average electric bill of $87.75 each month, with an average consumption of 966 kWh. Flats and other smaller residences with reduced energy requirements are included in this data.
The average rate for electricity in Idaho Falls, ID during October, 2024 is 9.08¢ per kWh.
Typical citizens in Idaho Falls may need a solar panel system of 8 kW or larger to cover their entire electricity consumption requirements. Before any incentives, an 8 kWsolar system is priced at approximately $27,920, after the 30% federal tax credit, the final cost is $19,544.
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Average solar panel costs by system size in Idaho Falls
Shown on the left and below is the cost analysis for multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in Idaho Falls. The initial cost for more extensive solar systems is higher, but they also provide more significant electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator below and to the right details costs and benefits, using an average $87.75 electric bill in Idaho Falls For results that are more specific to you, modify the $87.75 to reflect your typical electricity bill.
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 $568 a year
Est. Price
$9,772
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,314 kWh
Est. monthly savings $47
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 46 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,472 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $710 a year
Est. Price
$12,215
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,893 kWh
Est. monthly savings $59
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.25 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 57 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,090 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $852 a year
Est. Price
$14,658
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,472 kWh
Est. monthly savings $71
Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.5 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 69 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,708 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $995 a year
Est. Price
$17,101
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,050 kWh
Est. monthly savings $83
Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.75 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 80 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,326 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,137 a year
Est. Price
$19,544
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 12,629 kWh
Est. monthly savings $88
Full payback in 19 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.86 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 85 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,594 mi less a year
Idaho Falls Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
If you own a plot or small business in a rural area, the REAP Grant might cover between 80% and 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs. Wondering about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.
Adding residential solar panels comes with a 30% federal tax credit, available to most homeowners, making it a good option for many areas throughout the United States. Apart from the federal incentives, state and local programs also work to boost solar energy uptake.
A total of 7 solar incentive and rebate initiatives are available in Idaho from multiple utilities and government bodies.
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 Idaho?
For those in Idaho Falls looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. With a 5 kW solar system in Idaho Falls, ID, the average savings over a 20 period is $8,845, with break even generally occurring at 12 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Idaho Falls, ID
Besides missing out on the savings outlined above, not installing solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have indicated that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always ideal.
Every year, customers in Idaho Falls face approximately 0.36 outages each year. Outages typically last for an average of 36.35 minutes. Major occurrences like hurricanes, wildlife damage, or grid management errors can lead to a significant rise in these time frames.
Whether it comes with a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could reduce the strain of any future power interruptions you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Bonneville County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Idaho Falls, ID?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems require more upfront investment, but the cost per watt declines as the size of the system grows. Installing a solar system that makes sufficient electricity to eliminate their electric bill is beneficial to most individuals, ensuring savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. The brand preferences of your selected installer can make it crucial to choose a highly rated company. The selection of better equipment can greatly better the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and it's easy to see why. Even with a higher cost, this technology generate more energy. Most installers opt for panels crafted using this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as uneven land, trees, or other obstacles can make the installation more challenging. These days, solar installers can utilize satellite images to evaluate your home and include these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies remunerate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are transferred to consumers. It is frequently observed that businesses with higher wages receive superior reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will be influenced by changing local permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, quality local installers will be able to build these numbers into your initial quotes so there are no surprises.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Idaho Falls, ID Solar Panel Cost FAQs
During October, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Idaho Falls, ID is $3.49/W. The installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Idaho Falls, ID will cost about $12,215 after federal tax credits.
At present, there are 7 rebates and incentives available to Idaho residents from various utility and government programs. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Opting for cash payments results in the highest savings, but there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are beneficial. Your initial quotes will often contain information about financing options provided by installers.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Idaho Falls, ID is 12 years, with expected savings of $8,845 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
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