Solar Panels Cost $9.5k-$19k in Kootenai County, ID | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Kootenai County, ID in 2024?
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Going solar in Kootenai County, ID averages out to $3.41 per watt in November, 2024.
You should expect costs to be $3,410, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your solar system will need to produce. We are able to come to this conclusion as a result of the rate price cost per watt above. In Kootenai County, you will pay approximately $11,935 for a 5 kW panel install after subtracting the 30% federal income tax credit. Remember, a bigger system might be required to fulfill your energy requirements effectively.
By selecting your county on the left, you can view the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. See below a full overview of the {price|costs, 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.
Kootenai County: $11,935US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Kootenai County: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Kootenai County: $8,788US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Kootenai County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Kootenai County.
Roof size 787sq. ft.
Capacity 11kW DC
Electricity 12.6kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Kootenai County, ID & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Kootenai County, the monthly kWh usage for residents averages 959 kWh, with an average bill of 107.66. Keep in mind that this number includes data from both apartments and smaller homes with lower energy requirements.
As of November 2024, the mean rate for electricity per kWh in Kootenai County, ID is 11.23¢.
The estimated cost for an 8 kW solar system is $27,280 before incentives, but with a 30% federal tax credit, it drops to $19,096.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Kootenai County
Displayed below and to the left, you can find a comprehensive pricing structure for multiple solar panel system sizes set up in Kootenai County. Larger solar installations carry a greater cost, yet they also offer increased electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator to the right and below analyzes costs and benefits, using an average $107.66 electric bill in Kootenai County To achieve tailored results, adjust the $107.66 to reflect your typical electricity payment.
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 $695 a year
Est. Price
$9,548
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,314 kWh
Est. monthly savings $58
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 147 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,910 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $868 a year
Est. Price
$11,935
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,893 kWh
Est. monthly savings $72
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.99 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 183 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 9,887 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,042 a year
Est. Price
$14,322
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,472 kWh
Est. monthly savings $87
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.79 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 220 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 11,865 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,216 a year
Est. Price
$16,709
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,050 kWh
Est. monthly savings $101
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.59 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 257 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 13,842 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,389 a year
Est. Price
$19,096
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 12,629 kWh
Est. monthly savings $108
Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.96 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 274 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 14,759 mi less a year
Kootenai County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
The REAP Grant currently offers between 80% and 100% coverage for the installation costs of photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and agricultural businesses. Think you fit the criteria? Verify your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
Thanks to the 30% federal income tax credit, residential solar installations are within reach for most people, rendering solar power a feasible investment across various states. Furthermore, various state and local programs are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar power.
Multiple utilities and government agencies in Idaho provide 7 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Kootenai County, ID?
If you intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Kootenai County. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Kootenai County, ID, you can expect to save approximately $13,903.4 over 20 years, with the break even point usually being 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Kootenai County, ID
Not having solar panels or any other backup energy system results in missing the earlier mentioned savings and full dependence on your electric utility for electricity. Many recent examples in the news have shown that total dependence on your utility company is not always the best option.
Annually, customers in Kootenai County have experienced approximately 1.3 utility outages.Each year, customers in Kootenai County have dealt with approximately 1.3 utility outages. On average, an outage lasts 99.66 minutes. When major events such as thunderstorms, grid management errors, or construction accidents occur, these durations can increase significantly
Take a look at the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Kootenai County.
A solar energy system could help mitigate the effects of future outages, with or without a backup battery.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Kootenai County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Kootenai County, ID?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel setups come with a larger price tag, yet the cost per watt decreases as the size of the system grows. Individuals often realize that setting up a solar system that can cover their entire electric bill is useful, ensuring significant savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, just like many other products, are available in different makes and models. The contractor’s preference for system makes it essential to select a reputable installer. Buyers who choose high-quality materials generally enjoy a more favorable long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the industry standard, and for good reason. These panels are more costly, yet they generate more energy. Most installers tend to utilize panels made from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors like trees, irregular terrain, or other hindrances can make the installation more challenging. Today, the most solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and incorporate these considerations in the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Companies offer different pay rates to their employees, which are then reflected in the prices consumers pay. Higher reviews for work and customer service are generally associated with businesses that pay higher wages.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees vary locally and will impact your installation cost. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Kootenai County cities
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Kootenai County, ID Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of November, 2024, the average cost for solar panels in Kootenai County, ID is $3.41/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Kootenai County, ID will cost approximately $11,935 after applying the federal tax credit.
Various utility providers and government organizations in Idaho are offering 7 rebates and incentives at this time. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
While paying cash provides the most savings, several financing options for solar panels exist that also make financial sense. Your preliminary quotes will usually include financing options available through installers.
Yes, in Kootenai County, ID, the average payback period for 5 kW solar panels is 9 years, resulting in average electricity savings of $13,903.4 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
