Solar Panels Cost 9.8k-19k in Meridian, ID | September, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $9.8k-$19k in Meridian, ID | September, 2024

High Power Bills?

Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar

How much do solar panels cost in Meridian, ID in 2024?

As of September, 2024, the current cost to get solar panels installed in Meridian, ID is $3.53 per watt.

Said another way, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,530 to get your system installed in . When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to spend approximately $12,355 for a 5 kW solar setup in Meridian. It's vital to consider that a higher capacity system might be essential to fulfill your energy needs.

On the left, you can choose your county to view the average roof size and the maximum capacity for residential solar on houses in your area. You can also see an outline of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Meridian: $12,355US Average: $12,598
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Meridian: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Meridian: $8,253US Average: $15,732

Solar Potential in Meridian

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

Roof size 894sq. ft.
Capacity 12.5kW DC
Electricity 16.6kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Meridian, ID & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

For Meridian energy consumers, the typical electric bill is $107.93 per month, with a usage of 908 kWh. Smaller dwellings, such as townhouses and condos, are also covered in the statistics mentioned in the preceding sentence.

Meridian, ID's electricity rate is 11.89¢ per kWh in September 2024.

If you’re a typical electricity consumer in Meridian you has to have an 8 kW or higher sized system to take care of all of your energy usage demands. Initially, an 8 kWsetup will cost about $28,240, but with a 30% federal tax credit, the price drops to $19,768.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Meridian

To the left side and below, there is the pricing details for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Meridian. Naturally, with a larger solar system, there will be a larger initial investment, but the advantages include greater energy savings and larger income tax credits.

The solar panel cost calculator, located to the right and below, offers a cost and benefit breakdown using an average $107.93 electric bill for Meridian. To get personalized results, adjust the $107.93 to align with your typical electricity payment.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $737 a year
Est. Price
$9,884
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,144 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $61
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.16 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 53 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,882 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $922 a year
Est. Price
$12,355
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,680 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $77
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.46 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 67 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,603 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,106 a year
Est. Price
$14,826
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,216 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $92
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.75 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 80 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,324 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,290 a year
Est. Price
$17,297
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,752 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $108
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.04 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 94 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,044 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,475 a year
Est. Price
$19,768
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,288 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $108
  • Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.05 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 94 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,067 mi less a year

Meridian Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you own a agricultural property or small business in a rural area, the REAP Grant could cover between 80% and 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs. Think you are eligible? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to see if you are eligible.

For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to nearly everyone, making solar a feasible option in various states. A number of state and local efforts are set up to enhance the adoption of solar energy.

Idaho residents have access to 7 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from multiple utilities and governmental bodies.

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?

If you're planning to stay in your home past the period required to pay back your solar investment, choosing solar panels is a wise decision in Meridian. Having a 5 kW solar system in Meridian, ID can potentially save you roughly $13,548.2 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Meridian, ID

Skipping the installation of solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in missing the earlier mentioned savings and total reliance on your electric utility for power. As recent news articles have pointed out, full dependence on your utility provider isn't always ideal.

Yearly, customers in Meridian face approximately 0.97 outages every year. On average, the length of an outage is 140.25 minutes. Major events like winter storms, wildlife damage, or grid management errors can cause these durations to rise considerably.

A solar panel system with (or without) a backup battery could reduce the strain of future outages you face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Ada County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

What impacts the cost of solar panels in Meridian, ID?

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a higher upfront cost, but the cost per watt decreases as the system size increases. It is often beneficial for consumers to install a solar system that can generate enough electricity to fully cover their electric bill, which leads to substantial savings.

Make & Model - Like many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels to choose from. Your installer’s potential system preferences make it essential to select a recommended contractor. For consumers wanting a better long-term experience, choosing superior quality equipment is essential.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry, and rightly so. Although the cost is higher, they deliver more energy. The majority of installers use these kinds of panels.

Your Property - Challenges such as irregular terrain, trees, or other obstructions can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. Solar installers now have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and factor in these considerations in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The differing wages that companies give their employees result in costs that are inevitably transferred to consumers. Businesses that invest in higher wages typically see higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be influenced by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. Quality local installers will integrate these figures into your initial estimates to prevent any surprises.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Who are the best solar installers in Meridian?

Freedom Forever

Temecula, CA(800) 685-1850

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Douglass Colony Group

Commerce City, CO(877) 288-0650

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Powur PBC

Del Mar, CA(866) 467-6987

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

RISE Power

Richardson, TX(855) 747-3769

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Hunt Electric

Salt Lake City, UT(801) 975-8844

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Creative Energies

Salt Lake City, UT(801) 487-6489

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Fluent Solar

Lindon, UT(866) 736-1253

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Knight Electric

Ogden, UT(801) 782-8219

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Altenergy

Charlottesville, VA(434) 293-3763

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Infinity Energy

Rocklin, CA(888) 244-2513

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Empire Solar Group

Salt Lake City, UT(800) 467-4562

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Meridian, ID Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of September, 2024, the average solar panel installation cost in Meridian, ID has reached $3.53/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Meridian, ID is estimated to cost $12,355.

  • Residents of Idaho can currently take advantage of 7 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Opting for cash payments provides the highest savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are financially sensible. Many installers have partnerships with financing companies and will provide this information in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Meridian, ID pay for themselves in 10 years, with homeowners saving approximately $13,548.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-09-01