Solar Panels Cost 7.4k-17k in Mountain Home, ID | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $7.4k-$17k in Mountain Home, ID | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Mountain Home, ID in 2024?

Going solar in Mountain Home, ID averages out to $3.56 per watt in October, 2024.

Utilizing the cost, we are able to come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar system can generate, you will need to spend, on average, $3,560 to have it installed. Taking into consideration the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW panel install in Mountain Home typically costs $12,460. It should be noted that a bigger system might be necessary to adequately cover your energy demands.

By selecting your county on the left, you can find out the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar panel systems in your area. You can review the price, 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.
Mountain Home: $12,460US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Mountain Home: 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.
Mountain Home: $8,103US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Mountain Home

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

Roof size 787sq. ft.
Capacity 11kW DC
Electricity 15.3kkWh AC per yr.

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

Energy consumers in Mountain Home usually pay $107.93 per month for electricity, with a typical monthly usage of908 kWh. This statistic also reflects data from apartments and smaller housing units, which typically use less energy consumption.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Mountain Home, ID is on average 11.89¢ per kWh.

Average citizens in Mountain Home may need a solar power system with a capacity of 7 kW or more to take care of their entire electricity usage requirements. Right now, a 7 kW setup will cost around $24,920 upfront, with the 30% federal tax credit, the cost lowers to $17,444.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Mountain Home

On the left side below, you can find a detailed cost breakdown for various solar panel system sizes set up in Mountain Home. When you choose a more extensive solar system, the cost is greater, but it also leads to more significant electricity savings and a more substantial income tax credit.

In the calculator provided below and to the right, you will find a breakdown of solar panel costs and benefits, calculated with an average $107.93 electric bill for Mountain Home. More tailored results can be achieved by modifying the $107.93 to your usual bill amount.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $568 a year
Est. Price
$7,476
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,736 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $47
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.19 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 147 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,898 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $758 a year
Est. Price
$9,968
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,314 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $63
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.25 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 195 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,531 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $947 a year
Est. Price
$12,460
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,893 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $79
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.32 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 244 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 13,164 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,137 a year
Est. Price
$14,952
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,472 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $95
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.38 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 293 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 15,796 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,326 a year
Est. Price
$17,444
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,050 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $108
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.28 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 334 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 18,012 mi less a year

Mountain Home Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural small businesses and farms can benefit from the REAP Grant, which may cover between 80% and 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. To determine your eligibility, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Almost all residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a feasible option in various states in the country. A variety of regional and state programs are available to encourage solar energy adoption.

There are 7 solar rebate and incentive programs currently offered in Idaho by multiple utilities and government 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?

For homeowners in Mountain Home who expect to stay in their residence beyond the solar payback period, solar panels make an excellent investment. A 5 kW solar system in Mountain Home, ID might save you an average of $13,443.2 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Mountain Home, ID

In addition to forgoing the savings, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy source results in full dependence on your electric utility for your power needs. The news has recently pointed out that total reliance on your utility is not always ideal.

Annually, customers in Mountain Home have encountered approximately 0.97 utility outages.Yearly, customers in Mountain Home have encountered approximately 0.97 utility outages. On average, the length of an outage is 140.25 minutes. Major events like grid management errors, earthquakes or construction accidents can cause these durations to rise considerably.

A solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could help mitigate the effects of future outages you might face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Elmore County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Mountain Home, ID?

Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is greater, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Homeowners often discover that setting up a solar system to fully cover their electric bill is a smart choice, leading to the most savings.

Make & Model - Similar to other products, solar panels come in a range of makes and models. Considering the brand preferences that your installer may have, it's crucial to pick a recommended contractor. The employment of high-quality materials is likely to yield a more positive long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's clear why monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. These panels cost more but yield more energy. Many installers in the industry utilize panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues like trees, irregular terrain, or additional considerations may add to the complexity of the installation. Most solar installers currently use satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Differences in employee wages across companies result in expenses that are transferred to the consumers. Reviews for work and customer service are frequently higher for businesses that pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - The local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by region, will impact your final installation price. Quality installers will factor these costs into your first quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

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Who are the best solar installers in Mountain Home?

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.

Mountain Home, ID Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Mountain Home, ID as of October, 2024 is $3.56/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Mountain Home, ID drops to roughly $12,460.

  • If you live in Idaho, you can find 7 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Cash payments offer the highest savings, yet multiple financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Many installers have partnerships with financing companies and will provide this information in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Mountain Home, ID stands at 10 years, yielding average electricity savings of $13,443.2 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01