Solar Panels Cost $7.2k-$16k in Pocatello, ID | October, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Pocatello, ID in 2024?
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To get a solar system averages out to $3.44 per watt in Pocatello, ID in October, 2024.
It will cost you $3,440, on average, per 1000 watts (1 kW) of capacity that your solar panels have. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to pay about $12,040, in Pocatello, for a 5 kW solar panel install. Keep in mind that a larger system may be necessary to adequately cover your energy demands.
Select your county from the menu on the left to determine the average roof size and maximum solar panel system capacity for homes in your area. Displayed below is an analysis 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.
Pocatello: $12,040US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Pocatello: 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.
Pocatello: $8,703US Average: $15,784
Solar Potential in Pocatello
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Pocatello.
Roof size 679sq. ft.
Capacity 9.5kW DC
Electricity 12.5kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Pocatello, ID & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Pocatello residents generally have an average monthly electric bill of $107.93 per month, with an average consumption of 908 kWh. Smaller homes, including condos and bungalows, are also part of the numbers mentioned in the previous sentence.
In October 2024, the average electricity rate in Pocatello, ID is 11.89¢ per kWh.
The typical electricity consumer in Pocatello has to have a 7 kW or larger solar setup to cover their full electricity usage demands. Right now, a 7 kW setup is priced at around $24,080 initially, but after the 30% federal tax credit, the total comes to $16,856.
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Average solar panel costs by system size in Pocatello
To the left below, you can see the price breakdown for different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Pocatello. With bigger solar systems, the price rises, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can gain.
The cost-benefit analysis for solar panels, presented in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $107.93 in Pocatello. Replace the $107.93 with your usual electricity bill for more accurate results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $568 a year
Est. Price
$7,224
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 0.9 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 41 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,236 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $758 a year
Est. Price
$9,632
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,314 kWh
Est. monthly savings $63
Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.2 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 55 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,981 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $947 a year
Est. Price
$12,040
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,893 kWh
Est. monthly savings $79
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.51 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 69 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,726 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,137 a year
Est. Price
$14,448
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,472 kWh
Est. monthly savings $95
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.81 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 83 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,472 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,326 a year
Est. Price
$16,856
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 2.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 95 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,099 mi less a year
Pocatello Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Small businesses and agricultural enterprises in rural areas may see between 80% and 100% of their solar energy or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant. Think you might qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your eligibility.
A 30% federal tax credit is accessible to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which renders solar energy a feasible choice in various regions throughout the United States. Moreover, there are various state and local incentives to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
A total of 7 solar rebates and incentives are available in Idaho through multiple utility companies and government 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 Idaho?
If you plan to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Pocatello. A 5 kW system in Pocatello, ID will save the average homeowner, on average, $13,863.2 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Pocatello, ID
Besides missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not installing solar panels or a separate backup energy source results in complete dependence on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news has proven that total reliance on your utility company isn't always ideal.
The average number of outages per customer per year in Pocatello is 0.97. Typically, outages have an average duration of 140.25 minutes. However, during significant events such as earthquakes, vandalism, or overloaded power grids, these times can drastically increase.
Having a solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could alleviate the strain of any future outages you may experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Bannock County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Pocatello, ID?
Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is greater, the price per watt drops with larger solar panel systems. Homeowners often find that installing a solar system that can offset their entire electric bill is advantageous, leading to optimal savings.
Make & Model - Just like other industries, the solar energy sector features a range of solar panel brands and designs. Picking an installer with certain system preferences means it's even more important crucial to go with a reputable contractor. Buyers often find that utilizing better quality materials leads to a more positive long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - It's not surprising that monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Even with a higher cost, this technology produce more energy. The majority of installers choose panels crafted using this material.
Your Property - Elements such as trees, uneven landscapes, or other hindrances might complicate the installation process. Nowadays, solar installers commonly leverage satellite images to assess your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The costs related to the different wages offered by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Businesses that pay higher wages often get higher reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Regional differences in permitting and utility interconnection fees will impact your installation cost. Good local installers will build these figures into your preliminary estimates to prevent any surprises.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Pocatello, ID Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As recorded in October, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Pocatello, ID is $3.44/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $12,040 in Pocatello, ID after the federal tax credit is applied.
Utilities and government agencies in Idaho are currently offering 7 different rebates and incentives. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.
Even though paying cash provides the most savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that also are cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Pocatello, ID is 9 years, with expected savings of $13,863.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
