Solar Panels Cost 7.3k-17k in Preston, ID | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $7.3k-$17k in Preston, ID | October, 2024

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

You'll pay about $3.51/W to get a solar system in October, 2024 in Preston, ID.

Based on this price per watt, you can conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can generate, you will have to spend $3,510 for its installation. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW panel install in Preston will cost around $12,285. Your electricity use habits may need a larger system.

Select your county from the menu on the left to view the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. Additionally, you can also see a breakdown 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.
Preston: $12,285US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Preston: 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.
Preston: $7,434US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Preston

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

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

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

The standard kWh usage for Preston residents is 906 monthly, with an average electric bill of $104.10. It’s worth remembering that this number includes apartments and other smaller living spaces that generally have lower energy use.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Preston, ID is on average 11.49¢ per kWh.

If your household uses an average amount of electricity in Preston, you will want a solar system of 7 kW or larger to fully take care of your entire power needs. Presently, a 7 kW solar panel system will have an upfront cost of about $24,570, but the federal tax credit reduces the price by 30%, making it $17,199.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Preston

To your left, there is a comprehensive price breakdown for the multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Preston. Of course, with a bigger solar system, there will be a higher upfront cost, but the advantages consist of more electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

In the solar panel cost calculator located to the right and below, you can see a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $104.10electric bill in Preston. For custom results, change the $104.10 to whatever your average electricity bill is.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $521 a year
Est. Price
$7,371
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,736 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $43
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.86 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 39 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,128 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $695 a year
Est. Price
$9,828
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,314 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $58
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.15 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 53 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,838 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $868 a year
Est. Price
$12,285
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,893 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $72
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.43 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 66 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,547 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,042 a year
Est. Price
$14,742
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,472 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $87
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.72 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 79 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,257 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,216 a year
Est. Price
$17,199
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,050 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $101
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.01 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 92 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,966 mi less a year

Preston Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs. To determine your eligibility, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is offered to almost all homeowners, making solar power a good investment in numerous parts of the country. There are also a number of state and local efforts aimed at enhancing solar energy use.

In Idaho, 7 solar rebates and incentives are currently available from different utilities and government agencies.

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 your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, installing solar panels is a wise option in Preston. In Preston, ID, the installation of a 5 kW solar system can save you an average of $12,699 over 20 years, with an average break even point of 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Preston, ID

In addition to missing out on the savings mentioned above, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in total reliance on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by recent news stories, complete dependence on your utility company isn't always ideal.

In recent years, customers in Preston have typically faced 1.05 utility outages per year. The average duration of each outage is 106.74 minutes. During severe events like equipment failure, tornadoes or construction accidents, these times can grow significantly longer.

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

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Franklin County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is larger. Consumers often discover that setting up a solar system that can replace their entire electric bill is useful, resulting in significant savings.

Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels are available in a range of makes and models. The installer’s preference for brand makes it important to select a highly rated contractor. Superior equipment generally provide an better long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are generally accepted as the industry standard, and for valid reasons. They are pricier but produce more energy. Many professionals in solar installation utilize panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Elements such as rough terrain, trees, or additional considerations might complicate the installation process. Solar installers now have the ability to use satellite images to evaluate your home and include these factors in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies pay varying pay rates to their employees, which are then reflected in the prices consumers pay. It is frequently observed that companies with higher wages get superior reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of your installation will be impacted by the local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary depending on the area. Quality local installers will include these figures in your preliminary estimates to provide transparency.

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Who are the best solar installers in Preston?

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.

Preston, ID Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Preston, ID as of October, 2024 is $3.51/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Preston, ID after federal tax credits is around $12,285.

  • Various utility providers and government organizations in Idaho are offering 7 rebates and incentives at this time. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Cash payments yield the highest savings, yet numerous financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Your preliminary quotes will usually include financing options available through installers.

  • Yes, on average, the return on investment for 5 kW solar panel systems in Preston, ID is achieved in 10 years, with electricity savings amounting to $12,699 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01