Solar Panels Cost $7.0k-$16k in Star, ID | October, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Star, ID in 2024?
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You'll spend, on average, $3.37 per watt in Star, ID in the month of October, 2024 to go solar.
Using the rate per watt, we are able to come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar panels can produce, you will have to spend, on average, $3,370 to have it installed. On average, the expense of a 5 kW solar system in Star, after you subtract 30% federal tax credit, is around $11,795. To fully meet your energy demands, you could require more than a 5kW system.
On the left, select your county to view the typical roof size and the maximum production capacity for residential solar on houses in your area. Additionally, 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.
Star: $11,795US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Star: 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.
Star: $9,053US Average: $15,784
Solar Potential in Star
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Star.
Roof size 894sq. ft.
Capacity 12.5kW DC
Electricity 16.6kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Star, ID & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
For Star residents, the average monthly kWh usage is 908, with an standard electric bill of $107.93. Keep in mind that apartments and smaller dwellings, which generally have reduced energy consumption, are included in this statistic.
For October 2024, Star, ID's mean electricity rate is 11.89¢ per kWh.
To fully meet the energy needs of an average user in Star, a solar system of 7 kW or larger is needed. Before any incentives, a 7 kWsolar panel system will cost around $23,590, but with a 30% federal tax credit, the price drops to $16,513.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Star
Visible below and to the left is the pricing breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems in Star. As expected, a larger solar system implies a greater initial expense, but it also results in more significant electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator below and to the right analyzes costs and benefits, based on an average $107.93 electric bill in Star For a more accurate estimate, swap the $107.93 with your average electricity bill amount.
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
$7,077
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,736 kWh
Est. monthly savings $47
Full payback in 5 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
$9,436
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
$11,795
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
$14,154
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
$16,513
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
Star Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Between 80% and 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. If you think you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.
Most residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making it a viable option in numerous states throughout the country. On top of that, there are various state and local incentives to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Idaho offers 7 solar rebate and incentive programs through multiple utilities and government entities.
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?
For those planning to remain in their homes after the solar system's payback period, adding solar panels is a obvious choice in Star. A 5 kW solar system in Star, ID could potentially save you $14,108.2 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point typically at 9 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Star, ID
Beyond forgoing the savings noted above, the absence of solar panels or an alternative backup energy solution leads to total dependency on your electric utility for power. Total reliance on your utility isn't always the best scenario as the news has recently shown.
Annually, customers in Star face approximately 0.97 outages each year. The average length of an outage is 140.25 minutes. In events like overloaded power grids, winter storms or vandalism, this duration can extend significantly.
Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system could alleviate the burden of potential future power disruptions you may face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Ada County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Star, ID?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt is decreased with larger solar panel systems, even though the initial cost is higher. Numerous people find it beneficial to set up a solar energy system that can offset their entire electric bill. This ensures optimal savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, come in different makes and models. The preferences for system that your installer has may make it essential to choose a reputable company. Consumers who opt for superior materials generally enjoy a better long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and for good reason. They are pricier but produce more energy. The majority of professionals in solar installation use panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - No two properties or homes are the same. Rough terrain, trees, or additional hindrances can make the installation process more challenging. The majority of solar installers today are able to use satellite imagery to assess your home and incorporate these elements in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Employees get varied wages from different companies, and these costs are borne by the consumers. Companies that pay higher wages often receive higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be affected by different local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. Quality local installers will include these numbers into your first quotes to prevent any surprises.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Star, ID Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of October, 2024, the average solar panel installation cost in Star, ID has reached $3.37/W. After the federal tax credit, the estimated cost for a 5 kW solar panel system in Star, ID is roughly $11,795.
There are 7 rebates and incentives available in Idaho from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Even though cash payments provide the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels today are also cost-effective. Installers will often include details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Star, ID is 9 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $14,108.2.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
