Top 6 Best Solar Companies in Idaho (2024 Reviews)

In this guide to Idaho’s best solar companies, you’ll learn

  • What are Idaho’s best solar companies?
  • How can you save money on solar panels in Idaho?
  • What should Idaho residents look for in a solar installer?
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Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.”

Going solar is a great investment for most Idahoans, with the average system paying for itself in just 14 years and saving an additional $17,308, on average, after that point. Deciding to go solar in the area is usually quite easy, but choosing one of the 20+ installers is much more challenging and intimidating.

In this article, we’ll be discussing the best solar companies in Idaho. We’ll explain why we picked each company, analyze their strengths and weaknesses and help you decide which is a good fit for your home and budget.

What Are the Best Solar Companies in Idaho?

After countless hours analyzing the best solar companies Idaho has to offer, below are what we believe are the six best options:

Compare Idaho’s Top-Rated Solar Providers

Overall, we recommend Intermountain Wind & Solar to most Idaho customers, as this company has outstanding equipment and great customer service. We’ll compare this provider with our other top picks in the table below.

Solar Providers Superlative Our Score Avg Cost Warranty Financing Options Get Quote
Blue Raven Solar Best Financing Program 4.5/5 $$ 25 years for equipment and efficiency; 10 years for workmanship Cash or solar loan Get Quote
Tesla Best Technology 4.5/5 $$ 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA Get Quote
Intermountain Wind & Solar Best Regional Provider 4.2/5 $$$ 10 years for equipment and production Cash or solar loan Get Quote
RevoluSun Idaho Best Customer service 4.4/5 $$ 25 years for equipment and production Cash or solar loan Get Quote
EGT Solar Best Local Installer 4.2/5 $$$ 25 years for equipment and production, 10 years for workmanship Cash or solar loan Get Quote
Big Dog Solar Most Affordable 4/5 $$ 25 years for equipment and production Cash or solar loan Get Quote
Badge icon

Blue Raven Solar

Best Solar Financing

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Badge icon

Tesla Energy

Best Technology

Nationwide Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Read full review now

Pros

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market

Cons

  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer
Badge icon

Intermountain Wind & Solar

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Comprehensive service offerings
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty
Badge icon

RevoluSun Idaho

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Locally owned and operated
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Excellent reputation
  • Full-service home energy solutions

Cons

  • Limited information available on website
  • Limited service area
Badge icon

EGT Solar

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers

Cons

  • Limited information available on website
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs
Badge icon

Big Dog Solar

Outstanding Regional Installer

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Many years of experience
  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Locally owned and operated
  • Competitive pricing

Cons

  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • Issues with post-installation support

Watch Below: Is Going Solar Worth It?

How Can You Save Money When Hiring A Solar Company In Idaho

solar panels on a house roof

The average solar panel installation cost in Idaho is $32,600 before applying any incentives, which is expensive compared to the national average cost of $29,970.

But solar is actually cheaper in Idaho, it’s just that the average Idaho home uses more energy and therefore needs to install more solar panels. Solar is typically priced on a per-watt basis, and in Idaho it costs $3.263 per watt, compared to the U.S. average of $3.33 per watt.

Going solar in Idaho will help you save money on your electric bill, but it’s still a huge investment. Here are some things you can do to save money when hiring a solar company in Idaho:

  • Take advantage of solar incentives
  • Install the right amount of panels
  • Shop for high-efficiency solar panels
  • Get multiple quotes from solar installers

Take Advantage of Solar Incentives

While it may not cover the upfront costs of your solar energy system, you can take advantage of Idaho solar incentives and financing options to increase your savings over time.

The following table provides an overview of the most substantial solar incentives available for Idahoans.

IDAHO SOLAR INCENTIVE DESCRIPTION
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) The federal solar investment tax credit is a credit applied to your federal income taxes due the year you turn on your system. The credit is worth 30% of your entire system cost, which, in Idaho, averages around $9,780.2 Homeowners are eligible for the 30% tax credit through 2032. The credit will dip to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before it expires in 2035.
Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction In addition to the federal tax credit, Idaho provides a state tax deduction worth 40% of your total solar power system cost for the first year after installation.3 Additional credits apply at 20% of the total system cost per year for three years thereafter. It’s capped at $5,000 per year or $20,000 total, whichever comes first. Depending on the taxable income you owe over the years following your purchase, this deduction can generate significant savings.
Net Metering Net metering is a billing option provided to customers by many utility companies to help solar customers offset and even eliminate their electric bills. Basically, net metering reduces your energy costs by crediting you for the energy you overproduce when your panels are at peak efficiency.4
Low-Interest State Energy Loans The State of Idaho aims to make solar as accessible as possible, so it has state-funded low-interest energy loans available for qualifying residents. This program caps interest rates at 4%, loan terms at five years and provides solar financing up to $15,000 for residential solar customers and $100,000 for commercial solar customers.5

You’ll also want to check with your local utility company for additional rebates that may be available to you for other solar technology add-ons, like solar water heaters.

Install the Minimum Amount of Panels

The reason a solar renewable energy system tends to be more expensive in Idaho compared to the national average is that the typical Idahoan consumes more energy than the typical American. But you may not fall into that statistic.

Again, solar panel systems are priced on a per-watt basis. So to save on a solar panel system, you’d ideally want to install the smallest one possible that still produces enough power to meet your needs.

Size of Solar Panel System Idaho Solar Panel Cost Cost After Federal Tax Credit
7 kW $22,820 $15,974
8 kW $26,080 $18,256
9 kW $29,340 $20,538
10 kW $32,600 $22,820
11 kW $35,860 $25,102
12 kW $39,120 $27,384
13 kW $42,380 $29,666

To figure out what size solar system you need, you’ll need to check your utility bills to figure out your average monthly energy consumption.

The average Idaho resident consumes 961 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month.6 You can divide this number by 100 to get a quick estimate of the system size needed for that home. So, in Idaho, the average homeowner needs a 10 kilowatt (kW) system (rounded up from 9.61, of course).

Shop for High-Efficiency Panels

While higher-efficiency solar panels are more expensive upfront, you’ll need less of them to get the same energy output as a bigger system with less-efficient panels.

That means that installing fewer, higher-efficiency panels may actually save you money in the long run.

Anything above 20% is considered high-efficiency, and the best solar panels have an output of around 350 to 400 watts each.

Get Multiple Quotes From Solar Installers

Comparing solar panel brands is a smart idea — if you know what you’re looking for. But most solar users aren’t solar experts, and that’s okay!

If you’re new to solar power, it’s even more important to find a reputable solar panel company in Idaho. A company that knows the climate, the best positioning for maximum sunshine and the local policies and incentives available to those who go solar.

We recommend getting at least two different quotes from the top solar installers in Idaho we’ve outlined on this page.

See Also: Calculate How Much You Can Save By Going Solar

Will Solar Increase Your Home Value In Idaho?

Yes, solar panels solar panels do increase the value of a home in Idaho. In fact, in an EcoWatch survey of 1,000 homeowners, 63% of respondents said they’d pay more for a home with solar panels than a home without

In Idaho the average home value is $434,224 which means solar panels could add a potential $17,803 increase in home value.

Should Idaho Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer Or DIY?

man in orange vest installing solar panels

You may want to try to DIY your solar panel installation to save money. But there are several risks involved with installing solar panels.

But first, let’s figure out how much you would even save by installing your own panels.

While labor costs vary by company, the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, labor typically accounts for at least 50% of the total cost of solar installation.7 That comes out to about $16,100 in Idaho.

That’s significant, but is it enough to justify the disadvantages of a DIY solar installation?

If you install your own solar panels, you risk:

  • Losing solar equipment warranty coverage (most manufacturers have a clause that the warranty is only good if professionally installed)
  • Installing your solar panels incorrectly or inefficiently
  • Damaging your roof or home
  • Injury to yourself

Installing solar is more complicated than you think. When you hire a solar panel company, the installation process can involve a project manager, a team of licensed technicians and solar panel design specialists who all work together to make sure your solar panels are placed in the best direction and angle to get you the most solar power.

Bottom line: unless you’re an electrician or certified in a similar trade, we don’t recommend installing your own solar panels.

What Should Idaho Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?

There are nearly two dozen solar companies located in Idaho and several more that serve the Gem State.8 So, how do you know which is the best for your needs?

In our opinion, you should hire a solar installer that:

  • Offers a variety of solar financing options
  • Carries a wide range of solar brands
  • Offers strong warranties

Variety of Solar Financing Options

Solar is expensive no matter where you live. But if you’re in line with the average Idaho homeowner who uses a bit more energy than normal, you’ll likely have to shell out more money for a bigger solar system to cover your energy needs.

That’s why it’s a good idea to choose an Idaho solar company that offers a variety of financing options. For example, Blue Raven Solar offers two unique financing plans — BluePower Plus+ and SmartStart — that include $0-upfront options for 18 to 42 months.

Wide Range of Solar Brands

Because Idahoans see less sunshine and use more power than average, it’s important to install top-of-the-line solar equipment for optimal solar power production. But we also like to highlight solar companies that offer a variety of equipment brands to appeal to the most customers — both for style and budget.

Strong Warranties

The cost of going solar in Idaho can range from $22,820 to $42,380 before any incentives. That’s a big investment, so you want to make sure it’s protected.

You want to pick a company that offers at least a 25-year warranty on your solar panels — that’s the average life expectancy of a solar panel system. But we like to see additional warranties for power production, workmanship and roof penetration — especially in a place like Idaho that sees above-average snowfall.9

Methodology: How We Reviewed the Best Solar Companies in Idaho

There are 24 solar installers registered by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) in Idaho. Sifting through all of them yourself would take weeks, if not months. We did the hard work for you, poring over each company’s website and customer reviews to find the best of the best and bring you only the most suitable solar providers in Idaho.

Below, we’ll explain the six main criteria we use to generate our rankings.

  • Local reputation and reviews (20%): Given Idaho’s increasing adoption of renewable energy, it is crucial to weed out solar installers that are just looking to capitalize on solar’s increasing popularity. We assess companies primarily on their local reputation and customer service, as reflected in their customer reviews. Companies with few complaints, consistently positive feedback and a history of customer satisfaction naturally rank higher in our ratings.
  • Pricing and financing (20%): While solar equipment costs in Idaho may not be the highest in the country, solar panels still represent a significant investment for many Idahoan households. We prioritize companies that offer competitive pricing without compromising the quality of their products and services. We also give higher ratings to installers that accept multiple payment options to make solar energy accessible to a broader range of Idaho’s population.
  • Services offered (20%): Given Idaho’s diverse climate and lack of a statewide net metering program, many customers opt for add-on products like backup batteries and energy management systems to optimize their solar setup. Companies that provide a wide range of services, including energy efficiency upgrades and EV charger installations, are given preference in our ranking system.
  • Warranty coverage (20%): With Idaho’s weather conditions varying from snowy winters to hot, dry summers, robust warranty coverage is essential to protect Idaho solar installations. We value companies that offer comprehensive warranties, including workmanship and efficiency warranties, that safeguard the solar systems they install against possible weather-induced damages.
  • Company experience (10%): Idaho’s solar incentives and regulatory landscape require specialized knowledge. Therefore, we prioritize companies with at least ten years of local experience, as they are more likely to be familiar with the intricacies of Idaho’s solar industry. Companies with a track record of stability and experience are also more likely to stay in business, honor long-term warranties and provide reliable service.
  • Brand quality (10%): Finally, we evaluate each solar installer based on the brands of equipment they install. We give preference to companies offering a variety of high-efficiency panels suitable for Idaho’s varied climate conditions. Moreover, companies offering cost-effective options to cater to different customer requirements in the state are also given preference.

 

The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.

FAQs: Best Solar Companies in Idaho

Here are a few of the questions about solar we get all the time here at EcoWatch. If you have specific questions about going solar in Idaho that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.

Blog author image
Article author
Kristina Zagame is a journalist, editor and content writer with expertise in solar and other energy-related topics. Before joining EcoWatch, Kristina was a TV news reporter and producer, covering a wide variety of topics including West Coast wildfires and hurricane relief efforts. Kristina’s reporting has taken her all over the U.S., as well as to Puerto Rico and Chile.
Reviewer image
Expert reviewer
Karsten is an editor and energy specialist focused on environmental, social and cultural development. His work has been shared by sources including NPR, the World Economic Forum, Marketwatch and the SEIA, and he is certified in ESG with the CFA Institute. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the solar energy sector, studying energy policy, climate tech and environmental education. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 4.5
    • Industry-leading in-house financing
    • Competitive pricing
    • Excellent reputation
    • Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
    A+
    Best Solar Financing
    2014
    Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab, SunPower
    25-year manufacturer warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty, 2-year production guarantee

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