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6 Best Solar Companies in Idaho (2025 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:
- Blue Raven Solar:Â Best Financing Program
- Tesla:Â Best Technology
- Intermountain Wind & Solar:Â Best Regional Provider
- RevoluSun Idaho:Â Best Customer Service
- EGT Solar:Â Best Local Installer
- Big Dog Solar:Â Most Affordable
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 |
| Blue Raven Solar | Best Financing Program | 4.5/5 | $$ | 25 years for equipment and efficiency; 10 years for workmanship | Cash or solar loan |
| Tesla | Best Technology | 4.5/5 | $$ | 25 years for equipment and performance; 10 years for workmanship | Cash, solar loan, solar lease, PPA |
| Intermountain Wind & Solar | Best Regional Provider | 4.2/5 | $$$ | 10 years for equipment and production | Cash or solar loan |
| RevoluSun Idaho | Best Customer service | 4.4/5 | $$ | 25 years for equipment and production | Cash or solar loan |
| EGT Solar | Best Local Installer | 4.2/5 | $$$ | 25 years for equipment and production, 10 years for workmanship | Cash or solar loan |
| Big Dog Solar | Most Affordable | 4/5 | $$ | 25 years for equipment and production | Cash or solar loan |
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Blue Raven Solar
Best Solar Financing
Pros
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
Cons
- Doesn’t offer leases or PPAs
Blue Raven Solar’s financing program is the best in the solar industry. The company handles financing in-house, which means you have fewer points of contact and a better experience overall.
Blue Raven’s service selection is a bit limited, so it’s not a great choice if you want room to customize your solar system.
Why We Chose Blue Raven as the Best Financing Program
Blue Raven has two in-house financing options that make paying for your solar panels extremely easy.
The BluePower Plus+ program is the more traditional option and offers 18 months’ worth of interest-free financing. After 18 months are up, the loan switches to a fixed rate. This is an excellent option for people who can only afford to make a minimum down payment since they’ll have 18 months to make a dent before interest kicks in.
Blue Raven also offers a fixed payment option called Smart Start. The company charges you a fixed rate for five years and pays you for any excess energy your system produces monthly. After five years, the payments switch to a traditional scheme until your system is paid off.
SunPower purchased Blue Raven in 2021, giving the company access to its best-in-class panels and service. Blue Raven’s excellent financing programs also make it much easier for customers to afford SunPower’s systems.
What We Don’t Like
Blue Raven’s selection of products and services is lacking compared to the competition. The company doesn’t install EV chargers, and it only offers SunVault batteries in a limited number of locations. That means that you’ll have to contact your local Blue Raven branch to find out to see what services they offer.
The company also doesn’t accept leases or PPAs. While that’s not a huge deal given the quality of its financing programs, it does make it harder for people who can’t afford to pay via cash or loan to switch to solar.
Read our full review of Blue Raven for more information.
Solar Products
Blue Raven carries a variety of panels from tier-one manufacturers like SolarEdge, Canadian Solar, Hyundai, and Trina. The company also installs Maxeon panels in some areas after it was bought by SunPower in 2021. However, Maxeon panel availability is limited, so check with your local Blue Raven office if you’re interested in this option.
Unlike most of its competition, Blue Raven doesn’t offer many additional solar products or services. The company installs SunVault batteries in a limited number of locations, and customers can monitor their solar system’s production via the Enphase solar monitoring app.
Financing Options
Blue Raven’s BluePower Plus+ program gives you 18 months interest-free, which means you can take a significant chunk out of your system’s total cost before you have to pay a penny in interest. This is an extremely generous offering and is the option we recommend for most people who are considering Blue Raven.
With that said, paying in cash is still the best option in the long run unless you plan on paying off your loan within 18 months. You’ll wind up paying less overall if you pay cash, and you’ll realize more savings more quickly if you purchase your system outright.
Warranty Information
Blue Raven backs its systems with a 25-year warranty covering equipment and production. The company also covers workmanship for ten years, which is in line with the industry average.
We normally look for workmanship coverage that goes beyond the industry average. While Idaho doesn’t see much in the way of extreme weather, the annual snowfall can be high in some areas, which leaves panels exposed to moisture. This can uncover issues with the installation, which a lengthier labor warranty would cover.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Best Solar Financing
Facts and Figures: Blue Raven Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| 2014 |
| $$ |
| Solar Panels, System Monitoring |
| Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab, SunPower |
| 25-year manufacturer warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty, 2-year production guarantee |
Tesla Energy
Best Technology
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
Tesla’s technology is the best in the business. Specifically, its Powerwall batteries have tons of unique options like StormWatch and the ability to go off-grid with the touch of a button.
A major downside to going with Tesla is that the company outsources its installations to local contractors, which means the customer service varies by location.
Why We Chose Tesla as the Best Technology
Tesla’s battery technology is some of the best in the industry and really outshines the competition. Solar batteries are super popular in Idaho, as the state doesn’t have a statewide net metering policy, and batteries are the only way to guarantee effective net metering for your home for many customers.
Powerwalls let you customize your system to optimize for storage or savings, letting you choose whether you prefer to be better prepared for power outages or if you want to save as much as possible on your utility bills. They also have some of the most impressive capacities and power outputs of any battery on the market.
Another great thing about Tesla is that the company offers price matching. This makes their panels affordable and accessible to more homeowners. They also accept a variety of payment options to keep its products and services affordable and accessible.
What We Don’t Like
The biggest downside to choosing Tesla is that the company outsources its installations to third-party companies. This isn’t inherently bad, but it means that your experience as a customer will be colored by your local installer rather than Tesla itself. Some Tesla installers are excellent, while others are difficult to work with and perform lower-quality work.
Tesla also isn’t the right choice if you value customizability since the company only installs a single brand of each piece of equipment. The panels and batteries are above average, but companies that offer more options make it easier to get a system that perfectly suits your home’s energy needs.
Read our full review of Tesla for more information.
Solar Products
Tesla only installs QCells panels. While we’d love to see some variety, we do love QCells panels and list them as one of the best brands for home use. They have above-average efficiency ratings, outstanding performance specs, and, most importantly, are a little lower in price than many competing brands.
The company also offers innovative solar roofs that provide a more aesthetic option for homeowners who don’t care for the way regular panels look. Solar roofs have a much lower profile than panel arrays and are easily mistaken for ordinary shingles at a glance.
Tesla also offers the following solar products and services that complement its solar panels and solar roofs:
- Tesla Powerwalls
- Tesla EV chargers
- The Tesla solar monitoring app
Financing Options
Tesla has several financing options. Customers can pay in cash, via a solar loan or solar lease or enter into a PPA. Leases and PPAs lower the financial barrier to switching to solar but won’t save you as much money in the long run. We recommend paying in cash or by solar loan if you can since these options both lead to panel ownership.
Leases and PPAs can be decent options for keeping costs low, but they don’t let you take the federal credit — an average potential value of $7,800 in Idaho — and they deliver far lower savings overall.
Warranty Information
Tesla’s warranty covers equipment and production for 25 years and workmanship for ten years. The equipment coverage and the labor warranty are in line with the industry averages, but the efficiency guarantee is about five years longer than most companies offer.
We’d really love to see a longer labor warranty, as the snowfall in Idaho can pose issues for systems that aren’t installed properly. We can’t complain too much, though, as Tesla is following suit when it comes to this protection plan.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Best Technology
Facts and Figures: Tesla Energy
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| C |
| $$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Solar Roof Shingles, System Monitoring |
Intermountain Wind & Solar
Outstanding Regional Installer
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Outstanding customer service
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
Intermountain Wind & Solar is a regional solar installer whose focus makes it intimately familiar with the unique challenges of installing solar panels throughout the mountain west.
As you might expect from a smaller installer, Intermountain Wind & Solar’s workmanship warranty and financing options are less robust than its national competitors’ offerings.
Why We Chose Intermountain Wind & Solar as the Best Regional Provider
Intermountain Wind & Solar offers more customization options than the larger companies we’ve covered so far, including some low-cost options. Overall, its prices are in line with the Idaho state average, which is more than we can say for a company like SunPower.
One of the most compelling reasons to choose Intermountain Wind & Solar over one of its larger competitors is the company’s familiarity with installing residential solar in Idaho. The company’s technicians can help you choose a system that will offset your specific energy needs and won’t be overkill since they have years of experience designing and installing systems throughout Idaho. Plus, they can help you file for local solar incentives to save some money.
The care and attention to detail you get from Intermountain Wind & Solar surpasses what you’ll get from a national solar provider, and it’s hard to overstate the value of feeling like a valued customer instead of a number on a spreadsheet.
What We Don’t Like
Intermountain Wind & Solar’s warranty only covers its equipment and production for ten years, which is concerning if you live somewhere your panels will be exposed to the worst that Idaho weather has to offer. We’d love to see the company bring its coverage up to the industry standard of 25 years, although you do get this from the manufacturer.
We also don’t love the lack of financing options. Intermountain Wind & Solar doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs, which makes its products and services less accessible overall.
Solar Products
Intermountain Wind & Solar carries an impressive selection of tier-one panels from top manufacturers, including SunPower, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab and REC. Such a wide variety of panels makes it easy to find the right one for your home, whether that means a high-efficiency system from SunPower or a more budget-friendly solar panel setup from REC.
The company also carries a similarly expansive assortment of batteries and solar monitoring options — depending on what equipment you choose.
- Tesla Powerwall batteries
- LG Chem solar batteries
- Sonnen solar batteries
- SunPower SunVault batteries
- The Tesla solar monitoring app
- The Enphase solar monitoring app
- The MySunPower solar monitoring app
Financing Options
Intermountain Wind & Solar accepts cash and solar loans but doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs. We don’t recommend leases or PPAs, but it’s still nice to have the option in case you can’t afford to pay cash or take out a loan.
Of the two options available, we strongly recommend paying in cash. A cash purchase will yield the lowest system price and the highest energy bill savings in the long run. It also leads to panel ownership and lets you take the federal credit.
Warranty Information
One area where Intermountain Wind & Solar falls short is its warranty. The company covers its equipment and production for ten years, which is significantly less than the industry standard length of 25 years. You do still get the 25-year coverage from the manufacturer, though.
There also is no formal workmanship warranty, which is also concerning. We’d ideally like to see at least the industry average of ten years for full system protection and peace of mind, especially in an area that sees a lot of snow and moisture, like Idaho.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Outstanding Regional Installer
Facts and Figures: Intermountain Wind & Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring, Roofing Services, General Contracting |
RevoluSun Idaho
Outstanding Regional Installer
Regional Service
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
RevoluSun Idaho was founded in 2018 but has already made a name for itself by providing outstanding customer service and offering top-notch solar installations at great prices.
It’s only accessible to a relatively small fraction of Idaho residents, and it also doesn’t have the most flexible financing options, which can pose a serious problem for some people.
Why We Chose RevoluSun Idaho as the Best Customer Service
RevoluSun is a local solar installer through and through. The company’s techs and installers are friendly and knowledgeable about Idaho’s local solar rules and regulations, and getting in touch with the company is much easier than jumping through all the hoops to contact a national solar installer.
RevoluSun Idaho is a certified SunPower dealer, which means you can get a high-efficiency SunPower system installed by a company that knows the ins and outs of installing residential solar systems in Idaho. If SunPower’s panels are out of your budget, RevoluSun also carries a decent selection of panels from other tier-one manufacturers.
The company’s prices are fair and at or below Idaho’s statewide average, which is especially impressive for a smaller company like RevoluSun. The company is locally owned and operated, so choosing RevoluSun is a rare opportunity to support a local business without paying a premium.
What We Don’t Like
One thing we’re not thrilled with about RevoluSun Idaho is the company’s website. Information on the RevoluSun Idaho website is scarce, and the company doesn’t provide much information about the products it offers or other details like warranty terms or financing options. This isn’t a huge deal, but it does suggest a less educational approach to solar installations.
We also don’t love RevoluSun’s limited financing options. The company has fair prices, but purchasing a solar system is still a big commitment for most people, and more options would make it easier for people who can’t afford to pay cash or take out a loan.
Solar Products
RevoluSun Idaho has an excellent selection of panels from top brands like SunPower, SolarEdge and Canadian Solar. We strongly recommend the SunPower/Maxeon panels, as they have the highest efficiency rating and will deliver the most power in all weather conditions. The SolarEdge panels have the lowest cost per watt, so they’re likely the best option if you’d rather optimize for a low installation cost.
The Canadian Solar panels are good middle-of-the-road option between the other two brands, rounding out the selection from this provider.
The company also offers the following other solar products and services to its customers:
- Tesla Powerwalls
- Sonnen solar batteries
- The MySunPower monitoring app
- The Tesla solar monitoring app
Financing Options
RevoluSun Idaho only accepts cash payments and solar loans. The loans are provided through the company’s financing partner, Mosaic. The company does not offer leases or PPAs, as far as we can tell from the limited information available on its website, which will mean less accessibility.
Between cash and a loan, we recommend cash every time. It leads to greater financial benefit from your system, which is always a big plus when it comes to investing in clean energy for your home.
Warranty Information
RevoluSun relies on manufacturer warranties to guarantee its installations. This means that the terms of the warranty you get depend on the equipment you purchase.
In general, this means 25 years for equipment and production, but you should check with a RevoluSun representative before you commit to get the details. The company does not offer a formal workmanship warranty, as far as we can tell from its website and customer reviews.
It is worth mentioning that some of the Maxeon panels RevoluSun carries come with above-average coverage that lasts for up to 40 years.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Outstanding Regional Installer
Facts and Figures: RevoluSun Idaho
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| $$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Roofing Services, Electrical Work |
EGT Solar
Outstanding Local Installer
Local Service
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
EGT Solar is a Boise-based solar installer that serves residents in central and southern Idaho. The company is known for providing customized installations at affordable prices and for having outstanding customer support.
The company’s service area is fairly small, so you might be out of luck if you don’t live in the Boise or Twin Falls areas.
Why We Chose EGT Solar as the Best Local Installer
EGT Solar offers Idaho residents in the Boise and Twin Falls areas excellent service, good prices and local support that large companies simply cannot match. EGT will help you navigate Idaho’s solar regulations and make sure that you’re taking as much advantage of Idaho’s solar incentives as possible.
The company’s ten years in business might not sound like a lot, but when you realize that 100% of its experience comes inside Idaho’s borders, it sounds a lot more impressive. The company has performed many thousands of residential solar installations since its inception in 2010 and is more committed than ever to educating Idahoans about the benefits of solar energy.
EGT Solar offers a wide range of products and services, which you might not expect given its modest size. You won’t have a hard time finding something that suits your energy needs and your budget, even if you’re looking for a high-end option from a manufacturer like SunPower.
What We Don’t Like
While all of the panels EGT offers are from top manufacturers, not all of them are high-efficiency options. In a state like Idaho, where sunshine is often hard to come by, you’re better off choosing a system with a higher efficiency since it’s usually more affordable than buying more panels. Unfortunately, that leaves SunPower as your only option if you go with EGT.
We also aren’t thrilled by the fact that the company only accepts cash and loans. Even though PPAs and leases are less beneficial in the long run, many people can only afford to go solar if they have access to these options.
Solar Products
EGT Solar’s lineup of panels is impressive, featuring options from SolarEdge, SunPower, QCells, Solaria, and Jinko Solar. All of these options are solid choices, with SunPower being our recommendation for people looking for a high-efficiency, premium option, and QCells offering a more affordable alternative.
Jinko Solar manufactures high-efficiency panels as well, but they’re currently not available in the U.S., so we recommend against the available options for now. They simply don’t deliver the kind of production you need in a low-sun area like Idaho.
In addition to the panels listed above, EGT Solar also offers the following array of products and services:
- Tesla Powerwall batteries
- LG Chem batteries
- Sonnen batteries
- The MySunPower solar monitoring
- The Tesla solar monitoring app
Financing Options
EGT Solar only accepts cash and solar loans. While we don’t suggest leases or PPAs anyway, we do prefer companies that offer them, as these low-cost options help boost accessibility of solar equipment.
It’s one of the few companies that has explicit financing information, which makes it easier to determine whether the company is a good fit for you. EGT Solar loans are typically between 2.99% and 4.99%. The company will also work with you to ensure you understand how its financing options work, another perk of going with a smaller, local business.
Warranty Information
EGT Solar’s warranty is right in line with the solar industry’s standard. It offers 25 years’ worth of coverage for equipment and production and ten years for workmanship.
These coverages would normally be plenty for most solar customers to have total peace of mind when converting to solar energy. However, we really like to see labor warranties that go beyond the average in places like Idaho since above-average snowfall can lead to leaks if your system isn’t installed properly.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Outstanding Local Installer
Facts and Figures: EGT Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries |
Big Dog Solar
Outstanding Regional Installer
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
Big Dog Solar is an affordable solar company with lots of local experience. The company is committed to making solar as accessible to as many people as it can.
Keeping residential solar affordable means prioritizing low-cost panels and systems over more expensive options, which is a tradeoff not everyone is willing to make.
Why We Chose Big Dog Solar as the Most Affordable
Big Dog Solar’s systems are more affordable on average than the systems from the other companies we covered in this guide. While the company’s rates are low — especially given its reputation for excellent service — its low prices are largely a function of the more affordable equipment it installs.
Big Dog Solar might get your attention by advertising its unbeatable prices, but it has the service and knowledge to keep your attention after your consultation too. The company is dedicated to making the solar installation process less painful and more personal, which is one of the advantages it has as a smaller company.
Even as a smaller business, Big Dog Solar backs its installations with a competitive warranty package, and the online customer reviews indicate that getting help when something goes wrong is simple. This is something that can’t be said for some of the larger national providers.
What We Don’t Like
Unfortunately, Big Dog’s unbeatable prices are mostly due to the fact that it installs more affordable panels and not because its labor rates are lower than the competition. While it’s true that you will probably pay less for a system from Big Dog, you’re also getting less efficient panels in most cases, which isn’t ideal in a state like Idaho, where the sun isn’t always shining.
Another downside to choosing Big Dog’s customer service track record is spotty, according to reviews from existing customers. The company is very responsive during consultations and installations but seemingly drags its feet when it comes to warranty claims made by existing customers.
Solar Products
Big Dog Solar installs tier-one panels from QCells, REC, JinkoSolar, Silfab, and SolarEdge. We recommend SolarEdge as a budget-friendly option, but any of the panels Big Dog offers are significantly more affordable than a high-end panel like SunPower’s Maxeon panels.
The panels from REC, QCells and Silfab are going to have some of the highest efficiency ratings, and the QCells panels are the most affordable of the three, making them our recommendation for more budget-conscious customers.
The company also offers several additional solar products and services:
- Enphase batteries
- Generac PWRcell batteries
- Sonnen solar batteries
- The Enphase solar monitoring app
Financing Options
Big Dog accepts cash and solar loans but doesn’t offer leases and PPAs. To the company’s credit, it specifically states on the company’s website that they feel that PPAs and leases lead to suboptimal outcomes for customers and that they don’t recommend them. We reflect this sentiment.
Still, we would like to see these options available alongside education about how they’re less beneficial. This would open the door to renewable energy for more customers while still prioritizing the more beneficial options.
Warranty Information
Big Dog Solar backs its installations with 25 years worth of coverage for the equipment, production and workmanship. The equipment warranty is average, the production warranty is a little longer than average and the labor warranty is an impressive 2.5x the industry average.
The labor warranty is what we find most appealing of the three, as it offers peace of mind that your panels and installation will stand up to the above-average snowfall and exposure to moisture.
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This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
Outstanding Regional Installer
Facts and Figures: Big Dog Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 3 |
| A+ |
| $$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Agricultural Solar |
Watch Below: Is Going Solar Worth It?
How Can You Save Money When Hiring A Solar Company In Idaho
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?
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%):Â 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%):Â 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%):Â 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%):Â 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%):Â 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.
Each of our top picks is a reputable solar company in Idaho. However, we would say that SunPower, Blue Raven, EGT Solar and Intermountain Wind & Solar have a little more reputability because they offer more comprehensive solar warranties. A strong warranty shows that a company is confident in its work and dedicated to keeping the customer satisfied.
Solar panel selection matters when choosing the best solar installer in your area. Because Idaho sees less sunshine than average, we recommend choosing panels with at least a 20% efficiency rating to get the most bang for your buck.
If you want a specific solar panel brand for your installation, you should look for a company that offers the particular brand. However, not all solar providers can handle every type of project.
We recommend comparing the top six best solar companies in Idaho from this article and narrowing it down based on your priorities.
For example, if you are looking for a company with the best warranties, start eliminating companies that don’t offer the coverage you want. Once you’re done, compare the companies based on other facets of service, including financing options, years in service, and industry affiliations.
Customer reviews and the Better Business Bureau score may also be helpful resources for narrowing down your top pick.
Absolutely! Your Idaho power company is an important aspect to consider when choosing the best solar company for your needs. Additionally, some utility companies provide solar incentives or charge different rates for net metering. This step is usually among the final stages of your solar process but is an important one to consider when assessing the benefits of going solar.
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Comparing authorized solar partners
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
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- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn’t offer leases or PPAs
A+Best Solar Financing2014Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, SolarEdge, Silfab, SunPower25-year manufacturer warranty; 10-year workmanship warranty, 2-year production guarantee