8 Best Solar Companies in Rathdrum, ID (2024 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 8 in Rathdrum based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Rathdrum, ID
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Rathdrum homeowner saves $1,083/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Rathdrum

Getting the best solar panel installation company for your house is a huge decision, but it's one that can reap a lot of rewards in Rathdrum. Luckily, Rathdrum residents have access to tons of the best solar companies in the country, which offer amazing value for generating green energy.


The cost of installing solar panels can change greatly depending on your home’s infrastructure and your household energy usage.To help you find out if solar panels are something you should get for your home, you can get a free, no-obligation quote from one of the best solar companies in Rathdrum by clicking the button below.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Local Installer

ES Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Lifetime workmanship warranty
  • Outstanding customer service
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Energy audits only available 12 months after installation

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Rathdrum

Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.9/5

Next Gen Electric, LLC

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance

Website: http://www.nextgencda.com/
Address: 3645 N Cederblom St, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815
Phone: 2087659473
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

4.7/5

AmeriWest Electric and Solar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Battery Storage

Website: https://ameri-westelectric.com/
Address: 1708 N Vista Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99212
Phone: 5099191073
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

PacWest Solar

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Financing Assistance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Consultation

Website: http://pacwestsolar.com/
Address: 2207 N McKinzie Ln Ste #104, Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Phone: 5098565026
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

TGE Solar, LLC

  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: https://www.tgesolar.com/
Address: 15407 E Mission Ave Suite 202, Spokane Valley, WA 99037
Phone: 5092553689
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Independent Power Generation

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Consultation
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon System Decommissioning
  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Solar Panel Upgrades
  • Service icon Permit Assistance
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://ipg.solar/
Address: 3420 W Bismark Ave, Spokane, WA 99205
Phone: 5092409615
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Beyond the Grid Outfitters

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Service icon Skilled Repairs
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://beyondthegridoutfitters.com/
Address: 54 Selkirk Way, Oldtown, ID 83822
Phone: 2084374663
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

PCI Renewables, Inc.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Panel Installation
  • Service icon Financing Assistance

Website: http://pcirenewables.com/
Address: 400 S Jefferson St UNIT 301, Spokane, WA 99204
Phone: 5098382527
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Backwoods Solar Electric Systems

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Reliable Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Grid-Tied Solar System
  • Service icon Off-Grid Solar Systems
  • Service icon Battery Storage
  • Service icon Panel Installation

Website: http://www.backwoodssolar.com/
Address: 1589 Rapid Lightning Rd, Sandpoint, ID 83864
Phone: 2082634290

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Rathdrum

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Rathdrum based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Rathdrum


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Idaho solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Rathdrum

The cost of installing a solar panel system has decreased immensely over the past several years, but it’s still a substantial investment for most homeowners.There are quite a few factors you should consider when determining costs and your potential savings, such as:

  • The type of solar panels you want: More high-tech panels are more expensive, so that will influence your budget for your solar project.
  • How much energy costs for you: The average family in Rathdrum pays around $1,100 a year on energy alone, so you could be looking at that much in savings.
  • Incentives: The federal solar investment tax credit, which everyone qualifies for, lets you deduct 0 of the cost of your solar system installation from your federal taxes. In addition, not including incentives, you can save about $14,000 over 20 years on your energy bills.
  • Electricity consumption: The average household in Rathdrum doesn’t use much energy, and therefore may not see as many savings on their power bills.

Because of solar panels decreasing in cost as well as local and federal solar incentives, they are a sound investment for the majority of homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Rathdrum

If you’re planning on switching to solar energy, various government incentives and tax credits can dramatically lower the cost of the project and speed up the return on your investment.These incentives mostly take the form of cash rebates, tax credits and/or solar renewable energy credits. They can reduce how much you end up spending on installing solar panels by 0, upwards of 50% in some cases. Take a look at our article on solar incentives to learn what incentives you can benefit from.

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Rathdrum

One of the best reasons to tap into solar energy is to cut your reliance on traditional energy sources like burning fossil fuels, which are harmful for the environment.But – how much exactly can you help the planet by going solar? The average person has a considerable carbon footprint. Between their car, which produces over 10,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions each year, and electricity for their home, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to do. Switching to solar is a practical thing you can do to help.Because solar panels don’t release carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere when producing electricity, they’re a good trade for nonrenewable energy sources. In fact, you could look forward to lowering your carbon dioxide emissions by about 10 pounds each year. The good things about solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with committing to solar.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Local Installer

ES Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Lifetime workmanship warranty
  • Outstanding customer service
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Energy audits only available 12 months after installation

EcoWatch's Rathdrum, ID Solar Company Rankings FAQs

Which solar panel installer is the best in Rathdrum?

In Rathdrum, Next Gen Electric, LLC is the most reputable local solar company. Our team of experts rates it 4.90 stars, so it's a solid choice if you're planning to add solar panels to your home.

What is the negative environmental impact of solar panel manufacturing?

Producing solar panels uses chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be bad for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.

How long does it take for solar to pay for itself?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 17.9 years, but the exact period depends on local electricity costs, incentives and net metering programs.

How often do solar panels need to be replaced?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased by about 0.8% each year since installing them. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency after that time.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert’s opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.