Solar Panel Cost Guide in American Falls, ID (2025 Update)
- American Falls Solar Installation Cost: $17,855
- 25-Year Savings: $18,348
- Payback Period: 14.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in American Falls
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in American Falls.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in American Falls generally cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in American Falls is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,855 for a solar installation, or $25,533 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in American Falls based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average American Falls homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in American Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,693 |
| 3 years | $-14,369 |
| 5 years | $-12,045 |
| 7 years | $-9,721 |
| 9 years | $-7,397 |
| 11 years | $-5,072 |
| 13 years | $-2,748 |
| 15 years | $-424 |
| 17 years | $1,900 |
| 19 years | $4,224 |
| 21 years | $6,548 |
| 23 years | $8,872 |
| 25 years | $11,196 |
Top Solar Installers in American Falls
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in American Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in American Falls
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in American Falls: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in American Falls, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,460 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the American Falls average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many American Falls homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in American Falls is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.60 | $15,113 | $10,740 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $14,707 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $18,868 | 14.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $23,223 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $27,772 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $32,515 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $37,451 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $42,581 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
EcoWatch's American Falls, ID Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in American Falls?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in American Falls is currently $291,732, which means you can expect a value of about $11,961 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in American Falls is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.