Solar Panel Cost Guide in American Falls, ID (2023 Update)
- American Falls Solar Installation Cost: $13,413
- 25-Year Savings: $18,351
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in American Falls
We go over average solar pricing in American Falls.
In American Falls, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in American Falls, the average price of going solar will be about $13,413 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in American Falls based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in American Falls that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in American Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,143 |
| 3 years | $-9,602 |
| 5 years | $-7,060 |
| 7 years | $-4,519 |
| 9 years | $-1,978 |
| 11 years | $563 |
| 13 years | $3,104 |
| 15 years | $5,645 |
| 17 years | $8,187 |
| 19 years | $10,728 |
| 21 years | $13,269 |
| 23 years | $15,810 |
| 25 years | $18,351 |
Top Solar Installers in American Falls
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in American Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in American Falls
There are many factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in American Falls to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. American Falls' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in American Falls know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $14,496 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $19,620 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $24,888 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $30,303 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $35,863 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $41,569 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $47,420 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $53,417 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's American Falls, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in American Falls?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in American Falls?
A solar panel system isn't free in American Falls, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.