Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blackfoot, ID (2023 Update)
- Blackfoot Solar Installation Cost: $13,575
- 25-Year Savings: $18,687
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blackfoot
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Blackfoot.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Blackfoot it's 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Blackfoot is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,577 for a solar installation, or $19,415 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Blackfoot depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Blackfoot can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Blackfoot, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blackfoot
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,467 |
| 3 years | $-13,252 |
| 5 years | $-13,037 |
| 7 years | $-12,822 |
| 9 years | $-12,607 |
| 11 years | $-12,392 |
| 13 years | $-12,177 |
| 15 years | $-11,961 |
| 17 years | $-11,746 |
| 19 years | $-11,531 |
| 21 years | $-11,316 |
| 23 years | $-11,101 |
| 25 years | $-10,886 |
Top Solar Installers in Blackfoot
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Blackfoot
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blackfoot
Cost is usually 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 Blackfoot: 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 price of a solar system in Blackfoot, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,600 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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Blackfoot average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Blackfoot, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Blackfoot, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $14,596 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $19,752 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $25,054 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $30,502 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $36,095 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $41,834 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $47,718 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $53,748 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Blackfoot, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blackfoot?
The average cost of solar panels in Blackfoot is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Blackfoot?
A solar panel system isn't free in Blackfoot, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $865.08 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.
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.