Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blackfoot, ID (2023 Update)
- Blackfoot Solar Installation Cost: $13,577
- 25-Year Savings: $18,684
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blackfoot
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Blackfoot.
In Blackfoot, solar panels cost about 2.6 per watt on average. The average Blackfoot homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,577 with the federal tax credit, or $19,415 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Blackfoot find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blackfoot
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,287 |
| 3 years | $-9,706 |
| 5 years | $-7,125 |
| 7 years | $-4,544 |
| 9 years | $-1,963 |
| 11 years | $618 |
| 13 years | $3,199 |
| 15 years | $5,780 |
| 17 years | $8,361 |
| 19 years | $10,942 |
| 21 years | $13,522 |
| 23 years | $16,103 |
| 25 years | $18,684 |
Top Solar Installers in Blackfoot
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
See all of the solar companies in Blackfoot
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blackfoot
For many Blackfoot homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Blackfoot, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,600. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Blackfoot, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Blackfoot provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Blackfoot is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 a lot of companies available in Blackfoot, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
EcoWatch's Blackfoot, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Blackfoot?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Blackfoot?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.