Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buhl, ID (2024 Update)
- Buhl Solar Installation Cost: $17,686
- 25-Year Savings: $17,703
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buhl
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Buhl.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Buhl typically cost about 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Buhl, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,686, or $25,291 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Buhl depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Buhl
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,524 |
| 3 years | $-14,200 |
| 5 years | $-11,876 |
| 7 years | $-9,552 |
| 9 years | $-7,227 |
| 11 years | $-4,903 |
| 13 years | $-2,579 |
| 15 years | $-255 |
| 17 years | $2,069 |
| 19 years | $4,393 |
| 21 years | $6,717 |
| 23 years | $9,041 |
| 25 years | $11,365 |
Top Solar Installers in Buhl
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another advantage of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
See all of the solar companies in Buhl
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buhl
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 $3,460. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Buhl homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Buhl, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $10,353 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $14,192 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $18,224 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $22,450 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $26,870 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $31,483 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $36,291 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $41,292 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- 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 Buhl, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buhl?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Buhl?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $848.88 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.