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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Buhl it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $17,686 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high initial cost, the average Buhl homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
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
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Buhl, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Buhl
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buhl
The cost of installing a solar system in Buhl can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,460.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Buhl to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Buhl, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Buhl are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Buhl, ID Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buhl?
The average cost of solar panels in Buhl is about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Buhl?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power 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 $848.88 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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.
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.