Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chubbuck, ID (2023 Update)
- Chubbuck Solar Installation Cost: $13,260
- 25-Year Savings: $18,505
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chubbuck
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Chubbuck.
The average cost of a solar system in Chubbuck is 2.6 per watt. The average Chubbuck homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,268 with the federal tax credit, or $18,973 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Chubbuck can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chubbuck
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,098 |
| 3 years | $-9,774 |
| 5 years | $-7,450 |
| 7 years | $-5,126 |
| 9 years | $-2,802 |
| 11 years | $-478 |
| 13 years | $1,846 |
| 15 years | $4,170 |
| 17 years | $6,494 |
| 19 years | $8,818 |
| 21 years | $11,142 |
| 23 years | $13,466 |
| 25 years | $15,791 |
Top Solar Installers in Chubbuck
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Chubbuck, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Chubbuck
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chubbuck
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Chubbuck: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with 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 kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chubbuck average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Chubbuck, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Chubbuck have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage 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 | $14,802 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $20,027 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $25,398 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $30,914 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $36,576 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $42,383 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $48,337 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $54,435 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Chubbuck, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chubbuck?
The average cost of solar panels in Chubbuck is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Chubbuck?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.