Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chubbuck, ID (Mar 2023)
- Chubbuck Solar Installation Cost: $13,268
- 25-Year Savings: $18,497
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chubbuck
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chubbuck.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chubbuck, the average cost of solar panels is 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Chubbuck, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,268, or $18,973 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Chubbuck homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Chubbuck for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chubbuck
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,997 |
| 3 years | $-9,456 |
| 5 years | $-6,915 |
| 7 years | $-4,374 |
| 9 years | $-1,832 |
| 11 years | $709 |
| 13 years | $3,250 |
| 15 years | $5,791 |
| 17 years | $8,332 |
| 19 years | $10,873 |
| 21 years | $13,415 |
| 23 years | $15,956 |
| 25 years | $18,497 |
Top Solar Installers in Chubbuck
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Chubbuck
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chubbuck
There are a number of criteria 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 system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Chubbuck, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Chubbuck, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Chubbuck to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
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. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 (coming 2022)
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.