Solar Panel Cost Guide in Idaho Falls, ID (2023 Update)
- Idaho Falls Solar Installation Cost: $13,486
- 25-Year Savings: $15,436
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Idaho Falls
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Idaho Falls.
The average cost of a solar system in Idaho Falls is 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Idaho Falls is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,486 for a solar installation, or $19,285 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Idaho Falls, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Idaho Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,329 |
| 3 years | $-10,015 |
| 5 years | $-7,702 |
| 7 years | $-5,388 |
| 9 years | $-3,074 |
| 11 years | $-760 |
| 13 years | $1,554 |
| 15 years | $3,867 |
| 17 years | $6,181 |
| 19 years | $8,495 |
| 21 years | $10,809 |
| 23 years | $13,123 |
| 25 years | $15,436 |
Top Solar Installers in Idaho Falls
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Idaho Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Idaho Falls
For many Idaho Falls homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Idaho Falls, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Idaho Falls, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Idaho Falls to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Idaho Falls, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $12,063 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $16,376 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $20,834 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $25,437 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $30,186 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $35,081 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $40,121 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $45,307 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Idaho Falls, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Idaho Falls?
The average cost of solar panels in Idaho Falls 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Idaho Falls?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Idaho Falls?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.