Solar Panel Cost Guide in Idaho Falls, ID (2024 Update)
- Idaho Falls Solar Installation Cost: $17,946
- 25-Year Savings: $15,437
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Idaho Falls
We go over average solar pricing in Idaho Falls.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Idaho Falls it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Idaho Falls, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,946, or $25,663 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 system you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Idaho Falls find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Idaho Falls, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Idaho Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,803 |
| 3 years | $-14,517 |
| 5 years | $-12,231 |
| 7 years | $-9,945 |
| 9 years | $-7,659 |
| 11 years | $-5,373 |
| 13 years | $-3,087 |
| 15 years | $-801 |
| 17 years | $1,485 |
| 19 years | $3,771 |
| 21 years | $6,057 |
| 23 years | $8,343 |
| 25 years | $10,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Idaho Falls
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Idaho Falls:
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 Idaho Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Idaho Falls
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Idaho Falls, 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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,460 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher 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 limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Idaho Falls, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Idaho Falls homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Idaho Falls’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Idaho Falls are more knowledgeable 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 help you save 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 | $8,307 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $11,463 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $14,814 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $18,358 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $22,095 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $26,027 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $30,152 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $34,471 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Idaho Falls, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Idaho Falls?
This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Idaho Falls?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Idaho Falls. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.