Solar Panel Cost Guide in Idaho Falls, ID (Sep 2022)
- Idaho Falls Solar Installation Cost: $13,486
- 25-Year Savings: $15,436
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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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 solar panels in Idaho Falls is $3 per watt. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Idaho Falls, the average price of going solar will be about $13,486 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Idaho Falls based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the large initial cost, the average Idaho Falls homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Idaho Falls:
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 Idaho Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Idaho Falls
While the average cost of solar panels in Idaho Falls is $13,486, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment Size
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,600. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Idaho Falls average.
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 solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $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 |
Solar Incentives in Idaho Falls
| Name | Low-Interest Energy Loan Programs |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Rocky Mountain Power - wattsmart Residential Efficiency Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Idaho Falls Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Idaho Falls Power - Residential Energy Efficiency Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
EcoWatch's Idaho Falls, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Idaho Falls?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Idaho Falls is currently $180,492, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,400 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Idaho Falls is a worthwhile investment.
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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.
