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.
In Idaho Falls, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Idaho Falls, the average price of going solar will be about $17,946 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Idaho Falls find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company 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
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Idaho Falls:
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
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Idaho Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Idaho Falls
While the average cost of a solar system in Idaho Falls is $17,946, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels 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 largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,460 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Idaho Falls average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Idaho Falls homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Idaho Falls, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
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 $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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 it worth going solar in Idaho Falls?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.