Solar Panel Cost Guide in Idaho Falls, ID (Aug 2022)
- Idaho Falls Solar Installation Cost: $14,257
- 25-Year Savings: $14,666
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated 7/19/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Idaho Falls
We go over average solar pricing in Idaho Falls.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Idaho Falls, the average cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Idaho Falls is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,257 for a solar installation, or $10,550 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Idaho Falls based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite 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 advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Idaho Falls
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,100 |
| 3 years | $-10,786 |
| 5 years | $-8,472 |
| 7 years | $-6,159 |
| 9 years | $-3,845 |
| 11 years | $-1,531 |
| 13 years | $783 |
| 15 years | $3,097 |
| 17 years | $5,410 |
| 19 years | $7,724 |
| 21 years | $10,038 |
| 23 years | $12,352 |
| 25 years | $14,666 |
Top Solar Installers in Idaho Falls
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Idaho Falls
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Idaho Falls
Even though the average cost of solar panels in Idaho Falls is $14,257, your final 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 important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment Size
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size. Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,600. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Idaho Falls, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $12,006 | $11,414 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $15,700 | $15,527 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $19,240 | $19,794 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $22,626 | $24,214 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $25,859 | $28,788 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $28,937 | $33,517 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $31,861 | $38,399 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $34,632 | $43,435 | 11.1 years |
Solar Incentives in Idaho Falls
| Name | Low-Interest Energy Loan Programs |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction |
| Incentive Amount | 40% in the first year; 20% per year for next three years |
| Incentive Max | $5,000 per year; $20,000 total deduction |
| 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 a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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
What is the average cost of installing 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Idaho Falls?
You can't get solar panels for free in Idaho Falls. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home 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 can expect about a value of about $7,400 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Idaho Falls is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.
