Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ketchum, ID (2024 Update)
- Ketchum Solar Installation Cost: $17,426
- 25-Year Savings: $16,713
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ketchum
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ketchum.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Ketchum is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Ketchum is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,426 for a solar installation, or $24,919 before the 0 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 solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ketchum see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ketchum
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,264 |
| 3 years | $-13,940 |
| 5 years | $-11,616 |
| 7 years | $-9,292 |
| 9 years | $-6,967 |
| 11 years | $-4,643 |
| 13 years | $-2,319 |
| 15 years | $5 |
| 17 years | $2,329 |
| 19 years | $4,653 |
| 21 years | $6,977 |
| 23 years | $9,301 |
| 25 years | $11,625 |
Top Solar Installers in Ketchum
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Ketchum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ketchum
There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Ketchum, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,460 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Ketchum offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Ketchum, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $9,744 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $13,379 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $17,209 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $21,232 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $25,448 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $29,859 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $34,463 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $39,261 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Ketchum, ID Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ketchum?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ketchum?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ketchum. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ketchum, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.