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.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ketchum generally cost about 3.The average Ketchum homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,426 with the federal tax credit, or $24,919 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ketchum homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ketchum find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
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 in Ketchum:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Ketchum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ketchum
The cost of installing a solar system in Ketchum can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,460 per kilowatt in Ketchum.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Ketchum average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ketchum, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ketchum homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Ketchum is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
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:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Ketchum, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ketchum?
The average cost of solar panels in Ketchum 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 stuff 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 Ketchum?
Solar panels aren’t free in Ketchum, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $828.57 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.