Solar Panel Cost Guide in McCall, ID (2024 Update)

  • McCall Solar Installation Cost: $18,276
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,260
  • Payback Period: 14.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in McCall

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in McCall.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in McCall, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in McCall is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,276 for a solar installation, or $26,135 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in McCall can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in McCall, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in McCall

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-17,114
3 years$-14,790
5 years$-12,466
7 years$-10,142
9 years$-7,818
11 years$-5,494
13 years$-3,170
15 years$-846
17 years$1,478
19 years$3,802
21 years$6,126
23 years$8,450
25 years$10,774

Top Solar Installers in McCall

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Local Installer

ES Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • 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 McCall

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McCall

The cost of installing a solar system in McCall can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in McCall, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,460 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in McCall to be too expensive, 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 for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for McCall homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in McCall, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.60$15,113$9,53015.3 years
8 kW$3.53$19,764$13,09415.0 years
10 kW$3.46$24,220$16,85214.7 years
12 kW$3.39$28,483$20,80414.4 years
14 kW$3.32$32,552$24,94914.2 years
16 kW$3.25$36,427$29,28913.9 years
18 kW$3.18$40,108$33,82213.6 years
20 kW$3.11$43,596$38,54813.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in McCall, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Long-standing companies 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.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Local Installer

ES Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • 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

★★★★★
4.5
  • Certified B Corp
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Many years of experience
  • Multitude of products and services
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Slightly expensive

EcoWatch's McCall, ID Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in McCall?

The average cost of solar panels in McCall is about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in McCall?

You can’t get solar panels for free in McCall. 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.

Does McCall have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for 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.