Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain Home, ID (2025 Update)
- Mountain Home Solar Installation Cost: $17,339
- 25-Year Savings: $17,964
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mountain Home
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Mountain Home.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mountain Home it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.2-kW system would cost about $17,339 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mountain Home
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,177 |
| 3 years | $-13,853 |
| 5 years | $-11,529 |
| 7 years | $-9,205 |
| 9 years | $-6,881 |
| 11 years | $-4,557 |
| 13 years | $-2,233 |
| 15 years | $91 |
| 17 years | $2,415 |
| 19 years | $4,739 |
| 21 years | $7,063 |
| 23 years | $9,387 |
| 25 years | $11,711 |
Top Solar Installers in Mountain Home
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Mountain Home
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain Home
Although the average cost of a solar system in Mountain Home is $17,339, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,460.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Mountain Home, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mountain Home homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mountain Home is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $10,862 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $14,870 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $19,071 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $23,467 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $28,056 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $32,840 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $37,816 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $42,987 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Mountain Home, ID Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mountain Home?
The average cost of solar panels in Mountain Home 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $865.83 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 home 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.