Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mountain Home, ID (2024 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mountain Home, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Mountain Home homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,339 with the federal tax credit, or $24,795 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Mountain Home can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Mountain Home, you can 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
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Mountain Home, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Mountain Home
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mountain Home
For many Mountain Home homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mountain Home, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, 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 Mountain Home to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Mountain Home, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $865.83 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.