Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nampa, ID (2024 Update)
- Nampa Solar Installation Cost: $17,737
- 25-Year Savings: $17,665
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nampa
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Nampa.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Nampa generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Nampa, most homeowners require a 7.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,737, or $25,364 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Nampa homeowner. The cost 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 typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Nampa find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Nampa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,575 |
| 3 years | $-14,251 |
| 5 years | $-11,927 |
| 7 years | $-9,603 |
| 9 years | $-7,279 |
| 11 years | $-4,955 |
| 13 years | $-2,631 |
| 15 years | $-307 |
| 17 years | $2,017 |
| 19 years | $4,341 |
| 21 years | $6,665 |
| 23 years | $8,989 |
| 25 years | $11,313 |
Top Solar Installers in Nampa
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Nampa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nampa
For many Nampa homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Nampa, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,460. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Nampa provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Nampa, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $10,279 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $14,093 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $18,100 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $22,302 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $26,697 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $31,286 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $36,068 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $41,045 | 12.9 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 models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Nampa, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Nampa?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Nampa?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Nampa. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.