Solar Panel Cost Guide in Payette, ID (2024 Update)
- Payette Solar Installation Cost: $18,032
- 25-Year Savings: $17,443
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Payette
See how much it might cost to go solar in Payette.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Payette typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Payette is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,032 for a solar installation, or $25,786 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Payette
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,870 |
| 3 years | $-14,546 |
| 5 years | $-12,222 |
| 7 years | $-9,897 |
| 9 years | $-7,573 |
| 11 years | $-5,249 |
| 13 years | $-2,925 |
| 15 years | $-601 |
| 17 years | $1,723 |
| 19 years | $4,047 |
| 21 years | $6,371 |
| 23 years | $8,695 |
| 25 years | $11,019 |
Top Solar Installers in Payette
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Payette:
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 Payette
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Payette
For many Payette homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Payette, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,460 per kilowatt in Payette.The type 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Payette average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Payette to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Payette homeowners, they can also increase 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 keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Payette is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,864 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $13,540 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $17,410 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $21,473 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $25,730 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $30,180 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $34,825 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $39,663 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Payette, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Payette, ID Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Payette?
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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Payette?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Payette. However, you may still be able to install 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 it worth going solar in Payette?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install 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.