Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pocatello, ID (Mar 2023)
- Pocatello Solar Installation Cost: $13,341
- 25-Year Savings: $18,424
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pocatello
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Pocatello.
The average cost of solar panels in Pocatello is 2.6 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Pocatello is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,341 for a solar installation, or $19,078 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Pocatello based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Pocatello can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pocatello
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,070 |
| 3 years | $-9,529 |
| 5 years | $-6,988 |
| 7 years | $-4,446 |
| 9 years | $-1,905 |
| 11 years | $636 |
| 13 years | $3,177 |
| 15 years | $5,718 |
| 17 years | $8,259 |
| 19 years | $10,801 |
| 21 years | $13,342 |
| 23 years | $15,883 |
| 25 years | $18,424 |
Top Solar Installers in Pocatello
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Pocatello:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
See all of the solar companies in Pocatello
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pocatello
Though the average cost of a solar system in Pocatello is $13,341, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,600. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Pocatello's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $14,649 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $19,823 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $25,143 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $30,608 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $36,219 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $41,976 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $47,878 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $53,926 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
EcoWatch's Pocatello, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pocatello?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pocatello?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pocatello is currently $156,284, which means you can expect a value of about $6,408 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pocatello is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.