Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pocatello, ID (2023 Update)
- Pocatello Solar Installation Cost: $13,338
- 25-Year Savings: $18,427
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pocatello
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Pocatello.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pocatello generally cost around 2.6. 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 above or below the average in Pocatello depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pocatello find going solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Pocatello for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Pocatello
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,232 |
| 3 years | $-13,020 |
| 5 years | $-12,809 |
| 7 years | $-12,597 |
| 9 years | $-12,385 |
| 11 years | $-12,173 |
| 13 years | $-11,962 |
| 15 years | $-11,750 |
| 17 years | $-11,538 |
| 19 years | $-11,326 |
| 21 years | $-11,115 |
| 23 years | $-10,903 |
| 25 years | $-10,691 |
Top Solar Installers in Pocatello
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Pocatello
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pocatello
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Pocatello: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Pocatello, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,600 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Pocatello, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pocatello to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Pocatello know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable 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.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Pocatello, ID Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pocatello?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Pocatello?
You can't get solar panels for free in Pocatello. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Pocatello, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Pocatello?
Although 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 opt to replace them once you've had 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.