Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rathdrum, ID (2024 Update)
- Rathdrum Solar Installation Cost: $21,261
- 25-Year Savings: $13,742
- Payback Period: 17.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rathdrum
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Rathdrum.
In Rathdrum, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Rathdrum, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $21,261, or $30,403 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rathdrum see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Rathdrum for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Rathdrum
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,124 |
| 3 years | $-17,850 |
| 5 years | $-15,576 |
| 7 years | $-13,302 |
| 9 years | $-11,029 |
| 11 years | $-8,755 |
| 13 years | $-6,481 |
| 15 years | $-4,207 |
| 17 years | $-1,933 |
| 19 years | $341 |
| 21 years | $2,614 |
| 23 years | $4,888 |
| 25 years | $7,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Rathdrum
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Rathdrum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rathdrum
For many Rathdrum homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rathdrum, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous 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 important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,460. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rathdrum to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Rathdrum, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $5,199 | 18.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $7,320 | 18.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $9,634 | 17.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $12,142 | 17.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $14,844 | 17.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $17,739 | 16.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $20,829 | 16.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $24,112 | 16.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Rathdrum, ID Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rathdrum?
The average cost of solar panels in Rathdrum is about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Rathdrum?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Rathdrum, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Rathdrum?
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.
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.