Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rigby, ID (2024 Update)
- Rigby Solar Installation Cost: $18,226
- 25-Year Savings: $19,062
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rigby
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Rigby.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rigby, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $18,226 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rigby homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rigby can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Rigby, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rigby
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,028 |
| 3 years | $-14,630 |
| 5 years | $-12,232 |
| 7 years | $-9,835 |
| 9 years | $-7,437 |
| 11 years | $-5,039 |
| 13 years | $-2,642 |
| 15 years | $-244 |
| 17 years | $2,154 |
| 19 years | $4,551 |
| 21 years | $6,949 |
| 23 years | $9,347 |
| 25 years | $11,744 |
Top Solar Installers in Rigby
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Rigby, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Rigby
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rigby
For many Rigby homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rigby, 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 system you need for your home, 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 kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rigby average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rigby, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Rigby have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $3.60 | $15,113 | $11,005 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $15,061 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $19,310 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $23,754 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $28,391 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $33,222 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $38,246 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $43,465 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully 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.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Rigby, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rigby?
The average cost of solar panels in Rigby 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Rigby?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great 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 energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Rigby?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of 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.