IDAHO
Solar in Idaho
Central locations in Idaho enjoy up to 210 sunny days per year, with warm, clear summers.* Based on Google Project Sunroof data, 87% of all buildings in the state are solar viable, with an estimated solar installation potential of 7.5 million MWh AC per year.*
Solar potential in Idaho?
Idaho has a high potential for solar energy production. The state receives an average of 5.38 hours of sunshine per day, and the average annual solar irradiance is 5.274 kWh/m2. This means that solar panels in Idaho can generate a significant amount of electricity.
In the first quarter of 2021, Idaho’s solar capacity equaled 577.8 MW, enough to power just under 80,000 homes. Currently, less than 3.5% of the state’s electricity comes from solar, but SEIA’s data indicates that Idaho is starting to live up to its solar potential. The state currently occupies 24th place in the national solar ranking, a substantial rise compared to 37th in 2020.*
Cost of solar in Idaho?
The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:
Roof size, condition, and angle
Location within the state
Quality of the solar panels
License costs
In Idaho, we found that the average cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,250 to $17,850, or in other words from $2.58 to $3.57 per watt—and that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
In the last five years alone, the prices of solar panels in Idaho have dropped by 43%.* The average home solar system costs 70% less today than it did in 2010.* This industry trend has made solar systems much more accessible to the average homeowner and enabled a faster installation cost recoup.
Idaho property owners who opt to purchase a solar system can benefit from the 30% federal tax credit.*
Also, the Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction allows Idahoans to deduct up to 40% of their solar installation costs from personal income taxes in the year of installation and an additional 20% every year in the subsequent three years. The deduction caps at $5,000 a year and $20,000 total.*
Additionally, Idaho Power has a net metering program that allows its customers to earn energy credits for any excess energy their solar system produces.* Net metering is the system through which a utility company credits its solar-power-producing customers for the surplus energy they produce and sent back to the grid.*
Advantages?
Lower electricity bills: Solar panels can generate electricity for your home, which can help you save money on your electricity bills. The average Idaho homeowner can save up to $15,000 on their electricity bills over the lifetime of their solar system.
Increased home value: Solar panels can add value to your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers. Studies have shown that homes with solar panels sell for an average of $10,000 more than homes without solar panels.
Reduced carbon footprint: Solar power is a clean, renewable source of energy that can help you reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment. Solar panels produce no emissions, which can help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy independence: Solar panels can help you become more energy independent and less reliant on the grid. This can be a valuable asset in the event of a power outage.
People who invest in home solar panels may expect to recoup the installation costs within 12 years and go on to save more than $21,000 over 20 years.*
Although Idaho currently has some of the most affordable electricity costs in the U.S., Idaho Power now looks to increase rates by December 2021, a change that will impact nearly 600,000 customers.* Higher electricity rates mean households with solar systems save even more on monthly electric bills.
Finally, like the rest of the nation, Idaho faces a climate crisis. As temperatures in the state increase during the summer, the power grid will experience heavier loads due to higher energy demand.
Homeowners who have solar systems with storage can have an emergency power supply during power outages and extreme weather events like wind and dust storms.*
Disadvantages?
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Shade: Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity. If your home is in a shady area, or things are covering your panels you may not be able to generate as much electricity with solar panels.
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Weather: Some Solar panels can be damaged by hail, snow, and strong winds. However, our solar panels are designed to withstand these conditions and even extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards.
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Panels aesthetic: Our solar panels are different. They are all black, sleek, and thin. They have a more modern look. Some people find solar panels on homes unattractive and if you feel like that we also offer Ground mount installations. It’s a great option if you have open land that receives good sunlight.
Idaho state polices?
Federal solar tax credit: The federal government offers an investment tax credit (ITC) of 26% for solar energy systems installed in Idaho. This means that if you install a solar system in Idaho, you can claim a tax credit of 26% of the cost of your system. This can save you a significant amount of money on your taxes.
State rebates: There are a number of rebate programs available for solar energy systems in Idaho. These rebate programs can help to offset the cost of your solar system.
Utility company incentives: Some utility companies in Idaho offer incentives for homeowners who install solar panels. These incentives can include discounts on your electricity bill or payments for excess electricity that you generate.
Overall, there are many reasons why you should consider going solar in Idaho. The financial incentives, the environmental benefits, and the potential for increased home value make solar a wise investment for many homeowners.
Please note that the solar incentives in Idaho are subject to change. It is important to check with the Idaho Department of Taxation for the most up-to-date information.
Maintaining solar panels?
Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. However, you should have them cleaned every few years to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You can clean your solar panels yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
What's the best way to go solar?
Are you interested in going solar in Idaho? If so, we can help!
Before going solar, be sure to keep in mind factors that will affect the output of clean energy to your home. For instance, South-facing roofs generate the most energy, followed by west-facing roofs. North-facing roofs generate the least amount of energy. We look into multiple aspects to make sure you have the most effective setup such as roof orientation, roof pitch, shade, and weather.
We offer a free virtual consultation and savings report to help you determine if solar is right for you. We will also help you access solar incentives and rebates to reduce the cost of installation.
Freedom Forever solar panels system is Top-Tier and backed by a 25-year full system production guarantee. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that you are making the right decision and test it out stress free.
If you are interested in learning more about solar power in Idaho, please contact us today for a free virtual consultation.
We look forward to helping you make the switch to solar!