Reduce Cost of Solar Panels in Idaho: Solar Incentives, Tax Rebates Credits

Georgette Kilgore headshot, wearing 8 Billion Trees shirt with forest in the background.Written by Georgette Kilgore

Solar Panels | October 3, 2024

Woman with a solar panel gets cash from Idaho solar incentives that lower the cost of solar panels in Idaho using solar investment tax credit, net metering, and solar rebates.

While the cost of solar panels in Idaho can be a deterrent for many people who would like home solar installation, you can take advantage of Idaho solar incentives, federal credits, and tax rebates to reduce the cost to1 install a solar system on your rooftop and save thousands of dollars on your energy bills in the long run.

Moreover, Idaho solar incentives will still enable you to reap the many benefits of clean energy, such as compensation for every kWh you send to the primary grid using net metering and power purchasing agreements.

Solar installation costs have an average of $22,000 for commercial or residence owners in the Gem State, but you can save big time thanks to Idaho having favorable solar options.

This guide explains how to use Idaho solar incentives that are available to reduce the cost of solar panels in Idaho.

Here’s What You Need To Know Before Installing a Solar Power System: Idaho Peak Sun Hours

First, you need to understand the collective cost and whether or not you can buy the system in cash.

Second, consider solar rebates from the government and tax incentives to make your installation process a worthwhile experience.

Installing solar on your rooftop makes a lot of sense.

Like any average American across the Country, Idaho residents can save on their energy bills and help keep the environment clean.

Since Idaho receives plenty of sunlight, that’s a perfect opportunity to roll out solar panels as a remedy for runaway utility bills.

Map of the state of Idaho with each county colored to show the daily peak sun hours in each Idaho county ranging from 3.61 to 4.69 daily hours of sunlight.

Nevertheless, Idaho solar incentives and federal tax credits can be used to bring down the cost of solar panels in Idaho.

Are Idaho Solar Incentives a Sigh of Relief?

Despite Idaho being a potato state, it also has lucrative Idaho solar incentives.2 As a resident of the Gem State, you’ll, without exception, save big time when you change to solar power.

But it starts with learning deep and wide concerning available tax rebates, credits, and loan programs by the state government before going solar.

In addition, it is prudent to make comparisons online and get an idea of the amount you’ll save once your solar system is up and running. Impeccable sources, however, indicate that before you resolve to buy a solar system from a dealership, take your time to compare prices, and you may end up saving 20%.

Is solar worth it in Idaho, in the wake of skyrocketing P.V Panel costs amidst low electric charges? Although electricity rates in Idaho are some of the lowest in the country, the state receives more than enough sunlight, with 4.92 optimum sun hours per day.

This presents a huge opportunity for residential owners and businesses alike to install solar systems. Therefore, once you install solar panels, you’ll harness energy from the sun, and convert it into electric energy, which saves thousands of dollars on energy bills.3

In particular, Idaho residents who intend to embrace renewable energy or become energy independent and save on electricity must first install solar panels and reap the benefits. While it is pertinent that you put into consideration rebates, tax breaks, and other incentives, don’t forget Idaho does not provide property tax and sales tax exemption.

What Are Idaho Solar Incentives? Current Renewable Energy Idaho

Idaho Solar Incentives are solar rebate schemes that aim to motivate business entities, nonprofit organizations, and homeowners to roll out clean energy on their premises, feed into the primary grid, and save on electricity bills.

In this respect, Idaho has an attractive solar program that makes it a smooth ride when going solar. Of course, the incentive takes into consideration commercial and residential clients.

Thus, rebates and incentives under the State Solar Program (SSP) get served to whoever comes first. While the program receives funding from the state, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) plays the administrative role.

The federal solar tax credit also permits you to deduct 30% from the installation.2 However, meeting certain conditions is required; first, the property should be a primary residence you’ve lived for five years.

Understanding how these incentives work can bring down the cost of solar panels in Idaho.

Pie chart showing Idaho renewable energy consumption including Idaho wind energy, biomass energy, geothermal energy, hydroelectric energy and solar energy in the state of Idaho for 2022.

Are you still second-guessing and asking: Will solar incentives increase so I can join the fray?

The answer is this is your moment to go solar because incentives will drop from 30% after 2032 to 26%, then 22% before it is retired.
4 There’s no looking back because your time to go green is now.

Does Idaho Solar Impact Your Home Value?

Does solar increase home value? This is a valid question, and since business is about profits, who wouldn’t want to generate a return on their investment?

One of the many benefits of rolling out solar energy on your property is the value it augments to it. Impeccable sources indicate that market prices for homes with solar systems retail higher than homes without solar.

Above anything else, a system that helps you offset your electricity bills will augment your property’s value, also known as Energy Appreciation.

The energy aspect is essential, for it will increase the value of your home.5 Even as many prospective Americans eye Idaho, investing in solar panels and making a kill from value-added would be strategic.

However, it’s important to note that the value increase is subjective and can be influenced by a number of factors.

Idaho Incentives Help You Save on Your Energy Bills

Amid skyrocketing electric bills, taking advantage of the Idaho Solar Program to roll out solar panels on a massive scale can help Idahoans save on their energy bills.6 So, what’s the average cost of electricity in Idaho? Idahoans spend 10.22 cents on one kWh.

When you install solar panels to supply your home or commercial premise with clean energy, you’ll reduce the electricity demand and the rates. The beauty of going solar is that you get to reap the benefits in the long term.

Solar Energy has proven sustainable as a renewable energy source, for it is self-sustaining. Although you save when you don’t contribute to your energy bills, you also help protect the environment, which pays off in potato farming.7

While residents in other states utilize tax credits, a new subscriber gets a $300 rebate in Idaho. Again, going solar in Idaho enables you to lower your carbon footprint.

When more and more people become energy independent by going solar, it also means that tons upon tons of oil and coal remain unutilized, which is good for the environment.

Also, contrary to conventional ways of generating energy, going solar does not pollute the environment. The irony, however, is that the world has disregarded the carbon footprint solar panels industrial process causes.

But that is a discussion for another day. If you’re operating on a shoestring budget, you can reap the benefits of a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement and go easy with installing solar power on your premise.

How Much Are Solar Panels in Idaho?

Like any product or service, you can’t go solar entirely unless you know the price of solar panels in Idaho.

The current retail cost of solar panels in Idaho is approximately $2.97/w.

Graphic showing the cost of solar panel in Idaho from $12,622 - $17,078.

Let’s assume you’ve decided to get yourself a 5-kW solar panel; it will cost you anywhere between $12,622 and $17,078 to install this solar panel. So, on average, a solar panel in Idaho will cost you $14 850.

I know you’d ask, but why are solar panels so expensive? Solar becomes costly when you’ve not put incentives and rebates into the equation.

However, you’ll save thousands of dollars on a solar system when you factor in the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) and other state and local rebates.8

Are you ecologically conscious and want to play your role of reducing the specters of a warming planet? With fed incentives, tax rebates, and other state credits, you can always embark on a promising journey and reduce the cost of solar panels in Idaho, the Gem State.

Although the Gem State has good sunlight hours per day, more than the national average, one would be quick to imagine that the state should support solar energy.9 And yet, the fact that Idaho has the lowest electric power rates does not encourage people to go solar.

Are you a business person or a homeowner who resides in Idaho? Thanks to Idaho solar incentives, credits and rebates from the government, you can go solar without feeling the pain of that high initial cost.

Benefits of Solar Panels Incentives in Idaho

One of the reasons you should go for solar incentives is that they will help you acquire solar systems at a competitive cost. Furthermore, as you change to clean and renewable solar energy, you also reduce the cost of electrical power and use that money on other critical programs.

In addition, once you take advantage of solar panel incentives to roll out solar systems on your rooftop, you will not require electrical services from the Idaho Power plant. While you’ll not need traditional power flowing in your premises, you can also use clean energy to reconcile your electricity bills.

You Get Free Access To Federal Incentives

Who doesn’t like freebies, especially if you want to go solar? Free-fed incentives will make your way effortless.

The fed incentive does not have special preferences as long as you own a residential or a business entity; this makes you eligible.

However, you better understand a simple truth about this policy framework that informs the fed incentives. The thirty percent incentive is slated to operate until 2023-2032, meaning any installations rolled out during this period will almost certainly be legit.

Access State Tax Deduction

As soon as you’re ready for solar installation, Idaho authorities will offer you a tax deduction equivalent to the total cost of your solar contraption.

This rebate can subtract forty percent of your complete installation cost from your first tax year.

Ground mounted solar panel system installed in front of a house that provide power by harnessing sunlight and convert it to clean energy.

(Image: U.S. Department of Energy21)

Again, as a homeowner, you’ll subtract twenty percent of the full cost of the solar system each tax year for three years in a row.10 So, this will save you $5,000 annually.

This is how this incentive work from a practical position. Suppose you’ve deployed a 5kW contraption at $24,000 in the Gem State.

Thus, when filing your taxes in the first year after acquiring the energy system, you can subtract $8,000 from your income for disclosure.

You can minus $4,000 for the three successive periods. Don’t get me wrong! These deductions don’t mean you’ll get a banker’s check for an equivalent amount.

However, based on Idaho individual income tax rates, the deduction can be around $1,300 in 4 years, including $520 for the first year+(3*260 for the three successive years).

To claim this deduction in Idaho as a full-time residence, use section B on form 39R to calculate, then transfer the amount to form 40. Use section B of form 39NR if you’re a part-time or non-residence, then transfer results to Idaho Form 43.

Access Loans To Facilitate Installation

Any Idahoan that qualifies to roll out solar can apply for a loan at a low-interest rate to enable you to facilitate the solar installation process.

Residential owners can get a loan from $1000-$50000, while business organizations can apply for up to $150,000 worthy of the loan.

The truth is these loans have a friendly repayment schedule that does not require repayment during the first year. Though you can repay loans for a grace period of ten years, the interest rates for such loans do not go beyond three percent.

Nonetheless, these loans attract a $100 credit review fee, which applies to all loan applicants.

Net Metering

While Idaho does not sanction net metering, the main utility firms in the Gem state provide the credit, with the client getting credit for each unit of power that goes into the grid.

Credit rates are determined by the type of tariff and when the customer signed up.

Thus, the credit you get for a kWh that goes into the grid is used to offset your energy bills in the future.2 Again, you can swap energy credits between accounts.

Government Regulations

The Gem State government, as currently constituted, does not offer solar benefits at the community level since the renewable portfolio standards (RPS) are lacking.

Idaho solar incentives can be used to lower the cost of solar panels, graphic showing six solar incentives offered in Idaho.

In addition, the absence of RPS in Idaho indicates that residents won’t receive large tax exemptions.

Although Idaho residents can lease solar panels, this method eliminates some benefits associated with federal incentives.

Solar Panel Cost Calculator Idaho

While going solar is a good thing on many fronts, it starts with computing the actual solar panel cost.11 There are several online apps to utilize in a bid to get accurate estimates.

For accurate estimates to help you make an informed choice, you can get advice from industry experts because they base their simulations on the most reliable data on renewables.

While it is one thing to compute the cost of solar installation, it would help if you knew the aggregate installation cost for a solar system.

Eye level view of a house with installed solar panel system on its roof, harnessing the sunlight that provide clean and renewable energy.

(Image: Downtowngal22)

For instance, it would cost you $2.6 to install a single watt, yet an average home in Idaho requires a 7.4kW system.

So, enter annual kWh in the calculator, which includes the factors listed below;

  • Solar System
  • Panels Required
  • Actual System Cost
  • Monthly Payment

Ensure to key in these details with some level of accuracy, and the calculator will return a free quote. Personal details such as name, email, and phone number are needed.

Solar Panels for Home in Idaho: What To Consider About Solar Installation

You can read below some of the things you need to consider about solar installation.

Insurance Policy Scope

Before you decide to install a solar panel on your premises, you should seek to understand specific issues as elaborated here under.
To begin with, you need to understand whether your insurance policy caters to solar panel installation.

For more details on the status of your insurance policy, consult your home insurance provider.

Your Home Location

Solar panels are often optimum when exposed to direct sunlight. However, this does not mean solar panels cannot produce energy without direct sunlight.

You should establish whether your house is better positioned for optimum performance.

Are You a Member of HOA?

Though homeowner associations are often not permitted to make rules prohibiting solar panels, there are often recommendations for placement. To be safe, you can always check with HOA guidelines or other community associations for directions.

Roof Status

Installations must not commence on a damaged roof, not even an old one. While you may remove solar panels for repair, it will also cost you.12

The most prudent way would be to include the required repairs in the overall cost.

Do You Own or Rent the House?

While one of the requisites to reaping the federal tax benefits includes owning a home, this does not eliminate all possibilities for renters to have access to solar. If you rent a house, Idaho has community solar programs to cater to your solar needs.

In-House Services

You need to know from the outset whether the installation firm will complete all the work or intends to subcontract it to other providers. This is critical to avoid miscommunication and shoddy work.

Evaluate Several Quotes

Evaluating different quotes from different suppliers will give you a head start. Once you have cost estimates from other companies, you can reign in on a cost-friendly one.

Company Warranty

You should evaluate warranty terms and length besides comparing costs. Most companies dealing in solar panels provide manufacturer warranty and for quality of work.

Solar Panel Cost Idaho

Idaho is witnessing a reduction in solar panel costs of the expansive Idaho solar farm, technological advancements, and the availability of tax credits that makes it affordable.

While Idaho does not have some of the best solar expenses compared to other states, the cost would drop once you factor in all these incentives.

Currently, there are 10 solar farms in Idaho.

Map showing locations of solar plants in Idaho using yellow markers and Idaho solar panels with a US cut out showing the location of the state of Idaho.

Solar costs will fluctuate depending on your home size and your energy needs. However, before deciding, you can always get energy estimates for your domestic usage and the cost of rolling out a solar system on your rooftop.

So, as a Gem State resident, you should be prepared to pay $16,000- $30,000 to install P.V. panels on your rooftop. However, before you embark on embracing green energy, scan around and evaluate available incentives and rebates and compute what you intend to save.

Solar Panel Installation Cost Idaho (The Cost of Solar Panels in Idaho)

Federal tax credits, solar incentives, and other state rebates influence solar panel installation costs in the Gem State.4 Without such incentives, installing solar panels would cost you a fortune.

While it costs $2.52-$3.42 to install a single watt of solar in Idaho, the average solar panel installation cost spans from $12,622 to $17,078.

Another calculation that you need to ponder about is the repayment period. The repayment period is the term you’d require to recoup your upfront cost from the savings you make from the solar system. It would therefore take you about 12.54 years to recoup.

Although you certainly face the challenge of paying for solar panel systems, you can make good use of financing alternatives to make your solar installation journey a great experience.

Buying solar panels on cash terms is usually the best approach because of the return on investment over a long period. Rather than buying upfront, you can go for solar loans.

What Solar Panel Can I Install?

The solar panel installation in Idaho is determined by size, cost, and brand. Primarily, the size of the solar system is integral to the cost of installation.17

In contrast, the cost per kW is low for large solar systems; the installation cost is high since they require several panels.

In addition to size, installation cost depends on the electricity bill and the location of the property. Nonetheless, the meaningful cost should be customized based on residential business needs.

Moreover, it is important to understand that there are inspection, permit, and installers costs besides installation costs. You can also install solar provided you acknowledge that installation fluctuates based on the;

  • Amount of electricity: homes with electricity bills require several panels to meet energy demands. Even though panels are cheaper on the basis of watts, the costs of the entire system will argument due to extra panels.
    Overall, more panels can help homeowners on reducing electricity costs
  • The cost of installation is also consistent with the form of solar panels, polycrystalline or monocrystalline. Whereas monocrystalline is efficient and costly, polycrystalline has low efficiency and is affordable
  • The cost of installation is also based on local, state, or federal solar incentives; you can apply for federal solar tax credit, which makes solar installation affordable by providing a 30% value of the system, which can be claimed one year after installation

On the contrary, local solar rebates can help save a significant amount on installation, particularly when combined with federal solar tax.

How Much Solar Energy Will My Panel Generate?

Direct current (D.C.) is widely used to rate power generated by solar panels.13

Usually, the output of the solar panel is reflected by watts, which depicts energy production under suitable temperatures and sunlight.

Sunset view of a ground mounted solar panel system installed in a flat surface.

(Image: GbbIT23)

The available solar panels have a power production of 250 to 400 watts, where high energy ratings are commonly used to reduce power ratings. You can also use panel size and cell efficiency to determine solar panel energy generation.

Solar Power: Idaho Initiatives

Homeowners in Idaho may be concerned if investment in renewable energy is worth it. Basically, yes.

However, it is essential to establish if solar conversion is ideal for your property. Although solar is a good investment in Idaho, it is not a good option for all the residents.

Generally, green energy is a suitable alternative for homes that consume more than 500 kWh monthly. Homes with significant power rates/needs will reap the benefits of solar panels majority of Idahoans use 955 kWh compared to 893 nationally.

Therefore, from a consumption perspective, solar panels are worth the investment in Idaho.

If you’re still in doubt, allow me to break it to you that over 100 000 Idahoans have solar power on their rooftops, and more people are joining the bandwagon thanks to available incentives and rebates that ease the pressure to make the adoption of green energy a smooth process.

As a result of enough sunlight and prospective solar farms, Solar Power Idaho now generates over 2,100 megawatts of clean energy. Idaho solar incentives and state rebates have made it easy for residents wishing to go solar for less than $0.03/kWh.

How Do I Save Money on Solar Panels Amidst High Cost of Solar Panels in Idaho

The truth is Idaho has some of the lowest electricity rates, which is also a deterrent issue because people don’t see the need for solar-powered clean energy.

Screenshot from U.S. Energy Information Administration website with yellow arrows pointed at the title Renewable energy explained and Renewable energy requirements and incentives.

(Image: U.S. Energy Information Administration24)

However, despite low electricity costs, going solar in Idaho can save you approximately $1200 on your annual energy expenses.

Idaho Solar Tax Credit (Solar Panel Tax Credit)

The Gem State has solar tax incentives that make it easy for Idahoans to procure and install solar panels.14

Idaho Solar Incentives Type Description Occurrence Amount To Receive
1. Residential Alternative Tax Deduction State The state deduction reduces your income tax by 40% relative to the system cost during the first year. It also reduces the cost by 20% for three successive years, saving you about $5000 annually and $20,000 in the long term. Ongoing for four years, but apply when filing taxes at 40% Approx. $1,000 in savings
2. Federal Solar Tax Credit Federal This incentive lowers the cost of P.V Panels by 30% from the year you first installed the panel. It works best for residents who buy P.V. Panels upfront, which means one requires a fat paycheck or account balance. One-time $7,800 in Idaho
3. Net Metering Local These incentives recompense solar system owners for the extra power that goes into the main grid. Nonetheless, utility firms in Idaho don’t offer net metering to their clients by law. Ongoing It depends on the P.V. Panel size.
4. Energy Loans Local The Governor’s office at the state level provide loans that attract negligible interest to property owner wishing to roll out solar panels. You can access up to $15,000, repayable in 60 months at a 4% interest rate. One-time It depends on the system size
5. Solar Easement Laws Local This is where an Idahoan enters into a voluntary easement with their neighbor to ensure they have continued access to sunlight.

How Exactly Does the Solar Tax Credit Work?

Is a tax credit some discount on the P.V. Panel equipment? The truth is, a solar credit rebate isn’t some discount on a solar panel.

Instead, once you buy the equipment, you pay 30% less than the actual cost.

A view at the back of a pole mounted solar panels installed at the park directly harnessing sunlight that provide clean energy.

(Image: U.S. Department of Energy25)

However, the 30% credit gets reconciled when filing your tax return. Assuming you bought the P.V. Panel at $15000 in cash, you’ll take away 30% of $15000, leaving you $5,000.5

Implicitly, when filing tax returns, you’ll then subtract $5,000 from what you owe the federal government and pay the balance.

What’s the Difference Between the Solar Tax Credit and Tax Deduction?

Idaho residents should understand the difference between the Solar Tax Credit and Tax Deduction. Though the ITC appears lucrative, it is not the same as a tax deduction.

A tax credit is the total amount subtracted from what you’re supposed to the federal government in taxes.15

Moreover, it is more or less like an IRS voucher. Don’t get facts wrong; you won’t get a tax credit as a cash refund. Instead, you can only use this credit to offset your total tax cost, saving you the hard currency you were supposed to pay the federal authorities.

On the other hand, a deduction that’s never counted as part of what you owe in taxes.

How Tax Credit Savings Differ from Deduction Savings?

Tax credit savings are completely different from tax deductions. In an actual sense, a tax credit culminates in a bigger tax discount than a tax deduction.

While a deduction alters your taxable income, a tax credit is a straightforward tax discount.

For instance, a $10,000 tax credit means you get discounted on the tax owed a $10,000 equivalent. On the other hand, a $10,000 deduction may culminate in a $2,200 reduction in owed taxes.

How Do I Know I Qualify for a Solar Tax Credit?

You can determine whether you’re eligible for a tax credit when you fulfill the following conditions:

  • You qualify for a solar tax credit if you install P.V. Panels before the solar tax incentive expires on December 31, 2034
  • You cannot qualify for a tax credit unless the P.V. Panel gets installed on your premises
  • You should own the solar unit to qualify for a credit rebate
  • You also qualify for a tax credit by purchasing an interest in a community solar project
  • You’re eligible for tax credits once you credit surplus power against your energy needs
  • You can claim a tax credit on a brand new P.V Panel
  • An original P.V. Panel installation will also earn you a tax credit

Is There Idaho No Cost Solar Program? (What You Need To Know About Free Solar Panels Idaho)

Most Gem State residents want to know how to get solar panels for free. While this is a valid question, I don’t remember seeing any organization offering free solar panels in Idaho.

Neither the fed government nor local authorities are dishing out solar panels for free. I know free solar panels sound too good, but that’s not true, so don’t fall prey to unscrupulous dealers.

Instead, you can use a no-cost solar program, such as Idaho

Solar incentives, net metering, Idaho solar rebates from the government,16 and roll-out solar panels on your premises and join the list of over 100,000 residents.

The Dominion rebate scheme also allows you to go solar and save on electricity bills. You can take advantage of it and enjoy $750 perks.

However, always countercheck to establish whether or not you qualify for this rebate.

Inasmuch as Idaho is among the top 35 states across the U.S. that have embraced solar energy, the Gem State receives more than enough sunlight, and as a resident, you have the option to make good use of this natural and save on your energy bills.

In addition, if you go solar in Idaho there are several loan programs to help your solar journey, a worthwhile endeavor.

What Gem State Residents Should Know About the Federal Solar Tax Credit?

The federal solar investment tax credit is a noteworthy incentive for Idaho residents intending to go solar.

The fed authorities sponsor this incentive, which applies to all solar clients.

Solar panel system installed on the roof of a house absorbing sunlight that supply renewable and clean energy.

(Image: U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)26)

Following the introduction of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed by Congress in 2022, the fed solar credit moved from 26% to 30%.17 In addition, it was extended by ten years.

This is how the fed solar tax credit works:

  • P.V. Panels installed between 2022-2032 will get a 30% tax credit.
  • P.V. Panels installed in 2033 will get a 26% tax credit
  • P.V. Panels installed in 2034 will get a 22% tax credit
  • The fed tax credit will be retired in 20345

Thus, when you install a P.V. Panel in Idaho, you’ll get a tax credit worth $7 800 from the federal government. This credit is reconciled against the total taxes owed to the fed.

But a curious Idahoan would ask: How does the solar tax credit work if I don’t owe taxes? If you don’t owe any taxes, you can still push your credit forward up to five years for you might owe taxes.

How To Claim Fed Solar Tax in Idaho

Claiming a fed solar tax credit in Idaho is not as complicated as you think. To take advantage of this perk, follow the guidelines below;

Step 1: Browse through the IRS portal and get a print copy of IRS form 569520

Step 2: Fill out the form to inform the tax department of the energy credits that you claim eligibility. The forms should include basic information such as the system cost, size, installed location, and service provider

Step 3: This form should be included in the tax return form when filing your taxes

And since most Americans are conversant with tax applications such as TurboTax or H.R. Block, these applications will always remind you to countercheck whether you have a P.V. Panel installed on your premises or did energy proficiency upgrades.

Going solar has many benefits, such as; increasing your home value and getting compensation for every kWh you feed to the primary grid. However, before you go green, get an estimate of the system you wish to buy and make your journey a memorable experience.

Finally, check for more decisive information on this website about renewable energy sources and many more topics.

Though the cost of solar panels in Idaho may scare prospective residents and businesses from going solar,18 you shouldn’t fret; instead, you can opt for Idaho solar incentives, federal energy credits, and tax rebates to make your installation endeavor fruitful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Idaho Solar Incentives

Is Solar Worth It in Idaho? Are There Idaho Solar Rebates?

Yes, going solar is a noteworthy investment because you’ll save on your energy bill in the long haul. Again, the availability of federal incentives help reduce the cost.

What Is the Cost of Solar Panels in Idaho?

The average cost of solar panels in Idaho is between $16,000-$20,000, but once you factor in fed credits and rebates, the cost will certainly drop, plus you get to recoup your investment going forward.

Can I Get a Free Solar Panel in Idaho?

As the saying goes: free is expensive, don’t fall prey to anyone or a company claiming to offer free solar panels, usually these offers do not come without cost.

Are Idaho Solar Incentives That Attractive?

Of course, yes, at present, Idaho offers fed and local rebates. Enacting the Inflation Reduction Act into law extended the shelf life of the fed incentives by ten years to 2032 when it will be retired.19

Will Solar Panel Installation Increase the Value of My House?

In some cases the addition of solar energy can increase property value, but there are many factors that apply.


References

1Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. (2023, May 24). Rebates & Incentives – Energy and Mineral Resources. Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://oemr.idaho.gov/financial-information/incentives/>

2Olizarowicz, B., & Novak, L. (2023, April 26). Idaho Solar Incentives & Tax Credits (2023). Today’s Homeowner. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://todayshomeowner.com/solar/guides/idaho-solar-incentives/>

3Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. (2023). Solar Energy Resources for Government Officials. Department of Energy. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-energy-resources-government-officials>

4Zagame, K., Neumeister, K., & Simms, D. (2023). 2023 Idaho Solar Tax Credits, Rebates & Other Incentives. EcoWatch. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/incentives/id>

5Smart Energy USA. (2023). Idaho Solar | 2023 Tax Incentives, Rebates & Energy Savings. Smart Energy USA. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://smartenergyusa.com/idaho-solar/>

6U.S. Department of the Interior. (2023). Idaho Renewable Energy Strategy. Bureau of Land Management. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.blm.gov/programs/energy-and-minerals/renewable-energy/strategy/idaho>

7EnergySage. (2022, September). Idaho Solar Incentives, Tax Credits & Rebates 2023. EnergySage. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.energysage.com/local-data/solar-rebates-incentives/id/>

8Intermountain Wind & Solar. (2023). How Does the Solar Tax Credit Work in Idaho? | IWS. Intermountain Wind & Solar. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.intermtnwindandsolar.com/how-does-the-solar-tax-credit-work-in-idaho/>

9Santa Monica College. (2023). Solar Energy. Santa Monica College. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.smc.edu/academics/areas-of-interest/stem/earth-sciences/sustainable-technologies/solar-photovoltaic-installation.php>

10Matthews, L. (2022, November 11). Idaho Solar Incentives & Tax Credits for 2023. LeafScore. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.leafscore.com/solar-guide/benefits-of-going-solar/solar-rebates-and-incentives/idaho/>

11Wikipedia. (2023, May 31). Solar power. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power>

12Tyler, D. (2015, September 17). How do Solar Panels Work? | SiOWfa15: Science in Our World: Certainty and Controversy. Sites at Penn State. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://sites.psu.edu/siowfa15/2015/09/17/how-do-solar-panels-work/>

13Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. (2023). Solar Training Network. Department of Energy. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/solar-training-network>

14U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2022, December 30). Renewable energy explained – incentives – U.S. Energy Information Administration. EIA. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/renewable-sources/incentives.php>

15Wagner, W., & Caldas, M. (2020, December). An Analysis of the Effectiveness of Tax Incentives for Solar Energy. University of Texas at Austin. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/handle/2152/84129>

16New Hampshire Public Utilities Comission. (2023). Net Metering. New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.puc.nh.gov/sustainable%20energy/Net%20Metering/Net_Metering.html>

17Solar Reviews. (2023). Guide to Idaho incentives & tax credits in 2023. SolarReviews. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://www.solarreviews.com/solar-incentives/idaho>

18Wikipedia. (2023, March 25). Solar power in Idaho. Wikipedia. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power_in_Idaho>

19Cesolar. (2023). Solar Tax Credits, Solar Rebates, and Solar Incentives. Creative Energies Solar. Retrieved June 11, 2023, from <https://cesolar.com/about-solar/solar-incentives/>

20IRS. (2023, February 17). About Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits | Internal Revenue Service. IRS. Retrieved June 15, 2023, from <https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5695>

21U.S. Department of Energy. Flickr. Retrieved from <https://flic.kr/p/gFHd3Y>

22Solar panel roof 6th St Photo by Downtowngal / Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0). Resized. From Wikimedia Commons <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Solar_panel_roof_6th_St.jpg>

23Gobabeb solar panels Photo by GbbIT / Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0). Resized. From Wikimedia Commons <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gobabeb_solar_panels.jpg>

24U.S. Energy Information Administration. EIA. Retrieved from <https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/renewable-sources/incentives.php>

25U.S. Department of Energy. Flickr. Retrieved from <https://flic.kr/p/vZfyGJ>

26U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Flickr. Retrieved from <https://flic.kr/p/nsCvvR>