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Idaho · ID

Solar Panels in Idaho:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

Idaho averages 1439.8 kWh per kWp per year with 5.2 peak sun hours per day. At 12.07¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,390/year and pays back in about 10.9 years.

Idaho Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day5.2 hrs
Avg solar yield1439.8 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate12.07¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)10.9 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$1,390/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in Idaho

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

40% deduction on solar costs from Idaho income tax, full retail net metering

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in Idaho

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do Idaho Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 4 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Boise
1441.3 kWh/kWp · 10.9 yr payback
Meridian
1449.9 kWh/kWp · 10.8 yr payback
Nampa
1429.4 kWh/kWp · 11 yr payback
Caldwell
1438.5 kWh/kWp · 10.9 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for Idaho.

Calculator
All Idaho incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in Idaho: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in Idaho?
For many homeowners, yes — though payback is longer than average in Idaho. Low electricity rates (12.07¢/kWh) extend payback to 10.9 years. But the 25-year savings (~$25,579) still significantly exceed system costs, and electricity prices will likely rise. Idaho has some of the cheapest electricity in the US, which lengthens payback — but high yields and low system costs partially offset this.
What solar incentives are available in Idaho?
Idaho homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); and net metering through Idaho Power / Rocky Mountain Power. Idaho has some of the cheapest electricity in the US, which lengthens payback — but high yields and low system costs partially offset this.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Idaho?
Idaho averages 1439.8 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 4% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 11,518 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 120.0 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern Idaho produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in Idaho?
The average 8 kW system in Idaho costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and high desert climate with excellent summer production.

Going Solar in Idaho: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in Idaho. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in Idaho average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 12.07¢/kWh in Idaho, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    Idaho does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. 40% deduction on solar costs from Idaho income tax.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in Idaho typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for Idaho: Idaho averages 1439.8 kWh/kWp/year with 5.2 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 12.07¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$1,390/year and pays back in 10.9 years. 40% deduction on solar costs from Idaho income tax, full retail net metering.