Federal ITC 30% (tax credit)
State tax credit: Yes ($5,000)
Net metering (by utility)
There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
The Idaho Public Service Commission UNANIMOUSLY rejected Idaho Power’s late-2019 attempts to destroy net metering, whew! However, on December 20, 2020, the PUC also declined to allow customers with new solar installations to receive the old compensation rates for their excess solar energy. If you install solar in Idaho now, you may end up getting lower bill credits for energy your solar installation makes that you don't use yourself.
We're expecting to see the PUC come to a decision about net metering sometime in 2021, and we'll update this page at that time. Read on to learn all you need to know about going solar in Idaho - solar panel policy, incentives, and savings!
Learn what solar incentives are available to Idaho homeowners
See what Idaho solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Idaho solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Idaho
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor, and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for any surplus. It’s an essential part of strong solar policy, because it’s a big money saver for you. Idaho currently has no law requiring utilities to offer net metering, or governing interconnection (getting on the grid to get net-metered), and again, people who install solar panels on their homes now will not be eligible for long-term net metering under the state's pre-2020 rules.
For now, all three of the state’s three investor-owned utilities — Avista Utilities, Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power — have independently decided to offer net metering programs until the PUC comes to a decision. The framework of all three programs is similar. All of the programs limit individual system size, but those limits won't affect homeowners much.
All three programs also handle residential net metering the same way: all surplus energy produced is applied as a credit to your next month’s bill at the full retail rate. So for every kW extra you produce one month, you pay for one less kW the next. Avista specifies (sadly) that surplus credit reverts back to the utility without compensation after 12 months. Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power do not specifically address “rollover” limits or other annual surplus accounting policies.
Idaho Power and Rocky Mountain Power have been in communication with the state public utilities commission on a plea to pay much less than retail rates in the future, though the PUC has denied to hear their requests for the near term. As it stands, now may be a good time to lock in your net metering by going solar so the rates don’t diminish.
The state of Idaho doesn't offer any cash rebates for going solar, or really much of any other kind of incentive, either. We'd like to see the state get into helping homeowners go solar, but honestly, we're not holding our breath. Most folks in Idaho prefer the government to stand aside, and that's going to have to do.
There is one smart incentive for Idaho homeowners who go solar, and it's going to lower your taxes. Very on-brand, Idaho.
Instead of a more straightforward tax credit for installing solar, Idaho decided to enact a 100% tax deduction. So, when you go solar, you can take 40% of your installation cost as a deduction in the first year, up to a maximum of $5,000. Then, for the next 3 years, you can deduct 20% of the cost each year from your state income for tax purposes.
For example, an average sized 6kW system installed for $18,000, you can deduct $7,200 from your state income for reporting purposes in the first year, and $3,600 for the next three years.
At current Idaho personal income tax rates, you can expect this deduction to be worth about $1,100 total over the four year period.
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 10.3kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
19 solar companies in Idaho provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.61 37 Reviews
Ken Koehn, 1 week ago
The installers did a great job and worked together efficiently and also very helpful in answering any question I had. Would recommend 100 %
Read more
Ken Koehn, 1 week ago
The installers did a great job and worked together efficiently and also very helpful in answering any question I had. Would recommend 100 %
4.60 180 Reviews
Onalee , 3 weeks ago
We had two Solar Installations done my Intermountain Wind. From the sales to the installation, it was great. We looked at a few other companies both times and decided on them as they seemed to be the superior company for a better price both times.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$15,000 ($3.00 per watt)
Onalee , 3 weeks ago
We had two Solar Installations done my Intermountain Wind. From the sales to the installation, it was great. We looked at a few other companies both times and decided on them as they seemed to be the superior company for a better price both times.
4.58 118 Reviews
Geoffrey , over 1 month
The good is that the solar panels were installed and now I have my electricty is $19/month. Another good and bad is that the system was late to be installed by a couple months but I was credited a month's worth of utility expense by Sol-Up and my sales rep. The bad is Sol-Up recommended and does business with a local family owned company called Ariat Roofing. Ariat was very misleading in their bidding process and what they said in person didn't match the fine print. Even worse is they labled the attachments in a way that was further misleading to hide what you think you are paying for. Basically in person they said they would give me two bids one for entire roof and another for just the areas where the solar panels would be. They gave me two prices via email one to redo the entire roof and another to just do the areas where the solar panels would be. On their bids attached it also said entire roof and solar areas also. When you open up the fine print and read it, it's different than what they said in person. It turns out the fine print said they would replace the "entire upper roof" not the "entire roof" which makes no sense considering they advised me that the underlayment has expired and I needed to replace the entire roof not just the entire upper roof. Why would they not provide me a bid for the "entire" roof after telling me it all needed to be replaced? After calling them out on it they agreed that it was misleading and apologized and said they would replace the lower roof as well at their material cost only and would cover all the labor costs. That cost would have been around $500 as underlayment and some battons just don't cost that much for such a small section of roof. They came out and said another $3000 is what I have to pay. It's a joke. I paid for an entire roof and they didn't finish the job. Thankfully my father in law noticed they didn't do the lower section so when I called to confirm they in fact said they only did the upper section. After reaching out to my rep Brian Grinn at Sol-Up he kept saying hes going to ask a Mr. Sweet and make it right, but that never happened and now it's been 4 months and now my communications are being ignored. My experience with Sol-Up was ok but I would not do business with people they recommend especially Ariat Roofing as they are very deceiving. Now I have have warranties with these companies and very nervous about their practices.
Read more
Geoffrey , over 1 month
The good is that the solar panels were installed and now I have my electricty is $19/month. Another good and bad is that the system was late to be installed by a couple months but I was credited a month's worth of utility expense by Sol-Up and my sales rep. The bad is Sol-Up recommended and does business with a local family owned company called Ariat Roofing. Ariat was very misleading in their bidding process and what they said in person didn't match the fine print. Even worse is they labled the attachments in a way that was further misleading to hide what you think you are paying for. Basically in person they said they would give me two bids one for entire roof and another for just the areas where the solar panels would be. They gave me two prices via email one to redo the entire roof and another to just do the areas where the solar panels would be. On their bids attached it also said entire roof and solar areas also. When you open up the fine print and read it, it's different than what they said in person. It turns out the fine print said they would replace the "entire upper roof" not the "entire roof" which makes no sense considering they advised me that the underlayment has expired and I needed to replace the entire roof not just the entire upper roof. Why would they not provide me a bid for the "entire" roof after telling me it all needed to be replaced? After calling them out on it they agreed that it was misleading and apologized and said they would replace the lower roof as well at their material cost only and would cover all the labor costs. That cost would have been around $500 as underlayment and some battons just don't cost that much for such a small section of roof. They came out and said another $3000 is what I have to pay. It's a joke. I paid for an entire roof and they didn't finish the job. Thankfully my father in law noticed they didn't do the lower section so when I called to confirm they in fact said they only did the upper section. After reaching out to my rep Brian Grinn at Sol-Up he kept saying hes going to ask a Mr. Sweet and make it right, but that never happened and now it's been 4 months and now my communications are being ignored. My experience with Sol-Up was ok but I would not do business with people they recommend especially Ariat Roofing as they are very deceiving. Now I have have warranties with these companies and very nervous about their practices.
4.50 1,910 Reviews
Stephen Vewue Forkpah, 5 days ago
I had a great experience with Blue Raven Solar during my installation. Blue Raven is one of the best solar energy solutions for your home. Contact them for any solar energy services. Thanks
Read more
Stephen Vewue Forkpah, 5 days ago
I had a great experience with Blue Raven Solar during my installation. Blue Raven is one of the best solar energy solutions for your home. Contact them for any solar energy services. Thanks
4.47 20 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
We had a project to construct a lean-to adjacent to our barn and wanted to cover it in solar panels. The Solar Stone gave us a detailed estimate, power generation prediction and explained the entire Washington State incentive variations and application process which helped us become more informed.<br /><br />The entire construction process went smoothly despite some weather conditions mid-December and we were able to get the project signed off before the New Year. They were communicative throughout the project and it was a pleasure working with them.<br /><br />Solar projects should be installed by skilled professionals who know what they're doing when it comes to installing expensive equipment you're wanting to use for 25+ years. The Solar Stone are those professionals and I'd recommend them to anyone.
Read more
Anonymous, over 1 month
We had a project to construct a lean-to adjacent to our barn and wanted to cover it in solar panels. The Solar Stone gave us a detailed estimate, power generation prediction and explained the entire Washington State incentive variations and application process which helped us become more informed.<br /><br />The entire construction process went smoothly despite some weather conditions mid-December and we were able to get the project signed off before the New Year. They were communicative throughout the project and it was a pleasure working with them.<br /><br />Solar projects should be installed by skilled professionals who know what they're doing when it comes to installing expensive equipment you're wanting to use for 25+ years. The Solar Stone are those professionals and I'd recommend them to anyone.
4.46 12 Reviews
Dave, over 1 month
The team at Pell Solar took care of us from start to finish. They helped us understand the technology, right-sized our system and installed quickly and professionally. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough
Read more
Dave, over 1 month
The team at Pell Solar took care of us from start to finish. They helped us understand the technology, right-sized our system and installed quickly and professionally. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough
4.42 8 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
We spent quite a bit of time researching different solar companies before deciding on who to go with. Genuine Solar provided the best deal by far. The salesmen were great to work with and responded to questions in a timely manner throughout the entire process.
Read more
Anonymous, over 1 month
We spent quite a bit of time researching different solar companies before deciding on who to go with. Genuine Solar provided the best deal by far. The salesmen were great to work with and responded to questions in a timely manner throughout the entire process.
4.14 19 Reviews
Kf, over 1 month
These guys did exactly what they said they would and everything works better than I expected. I would not hesitate to have them do it again.
Read more
Kf, over 1 month
These guys did exactly what they said they would and everything works better than I expected. I would not hesitate to have them do it again.
4.06 6 Reviews
Robert, over 1 month
Jesse and the team at Magic Solar did an outstanding job! We just had our first month with a 5$ Idaho power charge and are currently banking hours (net-metering) which was well explained by Jesse. The install was smooth and Yovani and Alex were a pleasure to have at our house. Very professional, competent and understanding or our schedule. The jobsite was cleaned up and left as it was. Highly recommend this group. Do not be duped by companies that promise something that they can't deliver. Being a Idaho guy it is also nice to know that you are supporting and Idaho company In Magic not someone pretending to be local. Give Jesse and his team a call and see what real solar professional's can do.
Read more
Robert, over 1 month
Jesse and the team at Magic Solar did an outstanding job! We just had our first month with a 5$ Idaho power charge and are currently banking hours (net-metering) which was well explained by Jesse. The install was smooth and Yovani and Alex were a pleasure to have at our house. Very professional, competent and understanding or our schedule. The jobsite was cleaned up and left as it was. Highly recommend this group. Do not be duped by companies that promise something that they can't deliver. Being a Idaho guy it is also nice to know that you are supporting and Idaho company In Magic not someone pretending to be local. Give Jesse and his team a call and see what real solar professional's can do.
3.93 3 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
Jake and Katie have made this experience very smooth. Their initial presentation was professional and very clear. They presented us with different financial options, yet never pressured us into a sale.<br /><br />Katie did all the leg work with contacting our HOA and the city for the necessary permission and permits.<br /><br />Once the panels and meter were installed, Jake walked us through everything, answering all questions to our satisfaction.<br /><br />We highly recommend Love Light Solar.<br /><br />Jess & Debra Miller
Read more
Anonymous, over 1 month
Jake and Katie have made this experience very smooth. Their initial presentation was professional and very clear. They presented us with different financial options, yet never pressured us into a sale.<br /><br />Katie did all the leg work with contacting our HOA and the city for the necessary permission and permits.<br /><br />Once the panels and meter were installed, Jake walked us through everything, answering all questions to our satisfaction.<br /><br />We highly recommend Love Light Solar.<br /><br />Jess & Debra Miller
Idaho State Energy Loan Program - Low interest Loans for Renewable Energy projects ranging from $1,00 to $15,000 for single family loans