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
18 solar companies in Idaho provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.67 111 Reviews
K Walker, over 1 month
In late May early June 2022 we decided to get solar. My husband found sol-up and the sales rep Steve convinced him that sol-up was the best choice, he told us within 2 months of installation our solar panels will be on, he told us that they will be in contact every step of the way and that they do not use 3rd party contractors that everyone is in house. Everything they said was a lie, everything in their contract is a lie. Up to July 25th they called almost daily to check in, on July 25th at 7am the installation started, a hole was cut in my house and at 2:45pm the installers said they will not be finishing today due to rain coming they piled the panels beside my house and left, it rained and leak was found upstairs. I spent hours (during business hours) trying to contact anyone finally after 5 I got a call back the next day they come out say it’s not their fault and will send a report. 2 days later all the panels were up. It is now September 29th 2022 3 months later. The bird guard we paid for is not on the only updates I get are the lies I’m told when I call. I was told a guarantee that our solar will be on by the 28th it’s not on. It took until the middle of September before the hole in my house was fixed that their 3rd party contractor cheaply put together. If you choose sol-up be prepared to be lied to and pay both a solar bill and a full electric bill. I pray I never need to use the warranty because I’m sure the only way they will fulfill any agreements on their end is if a judge tells them to. I have been waiting 3 months for the report that they are not responsible for the damages to my roof. I hope sol-up responds to this because I do have proof of every claim listed and others not listed and maybe if I write reviews they will care about their customers.
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K Walker, over 1 month
In late May early June 2022 we decided to get solar. My husband found sol-up and the sales rep Steve convinced him that sol-up was the best choice, he told us within 2 months of installation our solar panels will be on, he told us that they will be in contact every step of the way and that they do not use 3rd party contractors that everyone is in house. Everything they said was a lie, everything in their contract is a lie. Up to July 25th they called almost daily to check in, on July 25th at 7am the installation started, a hole was cut in my house and at 2:45pm the installers said they will not be finishing today due to rain coming they piled the panels beside my house and left, it rained and leak was found upstairs. I spent hours (during business hours) trying to contact anyone finally after 5 I got a call back the next day they come out say it’s not their fault and will send a report. 2 days later all the panels were up. It is now September 29th 2022 3 months later. The bird guard we paid for is not on the only updates I get are the lies I’m told when I call. I was told a guarantee that our solar will be on by the 28th it’s not on. It took until the middle of September before the hole in my house was fixed that their 3rd party contractor cheaply put together. If you choose sol-up be prepared to be lied to and pay both a solar bill and a full electric bill. I pray I never need to use the warranty because I’m sure the only way they will fulfill any agreements on their end is if a judge tells them to. I have been waiting 3 months for the report that they are not responsible for the damages to my roof. I hope sol-up responds to this because I do have proof of every claim listed and others not listed and maybe if I write reviews they will care about their customers.
4.57 178 Reviews
Jane Doe, over 1 month
Don’t be fooled by Intermountain Wind and Solar. They have good salesman but when it comes to installation and actually working with the company, they are the worst. We ha e to beg for an install date and then had to call and remind them we were there every step of the way. Please do yourself a favor and go with another company.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$15,000 ($3.00 per watt)
Jane Doe, over 1 month
Don’t be fooled by Intermountain Wind and Solar. They have good salesman but when it comes to installation and actually working with the company, they are the worst. We ha e to beg for an install date and then had to call and remind them we were there every step of the way. Please do yourself a favor and go with another company.
4.55 31 Reviews
Ralph Bacon, 2 days ago
Very happy with my installation and the efficiency of my solar system. Installed just over 1 year ago. Savings are more than I expected. EGT is good company to deal with!
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Ralph Bacon, 2 days ago
Very happy with my installation and the efficiency of my solar system. Installed just over 1 year ago. Savings are more than I expected. EGT is good company to deal with!
4.47 1,631 Reviews
Keith , 1 day ago
My sales guy Chris was on top of my project from the start. The installation guys were spot on, had an electrician taking care of getting the power from the roof down through the attic to the disconnect switch going through the masonry wall to the breaker box. All the electric work looks great. Waiting in electrical inspection. Three guys prepared the roof to mount the 17 solar panels. They started at the bottom with a trim rail and worked up the roof with mounting brackets. Mounted the first bottom row and worked up to the top 4th row, making all the electrical connections as they went up. Everything is well secured and straight lines on the panels. The area was all cleaned up and left in excellent condition, panels are on the back of our home and can’t be seen from the road. Very pleased with this project.
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Keith , 1 day ago
My sales guy Chris was on top of my project from the start. The installation guys were spot on, had an electrician taking care of getting the power from the roof down through the attic to the disconnect switch going through the masonry wall to the breaker box. All the electric work looks great. Waiting in electrical inspection. Three guys prepared the roof to mount the 17 solar panels. They started at the bottom with a trim rail and worked up the roof with mounting brackets. Mounted the first bottom row and worked up to the top 4th row, making all the electrical connections as they went up. Everything is well secured and straight lines on the panels. The area was all cleaned up and left in excellent condition, panels are on the back of our home and can’t be seen from the road. Very pleased with this project.
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
4.32 10 Reviews
DD, over 1 month
I spent hours learning online, attending courses and talking to other folks in Utah and Colorado (and 1 in Wyoming) before being certain CE is the ONLY one I'd ever recommend to my family and friends. Their skills are top notch in terms of state-of-the-art technology. I trust their estimate and education and ongoing customer service for about a decade have been flawless. Use them!
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DD, over 1 month
I spent hours learning online, attending courses and talking to other folks in Utah and Colorado (and 1 in Wyoming) before being certain CE is the ONLY one I'd ever recommend to my family and friends. Their skills are top notch in terms of state-of-the-art technology. I trust their estimate and education and ongoing customer service for about a decade have been flawless. Use them!
3.93 5 Reviews
Travis, over 1 month
Very professional workers who do a great job. Up very quickly even with unforeseen problems. Would use this team again for any of your electrical needs.
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Travis, over 1 month
Very professional workers who do a great job. Up very quickly even with unforeseen problems. Would use this team again for any of your electrical needs.
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
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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