Summary of Idaho solar incentives 2020
The Idaho Public Service Commission UNANIMOUSLY rejected Idaho Power’s late-2019 attempts to destroy net metering, whew! However, we're expecting to see stronger laws that codify protections for solar owners in 2020 and beyond. Read on to learn all you need to know about going solar in Idaho - solar panel policy, incentives, and savings!
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Idaho homeowners
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See what Idaho solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Idaho solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Idaho
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% 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 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% in 2021. Unless new legislation is introduced in Washington D.C., this program will be gone in 2022.
Net energy metering in Idaho
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).
Despite not being required, 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. 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.
Idaho solar rebates
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.
State tax deduction
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.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Idaho after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
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Prices based on a 10.3kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
8.2-10 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$42,741-$52,239
Average size system installed in ID in 2020
10.3kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Idaho
15 solar companies in Idaho provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.68 56 Reviews
Latest review
Mark C, 1 week ago
I chose Mynt because the salesperson said he was bidding me a solar system with the capability of producing 100% of my energy consumption, monitoring of that consumption and future capability to add Tesla Powerwall battery(s). My system costed me more than $53,000 with 51 Enphase panels. Big mistake to pay this company before you get what you were promised!! After more than 6 months, Nate at Mynt tells me we will never be able to add Tesla powerwalls and we can never monitor energy consumption using either the Sense module or an Enphase monitor module. Neither are compatible because they had to split my solar panels into two 60 amp incoming feeds. It was engineered wrong from the get go!! DO NOT ALLOW MYNT INSTALLERS TO SPLIT YOUR SOLAR FEED IF YOU WANT TO MONITOR CONSUMPTION. Both Sense technical and Enphase technical says they cannot monitor consumption when this is done. At this point I’m considering suit for a removal of the entire system with a full refund. I was sold a lie. Do not pay them final payment until you are 100% satisfied either.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Latest review
Mark C, 1 week ago
I chose Mynt because the salesperson said he was bidding me a solar system with the capability of producing 100% of my energy consumption, monitoring of that consumption and future capability to add Tesla Powerwall battery(s). My system costed me more than $53,000 with 51 Enphase panels. Big mistake to pay this company before you get what you were promised!! After more than 6 months, Nate at Mynt tells me we will never be able to add Tesla powerwalls and we can never monitor energy consumption using either the Sense module or an Enphase monitor module. Neither are compatible because they had to split my solar panels into two 60 amp incoming feeds. It was engineered wrong from the get go!! DO NOT ALLOW MYNT INSTALLERS TO SPLIT YOUR SOLAR FEED IF YOU WANT TO MONITOR CONSUMPTION. Both Sense technical and Enphase technical says they cannot monitor consumption when this is done. At this point I’m considering suit for a removal of the entire system with a full refund. I was sold a lie. Do not pay them final payment until you are 100% satisfied either.
4.63 948 Reviews
Latest review
Brett Huebner, 23 hours ago
From the very first encounter, Blue Raven is professional and diligent. They answered all my questions and quickly came up with a solution that covers all my power usage. They worked with my HOA for rapid approval. The installation team was fantastic, arrived exactly when they said and all work and electrical was done in 1 day. The team worked efficiently and complete professionals all day even walking me through the new functionality and steps at the end. This is the kind of service we should always get out of companies and not be surprised but it is. I highly recommend this team.
Read more
Latest review
Brett Huebner, 23 hours ago
From the very first encounter, Blue Raven is professional and diligent. They answered all my questions and quickly came up with a solution that covers all my power usage. They worked with my HOA for rapid approval. The installation team was fantastic, arrived exactly when they said and all work and electrical was done in 1 day. The team worked efficiently and complete professionals all day even walking me through the new functionality and steps at the end. This is the kind of service we should always get out of companies and not be surprised but it is. I highly recommend this team.
4.62 24 Reviews
Latest review
Steve, over 1 month
We felt that our experience was professional from start to finish.
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Latest review
Steve, over 1 month
We felt that our experience was professional from start to finish.
4.54 176 Reviews
Latest review
EdwardM, over 1 month
Decided in about Sep of 2019 to finally order a solar PV intertied system. Incredibly, they were able to complete the proposal, design and engineering work, permits and install before the end of the year, all in about 3 months time. If you've ever done re-modeling work with permits, you can appreciate that this is a very timely install! This involves multiple parties, city permit department (about a month just for the city), and the power utility company. From their sales rep, to the project manager, to the install crew - IWS was easy to reach throughout the process, to answer any questions. The install crew and electrician were great too. We had to wait until the first week of January to turn on the system but that was because the local power company had to update the software in our power meter and they had a delay due to the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Once that was done, we just flipped a switch and the solar PV was in operation. Our system is producing almost exactly the amount of power it was designed to do, and what we expected. Because we are very economical with our power usage, we are net positive to the power company for now. But that means we have the right amount to also recharge a future EV car. Our home is in Redmond, Oregon - and was installed by the crew out of Boise.
Read more
Latest review
EdwardM, over 1 month
Decided in about Sep of 2019 to finally order a solar PV intertied system. Incredibly, they were able to complete the proposal, design and engineering work, permits and install before the end of the year, all in about 3 months time. If you've ever done re-modeling work with permits, you can appreciate that this is a very timely install! This involves multiple parties, city permit department (about a month just for the city), and the power utility company. From their sales rep, to the project manager, to the install crew - IWS was easy to reach throughout the process, to answer any questions. The install crew and electrician were great too. We had to wait until the first week of January to turn on the system but that was because the local power company had to update the software in our power meter and they had a delay due to the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Once that was done, we just flipped a switch and the solar PV was in operation. Our system is producing almost exactly the amount of power it was designed to do, and what we expected. Because we are very economical with our power usage, we are net positive to the power company for now. But that means we have the right amount to also recharge a future EV car. Our home is in Redmond, Oregon - and was installed by the crew out of Boise.
4.47 20 Reviews
Latest review
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
Latest review
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.
4.42 8 Reviews
Latest review
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
Latest review
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.
4.17 5 Reviews
Latest review
Middleton Manor, over 1 month
Josh and his team are reliable and honest. They showed up when they said they would and stayed all day even in some pretty harsh temps. They kept their promises and went the extra mile to make sure I was satisfied with the project. They kept me up-to-date with the status of material and the schedule they were on.
Read more
Latest review
Middleton Manor, over 1 month
Josh and his team are reliable and honest. They showed up when they said they would and stayed all day even in some pretty harsh temps. They kept their promises and went the extra mile to make sure I was satisfied with the project. They kept me up-to-date with the status of material and the schedule they were on.
3.93 4 Reviews
Latest review
Jim, over 1 month
I solicited bids from 3 different companies. I was most impressed with Gietzen . They did quality work as we agreed upon at a fair price. I am very pleased and would recommend them to anyone.
Read more
Latest review
Jim, over 1 month
I solicited bids from 3 different companies. I was most impressed with Gietzen . They did quality work as we agreed upon at a fair price. I am very pleased and would recommend them to anyone.
3.93 3 Reviews
Latest review
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
Latest review
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
3.93 2 Reviews
Latest review
Sam Allred, over 1 month
Installing solar with Saveco was an awesome experience. Everyone I dealt with was knowledgeable and professional. The installation crew was courteous and very experienced. I recommend them highly!
Read more
Latest review
Sam Allred, over 1 month
Installing solar with Saveco was an awesome experience. Everyone I dealt with was knowledgeable and professional. The installation crew was courteous and very experienced. I recommend them highly!
Useful links
Idaho State Energy Loan Program - Low interest Loans for Renewable Energy projects ranging from $1,00 to $15,000 for single family loans
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