Federal ITC 26% (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
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% at the end of 2022.
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 26% federal tax credit
16 solar companies in Idaho provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.64 25 Reviews
Mike, over 1 month
We felt their plans and recommendations made the most sense for us. They also were very honest about the process and set reasonable expectations. Service was impeccable from the outset.
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Mike, over 1 month
We felt their plans and recommendations made the most sense for us. They also were very honest about the process and set reasonable expectations. Service was impeccable from the outset.
4.60 1,048 Reviews
Candace, 1 day ago
I did a lot of research.Blue Raven was highly ranked & their pricing was in the middle of all the folks I was looking at. Their service was phenomenal. The sales guy answered all my questions regarding the contract & I had a lot of questions. I read it line by line & he was very patient. The estimators and installers were polite & knowledgeable. They also used masks, gloves & booties. I was apprised of every step with emails & texts. I keep waiting for the proverbial other shoe to fall. But it has all gone smoothly with great service - in person and on the phone.
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Candace, 1 day ago
I did a lot of research.Blue Raven was highly ranked & their pricing was in the middle of all the folks I was looking at. Their service was phenomenal. The sales guy answered all my questions regarding the contract & I had a lot of questions. I read it line by line & he was very patient. The estimators and installers were polite & knowledgeable. They also used masks, gloves & booties. I was apprised of every step with emails & texts. I keep waiting for the proverbial other shoe to fall. But it has all gone smoothly with great service - in person and on the phone.
4.54 176 Reviews
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.
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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
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.
4.42 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.
4.38 41 Reviews
Marc Wallace , 2 days ago
From the initial call through the build and with following up on the switch on, everyone has been good to work with and positive. They even sent a team to fill in a trench in the yard with soil and grass seed. Seeing the energy production on the app is gratifying too.
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Marc Wallace , 2 days ago
From the initial call through the build and with following up on the switch on, everyone has been good to work with and positive. They even sent a team to fill in a trench in the yard with soil and grass seed. Seeing the energy production on the app is gratifying too.
4.32 8 Reviews
Hoo Doo Solar Project, 1 week ago
Excellent installation quality, on time and on budget. The company handled all of the state/county and pier company permitting process. All of my questions (and I had a lot of them) were answered quickly. The Pell Solar team was more knowledgeable and professional than their larger competitors.
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Hoo Doo Solar Project, 1 week ago
Excellent installation quality, on time and on budget. The company handled all of the state/county and pier company permitting process. All of my questions (and I had a lot of them) were answered quickly. The Pell Solar team was more knowledgeable and professional than their larger competitors.
4.17 4 Reviews
Matt L. , 1 week ago
Incredible company to do business with. If you want to invest in solar panels on your home, I highly suggest this company. Every single employee that came into our home was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, trustworthy and hard working. They completed the install in an efficient manner but not careless by any means. My wife and I also had the pleasure of meeting one of the managers, Paul. Paul is as genuine as it gets & would make things right if something went wrong. After doing a ton of research and getting several bids, I would highly recommend going with a small business like Saveco opposed to one of the bigger companies. You will be very happy with the results and not to mention the fact that if you need anything, you know exactly who you need to call.
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Matt L. , 1 week ago
Incredible company to do business with. If you want to invest in solar panels on your home, I highly suggest this company. Every single employee that came into our home was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, trustworthy and hard working. They completed the install in an efficient manner but not careless by any means. My wife and I also had the pleasure of meeting one of the managers, Paul. Paul is as genuine as it gets & would make things right if something went wrong. After doing a ton of research and getting several bids, I would highly recommend going with a small business like Saveco opposed to one of the bigger companies. You will be very happy with the results and not to mention the fact that if you need anything, you know exactly who you need to call.
3.93 4 Reviews
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.
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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
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
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