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.
4.77 81 Reviews
Janet H., over 1 month
From start to finish this was an exceptional process. It was a throwback to a time when customer service was all about the customer. We were kept informed every step of the way, called if there was a delay for any reason, work was done timely, staff were more than competent and I was completely comfortable having them in and on my home. The work area was always cleaned before they left for the day. It was so refreshing to work with a company that does quality work, with quality products and cares about the client experience from start to finish.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$18,600 ($3.72 per watt)
Janet H., over 1 month
From start to finish this was an exceptional process. It was a throwback to a time when customer service was all about the customer. We were kept informed every step of the way, called if there was a delay for any reason, work was done timely, staff were more than competent and I was completely comfortable having them in and on my home. The work area was always cleaned before they left for the day. It was so refreshing to work with a company that does quality work, with quality products and cares about the client experience from start to finish.
4.61 35 Reviews
Mike K, over 1 month
From start to finish and beyond EGT Solar has been great.
Read more
Mike K, over 1 month
From start to finish and beyond EGT Solar has been great.
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.
Read more
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.
4.47 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
4.44 1,766 Reviews
Jena, 1 day ago
Such a terrible company to work with. Would never in my wildest dreams recommend them to anyone asking about solar. From date of signing contract with their delays, then getting less in federal incentives because of that delay, to the leak they put in my roof, to my system barely being over 2 years and doesn't work at all for months and their technician no showing to the appointment to diagnose to being told it was canceled without notice. A warning to all go with another company.
Read more
Jena, 1 day ago
Such a terrible company to work with. Would never in my wildest dreams recommend them to anyone asking about solar. From date of signing contract with their delays, then getting less in federal incentives because of that delay, to the leak they put in my roof, to my system barely being over 2 years and doesn't work at all for months and their technician no showing to the appointment to diagnose to being told it was canceled without notice. A warning to all go with another company.
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