Skip to main content
Elovane
Home›Solar in Idaho
#36 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Idaho (ID)

Idaho averages 1,400 kWh per installed kW per year. At $10.2¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $1,451.

$13,622
System Cost (After Credits)
$1,451
25-Year NPV
15 years
Payback Period
$0.144/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Idaho

7 kW system (2.78/W)$19,460
Federal ITC (30%)-$5,838
Net Cost$13,622

Solar Production in Idaho

Idaho receives an average of 1,400 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 9,800 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Idaho's average residential rate of $10.2¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $1,000. The solar LCOE of $0.144/kWh is -41% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Idaho

1:1 net metering available through Idaho Power and Avista

Solar FAQ for Idaho

How much does solar cost in Idaho?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Idaho costs $19,460 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $13,622.
What is the solar payback period in Idaho?
Based on the average ID utility rate of $10.2¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,400 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 15 years. The 25-year NPV is $1,451.
Does Idaho have net metering?
1:1 net metering available through Idaho Power and Avista
What is the LCOE of solar in Idaho?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Idaho is approximately $0.144/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $10.2¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs -41% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Idaho?
Idaho receives approximately 1,400 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 9,800 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 93% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

Compare Options in Idaho

Solar vs. Grid in Idaho›Solar + Battery in Idaho›Heat Pump ROI in Idaho›Full Electrification in Idaho›

Solar ROI in Similar States

Georgia

NPV: $7,487 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #28 ranked

Ohio

NPV: $3,882 · Payback: 13yr
Rate: $14.2¢/kWh · #29 ranked

Kansas

NPV: $7,883 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $13.8¢/kWh · #30 ranked

Virginia

NPV: $5,193 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #31 ranked

Alabama

NPV: $7,801 · Payback: 10yr
Rate: $13.5¢/kWh · #32 ranked

Louisiana

NPV: $4,402 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $11.8¢/kWh · #33 ranked

Get Your Idaho Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

Calculate My ROI ›