Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blackfoot, ID (2024 Update)
- Blackfoot Solar Installation Cost: $18,065
- 25-Year Savings: $18,687
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Blackfoot
We go over average solar pricing in Blackfoot.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Blackfoot, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Blackfoot, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,065, or $25,833 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Blackfoot
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,903 |
| 3 years | $-14,579 |
| 5 years | $-12,254 |
| 7 years | $-9,930 |
| 9 years | $-7,606 |
| 11 years | $-5,282 |
| 13 years | $-2,958 |
| 15 years | $-634 |
| 17 years | $1,690 |
| 19 years | $4,014 |
| 21 years | $6,338 |
| 23 years | $8,662 |
| 25 years | $10,986 |
Top Solar Installers in Blackfoot
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Blackfoot:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
See all of the solar companies in Blackfoot
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blackfoot
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Blackfoot: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,460.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Blackfoot homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Blackfoot is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.60 | $15,113 | $10,839 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $14,840 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $19,034 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $23,422 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $28,004 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $32,780 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $37,749 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $42,912 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
EcoWatch's Blackfoot, ID Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Blackfoot?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.