Solar Panel Cost Guide in Coeur d'Alene, ID (2024 Update)
- Coeur d'Alene Solar Installation Cost: $21,261
- 25-Year Savings: $14,485
- Payback Period: 17.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Coeur d'Alene
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Coeur d'Alene.
In Coeur d'Alene, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Coeur d'Alene, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $21,261, or $30,403 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Coeur d'Alene see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Coeur d'Alene
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,124 |
| 3 years | $-17,850 |
| 5 years | $-15,576 |
| 7 years | $-13,302 |
| 9 years | $-11,029 |
| 11 years | $-8,755 |
| 13 years | $-6,481 |
| 15 years | $-4,207 |
| 17 years | $-1,933 |
| 19 years | $341 |
| 21 years | $2,614 |
| 23 years | $4,888 |
| 25 years | $7,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Coeur d'Alene
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Coeur d'Alene
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Coeur d'Alene
The cost of installing a solar system in Coeur d'Alene can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,460.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Coeur d'Alene average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Coeur d'Alene provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Coeur d'Alene, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $5,707 | 18.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $7,997 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $10,481 | 17.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $13,159 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $16,030 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $19,095 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $22,354 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $25,806 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Coeur d'Alene, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Coeur d'Alene?
The average cost of solar panels in Coeur d'Alene is about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Coeur d'Alene?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Coeur d'Alene is currently $557,338, so you could be looking at a value of about $22,851 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Coeur d'Alene is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Coeur d'Alene?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.