Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lewiston, ID (2024 Update)
- Lewiston Solar Installation Cost: $19,971
- 25-Year Savings: $16,142
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lewiston
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lewiston.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lewiston generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Lewiston is around 8.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $19,971 for a solar installation, or $28,559 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Lewiston can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Lewiston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lewiston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,772 |
| 3 years | $-16,374 |
| 5 years | $-13,976 |
| 7 years | $-11,579 |
| 9 years | $-9,181 |
| 11 years | $-6,783 |
| 13 years | $-4,386 |
| 15 years | $-1,988 |
| 17 years | $410 |
| 19 years | $2,807 |
| 21 years | $5,205 |
| 23 years | $7,603 |
| 25 years | $10,000 |
Top Solar Installers in Lewiston
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Lewiston:
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 Lewiston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lewiston
Although the average cost of a solar system in Lewiston is $19,971, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Lewiston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,460 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Lewiston have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Lewiston, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $7,553 | 16.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $10,458 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $13,557 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $16,849 | 15.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $20,336 | 15.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $24,016 | 15.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $27,890 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $31,958 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Lewiston, ID Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lewiston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Lewiston?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lewiston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.