Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middleton, ID (2024 Update)
- Middleton Solar Installation Cost: $17,737
- 25-Year Savings: $17,665
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middleton
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Middleton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Middleton it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.3-kW system would cost about $17,737 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Middleton homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Middleton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,575 |
| 3 years | $-14,251 |
| 5 years | $-11,927 |
| 7 years | $-9,603 |
| 9 years | $-7,279 |
| 11 years | $-4,955 |
| 13 years | $-2,631 |
| 15 years | $-307 |
| 17 years | $2,017 |
| 19 years | $4,341 |
| 21 years | $6,665 |
| 23 years | $8,989 |
| 25 years | $11,313 |
Top Solar Installers in Middleton
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Middleton, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Middleton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middleton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Middleton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Middleton, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Middleton, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Middleton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $10,279 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $14,093 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $18,100 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $22,302 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $26,697 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $31,286 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $36,068 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $41,045 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Middleton, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middleton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Middleton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Middleton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.