Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pocatello, ID (2024 Update)
- Pocatello Solar Installation Cost: $17,750
- 25-Year Savings: $18,427
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pocatello
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Pocatello.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pocatello it’s 3 per watt.The average Pocatello homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,750 with the federal tax credit, or $25,382 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Pocatello homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Pocatello see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Pocatello
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,588 |
| 3 years | $-14,264 |
| 5 years | $-11,940 |
| 7 years | $-9,616 |
| 9 years | $-7,292 |
| 11 years | $-4,968 |
| 13 years | $-2,644 |
| 15 years | $-319 |
| 17 years | $2,005 |
| 19 years | $4,329 |
| 21 years | $6,653 |
| 23 years | $8,977 |
| 25 years | $11,301 |
Top Solar Installers in Pocatello
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're searching for a solar company in Pocatello, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Pocatello
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pocatello
The cost of installing a solar system in Pocatello can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Pocatello, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $10,893 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $14,911 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $19,123 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $23,529 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $28,129 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $32,922 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $37,909 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $43,090 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Pocatello, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pocatello?
The average cost of solar panels in Pocatello 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pocatello?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Pocatello, 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 cover 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.