Solar savings & payback in Idaho
Idaho runs about 13¢/kWh with net billing (reduced export rate). Enter your bill for a payback estimate tuned to local rates and sun, no federal tax credit assumed (it expired at the end of 2025).
- Avg electricity rate
- 13¢/kWh
- Solar generation
- ~4.3 kWh/kW/day
- Net metering
- Net billing (reduced export rate)
- Export credit
- ~60% of retail
State incentive: Generous state income-tax deduction for solar (100% over 4 years).
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
How Idaho compares to the US average
Three numbers decide most of your payback. Here's where Idaho sits against the national picture.
Electricity rate
13¢/kWh
US average: 17¢/kWh
Cheaper power means each solar kWh saves less
Solar generation
~4.3 kWh/kW/day
US average: ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
Less sun per panel than the US average
Typical payback
18 years
US average: 10.6 years
Slower than the US average on a $150 bill
Solar cost & savings by system size in Idaho
Computed with Idaho's rate (13¢/kWh), sun (~4.3 kWh/kW/day), and its reduced export credit, at the 2026 national benchmark of ~$2.75/W with no federal credit.
| System size | Installed cost | Generation/mo | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW | ~$11,000 | ~516 kWh | ~$612 | ~18 yrs |
| 6kW | ~$16,500 | ~774 kWh | ~$918 | ~18 yrs |
| 8kW | ~$22,000 | ~1,032 kWh | ~$1,224 | ~18 yrs |
| 10kW | ~$27,500 | ~1,290 kWh | ~$1,529 | ~18 yrs |
Savings assume a home large enough to use this output. Figures last reviewed July 2026,size a system from your actual bill instead.
How exports are paid in Idaho
Utility-specific net metering; export credit rates are under active review.
Because Idaho pays less than the full retail rate for exported power, the numbers reward using more of your own solar, running big loads in daylight, or adding a battery to store the surplus instead of exporting it cheaply.
Policies change often, always confirm current rules with your utility or at DSIREbefore deciding.
Idaho solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Idaho in 2026?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Idaho system pays for itself in about 18 years, with no federal tax credit assumed (the residential credit expired at the end of 2025). At 13¢/kWh with net billing (reduced export rate), the case is workable but depends on your roof, usage pattern, and quotes.
How much does a solar system cost in Idaho?
At 2026 benchmark prices (~$2.75/W), a 6kW system runs about $16,500 installed, generating roughly 774 kWh a month in Idaho's sun. Local quotes vary 20-40% between installers, so always collect several.
What is the net metering policy in Idaho?
Utility-specific net metering; export credit rates are under active review.
Does Idaho have a state solar incentive?
Generous state income-tax deduction for solar (100% over 4 years). Since the federal residential credit ended in 2025, state and utility incentives are the main upfront help available.
How many solar panels do I need in Idaho?
A 9 kW system suits a typical $150/month bill in Idaho, that's roughly 22 modern 425W panels needing about 585 sq ft of unshaded roof. Enter your own bill in the calculator above for a precise size.