Solar Panel Installation Cost in Boise, ID

How much do solar panels cost in Boise, ID? Compare solar panel installation costs, state rebates, heat pump incentives & local utility programs. Find solar panels for your home with our free calculator.

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Avg System Cost

$14,690

Net After Incentives

$14,690

Solar Panel Cost & Savings in Boise

Average System Cost

$14,690

$2.94/W (median: $2.89/W)

Boise Savings Breakdown

Item	Amount
Average System Cost	$14,690
Estimated Net Cost	$14,690

Price range:$12,486

$16,894

Data sourced from EnergySage & Rewiring America APIs. Incentive values are estimates based on a representative homeowner profile. Run the calculator for a personalised breakdown.

Solar Panel Installers in Boise

EnergySage Verified

No verified installers found in Boise yet.

Use the calculator to get matched with local installers.

Solar Energy in Boise, ID: Complete Guide

Boise is served by Idaho Power. The solar resource is solid at about 5.0 to 5.4 peak sun hours per day, benefiting from Idaho's dry climate and relatively high elevation (2,700 feet). Boise gets more sunshine than Portland, Denver, or any Midwest city.

Idaho Power rates are low (about $0.09 to $0.12 per kWh), which hurts the solar payback calculation. Low rates mean each kWh your panels produce saves you less. Idaho also has no state solar tax credit and no sales tax exemption for solar. The federal ITC expired December 2025.

Idaho Power has shifted from traditional net metering to an "On-Site Generation" tariff that credits exports at a lower avoided cost rate rather than full retail. This further reduces the value of excess solar generation.

Boise solar makes the most sense for homeowners with larger systems that can self consume most of their generation rather than exporting excess to the grid.

Solar Potential in Boise

Boise averages 5.0 to 5.4 peak sun hours per day. A 7 kW system produces about 9,800 to 11,500 kWh per year. Boise's dry climate means minimal soiling losses and consistent production. Winter snowfall (about 20 inches per year) is moderate.

Local Solar Incentives & Rebates in Boise

Boise solar incentives:

Idaho Power: • On-Site Generation tariff (Schedule 6 or similar). Export credits are at avoided cost, not retail rate • Idaho Power rates approximately $0.09 to $0.12 per kWh • The utility has been gradually reducing solar export compensation

Idaho state: • Property tax exemption: Idaho law exempts renewable energy systems from property assessment (Idaho Code 63-3022B related provisions) • No state solar income tax credit (Idaho's credit expired) • Sales tax: Idaho charges 6% sales tax on solar equipment. No exemption • No state solar rebate

Federal: 30% ITC expired December 2025.

Solar Installation Tips for Boise Homeowners

Boise installation notes: Permits go through the City of Boise Planning and Development Services. Idaho Power's interconnection process typically takes 3 to 6 weeks. Focus on sizing your system to match your consumption rather than oversizing, because export credits are low.

Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Boise

Is solar worth it in Boise with low electricity rates?

The payback is long at 14 to 20 years because Idaho Power rates are among the lowest in the country. Solar works best in Boise if you can self consume most of your generation (minimizing low value exports) and if you have high summer AC usage that directly offsets expensive mid-day power.

How much does solar cost in Boise?

Expect $2.50 to $2.85 per watt. A 7 kW system runs about $17,500 to $19,950 plus Idaho's 6% sales tax. No state tax credit. The federal ITC expired December 2025.

Does Idaho Power have net metering?

Idaho Power has moved away from traditional net metering to an On-Site Generation tariff. Export credits are at avoided cost, not retail rate. This means excess solar sent to the grid earns less than what you pay for grid power. Size your system to match your usage, not to overproduce.

Reviewed by the Net-Zero USA editorial team

Last reviewed: April 1, 2026

Sources: Idaho Power tariff schedules, Idaho Code 63-3022B, City of Boise PDS, NREL PVWatts, EIA