Solar in Idaho
What a typical 8 kW rooftop system generates and saves in Idaho, from NREL sun data and the local power rate. A planning estimate, not a quote.
Based on 1450 kWh per kW per year of sun in Idaho, a 13¢ per kWh rate, and $3.00 per watt installed.
In Idaho, the payback is on the long side. Idaho has good southern sun but one of the lowest rates, so generation is strong while the dollar payback is long without incentives.
Want to try a different system size? The full estimator lets you change the kilowatts and switch states. Remember this uses a state average; your roof, your exact rate, net metering, and any incentives will shift the numbers, so get two or three local quotes.
Idaho solar questions
Is solar worth it in Idaho?
Idaho has good southern sun but one of the lowest rates, so generation is strong while the dollar payback is long without incentives. A typical 8 kW system in Idaho generates about 11,600 kWh a year and saves roughly $1,508, paying back in about 15.9 years against an install cost near $24,000.
How much do solar panels cost in Idaho?
At about $3.00 per watt installed (2.50 to 3.50 is the typical US range), a 8 kW system runs around $24,000 before the 30 percent federal tax credit or any state and utility programs.
How much sun does Idaho get for solar?
NREL PVWatts puts Idaho's photovoltaic output near 1450 kWh per kW of panels per year (Boise). That is the figure behind the generation estimate; your roof's tilt and shading move it up or down.
Sources
Sun from NREL PVWatts, rate from the US Energy Information Administration, cost from 2026 US cost benchmarks. Last reviewed 2026-06-30. This is a planning estimate, not a quote. It uses a state-level representative figure for sun and electricity price; your roof, shading, tilt, exact utility rate, net-metering rules, financing, and incentives will change the result. The payback shown is before incentives; the 30 percent federal solar tax credit and any state or utility programs shorten it. Run PVWatts for your address and get two or three local quotes before deciding. Figures last reviewed on the verified date.
Other states: Hawaii, California, Maryland, Rhode Island. Or see the full estimator.