Idaho Solar Guide 2026
Everything Idaho homeowners need to know: costs, incentives, net metering policy, and what makes this state unique for solar.
Key fact about Idaho solar
Idaho has very low electricity rates due to hydropower, making solar payback long. Southern Idaho (Boise, Twin Falls) has strong sun hours; northern Idaho is cloudier. EV charging is a strong solar justification here.
Peak sun hours
4.9
hrs/day avg
Avg electricity rate
10.0¢
per kWh
Median install cost
$2.85/W
before incentives
Typical payback
15 yrs
8 kW system, avg usage
Typical 8 kW system in Idaho
Annual production
14,308 kWh
Year-1 savings
$1,431
System cost (est.)
$22,800
No federal tax credit — Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
Idaho Net Metering Policy
Full retail net metering (Idaho Power, Avista)
Idaho utilities offer full retail net metering. Idaho Power and Avista credit exports at retail under Idaho PUC rules. Annual settlement with unused credits at avoided cost. Very clean hydro grid reduces carbon benefit of solar.
Idaho Solar Incentives
Available in addition to any utility rebates. Federal 25D credit is $0 for homeowner-owned systems from 2026.
- ✓Property tax exemption on added home value
- ✓No state income tax credit for solar
Top Utilities in Idaho
Interconnection timeline: 3–7 weeks
Calculate your Idaho solar economics
Our calculators are pre-filled with Idaho data. Run any tool below.