5 Reasons to Shift to Solar Power in Idaho
By: Eric Huesca, SEO Content Writer
February 3, 2023
Solar energy is obtained from the sun; it’s widely available and can be used to generate electrical and thermal energy. We live in a world where spending a day
without electricity seems impossible, as all appliances and gadgets need power. Most of this electricity is obtained through fossil fuels which are toxic to
the environment and costly. Looking at these, most homeowners are turning towards solar energy.
According to CBS News, over 4% of homes in the US use solar energy by installing solar panels.
Beautiful view of Boise Idaho.
This number is quickly increasing because solar energy is renewable, environment-friendly, and adds value to your property. Moreover, having solar power in Idaho allows you to enjoy many rebates and incentives. So, if you want to know more about the reasons for going solar in Idaho, we gotyou covered. Let’s delve into exciting details!
Idaho Sunlight
Idaho is one of those states of the US that get plenty of sunlight every year. On average, people living in Boise, Idaho experience over 200 days of sunlight. These days combine both sunny and partly sunny days, as a solar panel works
perfectly in both conditions.
The duration of sunlight varies and can be between 5.5 hours to 9 hours. This vast availability of the sun makes the dream of having solar power in Idaho possible for many people. Especially those who live far away from the power grid and don’t have access to electricity go towards solar energy.
Incentives
Although Idaho lacks proper Renewable Portfolio Standards and rebates, there are plenty of privileges you can still enjoy with a solar panel. It may sound surprising, but solar power in Idaho means you are entitled to a few state
incentives and rebates. The state gives you the freedom to deduct the price of your solar system from your taxable income in the first four years. Here are the incentives that you should remember while going towards solar power in Idaho:
• When you apply for your subsequent tax declaration, you will have access to the 30% of the federal tax credit. This amount will be equivalent to the cost of solar panels, installation, and other technical products.
• If you have a home insurance policy, it’ll cover at least 25% of your total solar system cost.
Net Metering
Additionally, another one from the Idaho solar incentives is that you will get credit for every kilowatt of energy that you send to the grid. The transmitted energy is the overproduced power by your solar panel and is known as net
metering. This is a crucial incentive to remember for the residential solar Idaho industry.
There is no specific net metering policy in Idaho yet, so this credit will be given to you by the three primary power companies. Although this credit is visible and used next month, you can still save the full retail price of that energy
Idaho Tax Credit Incentive
You can easily deduct your solar system cost from the incentives and tax credits given by the Idaho government. Here is the method by which the state of Idaho gives you a chance to recover your solar system cost:
• 40% deduction in the first year of solar system or PV system ownership.
• 20% deduction in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year each until the total cost is recovered.
Save on Cost and Invest in Savings
Many people don’t invest in solar panels as they require an upfront investment which may seem like a lot. However, they don’t look at the long-term advantage of having solar panel installation in Idaho. On average, an Idahoan spends
around $115 every month on energy bills. This roughly makes around $1380 per year, and as the standard utility costs are expected to increase by 4% every year, the overall spending will also increase. But this isn’t the case with solar energy because its price remains consistent throughout. You can install a solar panel in Idaho and get your money returned in the first few years because your energy bills reduce to almost zero. For upcoming years, you can invest the saved money in something else and get full energy independence. Here are a few other things that Idahoan can enjoy with solar installation:
• Credit from utility companies for giving a part of the solar-generated energy to the power grid.
• Solar solution providers offer financing options to help you manage the upfront cost easily.
Solar is a Growing Business in Idaho
Being the second fastest growing state in the US with a population of over 1.9 million, Idaho’s solar energy demand increases. It’s mainly because the utility companies’ energy price is quickly rising, and it’s unavailable in areas away
from power grids. In contrast, solar energy is available everywhere, especially in Idaho, where the sun is available for around 210 days annually; a solar panel can make a significant difference.
Moreover, with a solar panel, the overall energy bills reduce, which is economic relief for both people and the government. Due to this, the state of Idaho encourages people to install solar panels on their rooftops. Idaho Power has made over 20 contracts to start solar energy production with a capacity of 319 MV. These contracts make people more energy independent and create better job opportunities in the solar sector. More jobs definitely mean Idaho’s
economy will grow.
Cleaner Idaho State
Solar power in Idaho means you are taking a step towards making your state cleaner and greener. As we all know, the traditional energy provided to us is obtained from fossil fuels, which negatively impacts the environment. The air quality deteriorates, causing severe breathing disorders, while the harmful gases deplete the ozone layer.
However, with solar panels, users can rest assured that solar energy brings a handful of benefits. The environment becomes clean and free from toxic emissions. Not only this but installing a PV system can also free the state from
dependency on fossil fuels
Environmental Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar power in Idaho brings you a handful of benefits, so let’s look at a few of them:
Decreases Greenhouse Gases Emission
The energy generated through fossil fuels leaves a severe impact on the environment as it releases greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide. By switching to solar energy, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint.
In addition, you will not contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases that trap heat, increasing temperature. Even a single home with solar power in Idaho can greatly impact the environment.
Make Air Quality Better
One of the biggest contributions of solar power in Idaho is that it releases very few air pollutants. Going solar means there will be fewer sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxide, and other harmful substances in the air. Therefore, fewer people will
suffer from bronchitis, cardiovascular, respiratory, and other issues.
How Much Solar Panels Cost in Idaho?
The solar panel costs vary from seller to seller, but the difference isn’t much. As of January 2023, the average price of a solar panel in Idaho is around $2 .39/W
The average solar panel system size for a home is 5 kilowatts, ranging from $12452 to $16848. This may seem a lot, but the incentives are given by the state of Idaho to promote solar installation and make it less.
For instance, if you’ve recently bought a solar panel for $12452, the 30% federal tax credit and other incentives will reduce the overall cost by thousands of dollars. Along with that, you will also save a lot of money on your energy bills to invest in other areas.
Are Solar Panels Worth in Idaho?
The answer to this particular question may vary depending on the location, weather conditions, and other factors. However, most times, people say that solar power in Idaho totally makes sense and is worth it. The price of solar
panels has reduced by around 80% in the last decade, making them quite affordable. In addition, the state of Idaho offers you other incentives like the 30% federal tax credit subsidy and net metering law.
The solar panel supplying companies also support the buyer by providing them with some upfront payment. Hence, the purchasing and cost recovery procedure for solar power in Idaho becomes quick. You can expect to gain your money back within 5 to 10 years, and after that, the solar panel will help you save around $10000 to $30000 on average.
Conclusion
Solar energy is great for producing electrical energy due to its abundance, and there are multiple reasons to have solar power in Idaho. The state of Idaho gets a lot of sunlight which makes it a perfect place for homeowners to use solar panel installation. The state gives multiple incentives to those who go for solar energy and install solar panels.
A few of those include the net metering policy and the 30% federal investment tax credit. Moreover, going solar energy in Idaho helps you make it cleaner and reduce your overall carbon footprint. They are great value for your money and serve you in the long run!
If you’re planning to shift to solar power in Idaho, Solgen Power
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Solgen Power is a solar energy contractor that sells and installs solar for homeowners. Solgen Power has been recognized by INC. 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation. Solgen Power has grown nationwide and continues to provide excellent customer service to homeowners.
