Is Idaho good for solar energy? Yes! Idaho is a great state for solar energy and we want to let you know why. Many people are looking for an Idaho solar company
As one of the sunniest states in the US, Idaho offers an amazing four-season climate for solar power. The state’s solar power potential ranks ninth nationally and there are over 250 days of sunshine per year. That’s more than enough to produce nearly three times as much electricity as Idaho needs!
And, it’s not just sunny weather that makes sense to go solar in Idaho.
Another reason Idaho is so good for solar energy is its relatively high electricity rates. On average, Idaho can generate almost 11¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) from the sun. That’s nearly 8 times less expensive than coal or natural gas and well over 6 times cheaper than nuclear energy.
How solar energy works?
The sun reaches the earth every day and provides a lot of energy. Part of it heats houses and other buildings, part of it evaporates water from lakes and rivers, part of it makes wind blow, etc. A small part is converted by plants into food for humans, animals, etc., and another small part gets converted by solar panels into electricity.
Solar electricity generation works in the same way as other electrical power plants. Solar panels have solar cells that make electricity when they are exposed to sunlight.
Solar panels contain several solar cells. The solar cells are connected in series and the electricity they produce is sent down a cable to a power station where it can be used or sent back to the consumer.
Net Metering
For many, net metering is the biggest reason to move solar power to Idaho. This measure allows residential customers to install a solar energy system like a roof shingle, and then receive credit on their monthly electric bill for the electricity they produce in excess of what they use.
Idaho also offers one of the best net metering programs in the country for commercial customers as well. This program offers a credit of $0.10 per kWh and is based on the excess kWh that are produced. This means that a 500kW array could generate $50,000 in credits!
Idaho has the fifth highest average retail electricity prices in the country, at 10.72 cents per kWh in 2016. This compares to Idaho’s state renewable energy portfolio standard of 20% by 2030 and its 25% by 2025 goal for solar installed capacity.
Idaho solar rebates
Idaho rebates are also great. Idaho is one of the top states in the country for solar energy rebates and energy efficiency credits. The state offers a variety of incentives to help citizens save money by installing solar and energy efficient systems.
These include rebates for commercial and residential customers, low-income assistance, weatherization grants, and a new program where Idaho’s electric utility will pay customers to install solar on their homes. That means that the state will pay homeowners to install solar for up to 20% of the cost.
And, if you have a small array (1kW-10kW), Idaho offers a 1% Solar Photovoltaic Rebate on electric bills between July and December. And there’s no requirement to use all the money in one year, so you can take as long as you want to repay your loan.
You can save in your electric bill
Idaho is a great state for solar energy, especially if you’re looking to save on your electric bill! Not only does it have lots of sunshine to produce renewable power and some of the best solar rebates and incentives in the country, but it also has some of the lowest electricity rates in the US.
In fact, Idaho was recently named the third best state for energy efficiency in the US by ACEEE. And, it offered a top ranking for energy efficiency in both overall performance and cost-effectiveness.
These state rankings are all the more remarkable given that Idaho has a population the size of South Dakota.
Get financing is easy
Commercial and residential solar contractors in Idaho have a wide variety of financing options to help their customers get the solar energy system they need.
And, since the majority of commercial customers in Idaho get net metering from their utility, they have no need for an additional bill credit. Net metering is such a great program that it’s also part of the reason why many states have more than one program.
Most solar systems in Idaho are less than 10kW.
While most homeowners do not need or want to install a solar energy system that big, there is still plenty of demand for smaller solar power systems. And, the commercial market pays well for these smaller systems, which are often called “solar projects.”.
The benefits of going solar
Committing to the long-term value of solar energy is one of the most important reasons you should consider installing solar panels in Idaho. The long-term savings are well worth the upfront cost, and they’ll save you money over time.
Homes that use solar power also produce less air pollution, which will save you money on your utility bill.
And, going solar is a great way to lower your carbon footprint. Experts predict that solar power will produce as much energy in 13 years as the entire world used throughout human history.
Idaho has a higher than average wind speed
Idaho has great potential for wind power, especially because it has higher-than-average wind speeds: 15.7 mph for an average December and January day and 11.4 mph in an average June day (based on averages from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory).
The state has an excellent wind capacity rating of 6,633 MW-DC, which means it’s one of the best states in the country for wind power.
But Idaho also has an excellent solar power potential with an average of 5.4 kWh per square meter a day, which is almost double the national average. The state also has a higher than average amount of wind power capacity: 1,914 MW-DC in total.
How to go solar?
Before you can go solar in Idaho, you’ll need to find a solar installer. The good news is that the state has a variety of resources for you to find one, including utilities and non-profits.
Once you’ve found a local solar installer, make sure that your system works well. Get estimates from several installers and compare them before choosing one.
Make sure that the installer is licensed by the state government and also performs inspections on systems before they are hooked up to the grid.
Smart Energy USA is here to help
You can see how much can you save and get a free quote from Smart Energy USA. Our dedicated team of experts is qualified to help with any type of solar project and will help you every step of the way.
We have been providing comprehensive solar systems for customers in Idaho and we have never had a payment default on a solar contract. Our team has successfully completed over 2,100 projects, ranging from residential to utility-scale applications and everything in between.