Residential Solar

Residential Solar for Your Home

Explore residential solar for your home, including system fit, utility billing, project costs, and Idaho incentives.

Why Go Solar at Home?

Whether solar makes financial sense depends on your home's energy use, roof and shading, project price, any available financing, and utility billing terms. Ask for a project-specific estimate and confirm which incentives may apply with a tax professional.

Ask for a project-specific scope identifying the equipment, installer, approvals, utility coordination, warranty terms, and any ongoing support included, along with the party responsible for each item.

Benefits of Home Solar

Bill Impact

Solar may offset grid purchases; results depend on system production and utility billing

Utility Billing

Rates and export-credit rules affect the value of grid electricity

Idaho Deduction

A state deduction may apply; eligibility depends on current law and your tax situation

Home Value

The effect of owned solar on resale depends on the property and buyer

Battery Backup

Battery storage may provide backup power; equipment, capacity, and circuit coverage vary

Environmental Impact

Environmental effects depend on system production and the electricity it displaces

Items to Confirm for a Solar Project

  • Site Review: Confirm whether a site assessment is included
  • System Design: Identify who prepares the design and what it covers
  • Project Estimate: Review costs and assumptions behind projected bill impacts
  • Permits & Utility Requirements: Confirm which approvals apply and who handles them
  • Installation: Confirm the installer, proposed schedule, and site requirements
  • System Activation: Confirm who coordinates utility permission to operate
  • Ongoing Support: Review any monitoring or service included in the written scope

Going Solar with a New Roof

If your roof may need replacement, compare the timing and itemized costs of doing both projects together with installing solar later. Bundling may avoid future panel removal and reinstallation, but the right choice depends on your property and quotes.

Learn About Bundling

Solar Incentives

See what still applies in Idaho for 2026.

Learn More

Residential Solar FAQ

How much can I save with residential solar?

The bill impact depends on your electricity use, system production, project cost, financing, and utility rates. For Idaho Power customers, exported electricity is credited under the applicable net-billing tariff, and the export-credit rate may differ from the retail rate. Ask for a project-specific estimate that shows its assumptions.

What happens on cloudy days or at night?

A standard grid-connected solar system draws electricity from the grid when your panels are not producing enough. Excess electricity may be exported for a bill credit under your utility’s tariff. Idaho Power uses net billing: exported energy is credited at the applicable export-credit rate, which may be different from the retail rate. Battery backup is a separate option.

Is my roof suitable for solar?

Solar fit depends on roof condition, direction, shading, structure, and system design. A site-specific assessment can identify constraints and estimate production.

How long do solar panels last?

Expected service life and performance warranties vary by panel model and manufacturer. Review the equipment specifications and warranty terms included with your proposed system.

What financing options are available?

Ask whether payment or financing options are currently available for your project. If financing is offered, compare the full project price, fees, interest, repayment terms, and expected utility-bill changes before deciding.

Considering Home Solar?

Request a project-specific assessment of system fit, project cost, utility billing, and applicable incentives.