Best Solar Companies in Boise, ID

How we chose the best solar companies in Boise

We took a data-driven approach, informed by expert editors and considering the semiarid climate, to choose the best solar companies in Boise, Idaho, based on the following key features and respective weightings:

• Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
• Warranty terms: 20%
• Equipment selection: 20%
• Financing and payment options: 20%

» MORE: Full methodology

We’ve talked to several Idahoans who have already gone through the solar panel installation process. Here’s what Boiseans should look for when choosing a solar panel installation company. We’ll also touch on overall costs and ways to save with government incentives.

Solar panel costs in Boise

A typical solar panel installation costs anywhere from $9,415 to $26,900 in Idaho. Prices in Boise are comparable, ranging from $8,260 to $23,600.

This doesn’t include an energy storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. A battery lets you store excess energy generated during the day and use it when your panels aren’t producing, like at night or during outages. It’s worth considering if your area gets frequent blackouts or if you don’t opt into Boise’s net metering program. System size is the other major solar cost factor.

Average total solar installation costs by system size in Boise

How can I pay for solar panels?

Getting solar panels is like buying a car. Most people pay cash, finance or lease. Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you get the benefits of solar without actually owning the equipment.

• Solar loans work like any other type of loan. They have relatively low fixed interest rates. Once you pay it off, you own your system outright. You might also be eligible for Low-Interest Energy Loan Programs through the Idaho Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources (OEMR).
• Solar leases are a good option if you have limited savings and don’t want to take on debt. A potential downside to leasing is that you won’t be eligible for the federal solar tax credit.
• Power purchase agreements let a third party install and maintain solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the panels on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s usually a fixed price, with a cheaper cents/kWh rate than traditional utilities have for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Buy vs. lease

Is solar worth it in Boise?

Solar panels are generally worth it in Idaho if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills. On average, Boise homeowners with solar panels can avoid $71,010 in total utility costs over 25 years.

The main drawback is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Considering Idaho averages 4 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day, switching to solar is also worth considering for the environmental benefits. We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house. Project Sunroof is a reliable online solar savings estimator.

Potential roof problems

As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels again. This is an expensive and frustrating process.

» SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

How to find a reputable solar company in Boise

In our experience, the best solar companies in Idaho have a few things in common: lots of experience, reliable equipment and transparent contracts. Here are some hiring tips.

• Check certifications: We recommend choosing an installer certified through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).
• Read reviews: Avoid companies with recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication.
• Compare costs: Get multiple solar quotes from different companies to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
• Ask questions: Do you need a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guards? How does this affect overall pricing? What if your system needs maintenance? If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask for clarification.

Going solar in Ada County

Boise’s cold winters mean solar panels with high efficiency in lower temperatures may be optimal.

» BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Idaho ranked 43rd in 2024

Residential solar panel incentives in Boise

Idaho has a unique state tax deduction for renewable energy systems worth up to $20,000 total over four years.

The 30% federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is another great incentive for most Boise homeowners. It reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of how much it costs to install solar panels. (Don’t get confused: The ITC is a credit, meaning it directly decreases the amount of taxes you owe. This is different from a deduction, which lowers your taxable income.)

The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $5,000 in taxes, the $3,000 credit reduces what you owe to $2,000. Any unused portion rolls over to the next tax year. However, it’s possible to get a refund check if the ITC credit reduces your taxes to the point where you overpaid during the year.

» MORE: Idaho solar incentives

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team used a research-backed, data-driven approach, which was informed by our expert editors, to choose the best solar companies. We prefer to recommend those with a longer time in business and a solid track record of reliability in Boise, Idaho. For this guide, we objectively weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect. Those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Boise customers were given preference. 

Warranties: 20%

A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

Equipment selection: 20%

We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

Financing and payment options: 20%

We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

ConsumerAffairs Research Team regularly evaluates customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

1. Blue Raven Solar
2. ShopSolar