Best Solar Companies in Idaho

Blue Raven Solar is Idaho's top solar energy company overall

    • Blue Raven Solar
      3.5(277)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(218)
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Idaho

    Based on local customer satisfaction ratings, Blue Raven Solar is the best professional solar panel installer in Idaho. ShopSolar is our pick for do-it-yourself projects.

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    Our picks for the best solar companies in Idaho

    1. Best for professional installation: Blue Raven Solar
    2. Best for DIY: ShopSolar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    Compare Idaho’s top solar energy companies

    Our Idaho solar company picks

    Blue Raven Solar has strong customer reviews, reliable equipment and broad availability across Idaho. ShopSolar is an online retailer, not a local service provider, that sells a range of solar equipment.

    Our pick for professional installation

    Blue Raven Solar

    Blue Raven Solar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Year founded
    2014
    Pros
    • Efficient installation process
    • Zero-down financing
    • Production guarantee
    • Good monitoring app
    Cons
    • Occasional installation delays
    • Some complaints about miscommunication

    Blue Raven Solar stands out for its great reviews, reliable equipment and two locations in Idaho. We like that it has flexible financing options that let you get started with no money down.

    We also like that the company takes a tech-driven approach. Installers use top-tier panels and microinverters designed to maximize energy production. The result is a sleek, low-profile system built to withstand Idaho’s sometimes harsh weather.

    Blue Raven Solar gets positive feedback from most customers in Idaho. However, we have heard some complaints about installation issues, including delays in turning on the system, from reviewers.

    • Services: Blue Raven handles the entire installation process, from obtaining permits to connecting your system to the grid. Monitoring to track your system's performance and maintenance or repair services are available as needed.
    • Equipment: Panels are sourced from brands like SEG Solar, Qcells, REC, Jinko Solar and Silfab Solar. For storage batteries, there are lithium-ion phosphate (LFP) batteries from Enphase, FranklinWH and Tesla.
    • Warranties: All systems have a 25-year panel warranty and a two-year production guarantee. Battery warranties vary between 10 and 15 years. Workmanship is guaranteed for 10 years.
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Installation Experience
    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018
    Pros
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support
    Cons
    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

    ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. You can find everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup for homes, RVs and outbuildings.

    You can pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. Financing is available at rates from 0% to 36% APR.

    ShopSolar gets overall positive feedback from most customers. But not from Treasa in Mullan. “It doesn't work in the snow and there are eight months of snow up here,” she told us.

    Unfortunately, we don’t know what equipment Teresa ordered or what she was trying to accomplish. Her experience appears to be an outlier; other reviewers say that ShopSolar reps are incredibly helpful.

    I like the Delta Pro Kit that Shop Solar has. They have quite a few informative videos on it and they seem to have the best prices I could find too. They have instructions and available tech services if I need them. But the specific units I ordered, I got them because I could just plug the sol...

    Todd Boise, ID
    • Equipment: You can find new and used solar panels, energy storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks. Equipment comes from quality brands like REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow.
    • Warranties: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties.

    Solar Companies in Idaho Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Blue Raven Solar logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      Our team has talked to more than 100,000 verified solar customers, including several in Idaho. With the right solar partner, you’ll be on your way to reaping the many short- and long-term rewards of switching to solar energy. Here’s what to expect and what to watch for.

      Key insights

      Residential solar panel installations cost anywhere from $8,790 to $25,114 in Idaho. The size of your solar panel system is the biggest factor in total costs.

      Jump to insight

      Solar panels are a long-term investment — most systems last 25 years or more. That means choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment.

      Jump to insight

      There are a few ways to pay for a residential solar energy system in Idaho.

      Jump to insight

      How to choose a solar company in Idaho

      Based on our research, the best solar energy companies share a few traits: strong customer reviews, high-quality equipment and reliable warranties. Here are the key steps to finding the right fit.

      1. Read reviews

      Look at reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs, Better Business Bureau and solar-specific forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:

      • Equipment failures that aren’t resolved quickly
      • Misleading sales tactics about costs or savings
      • Billing and contract issues

      Local experience matters, too. Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Idaho. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

      2. Check credentials

      Confirm a contractor’s license through Idaho’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Your installer should also have:

      • Insurance coverage to protect your home during installation
      • NABCEP certification (the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a respected national credential for solar installers)

      3. Compare quotes

      Get at least three solar quotes to compare prices, equipment, warranties and services. Be cautious of unusually low bids — they may signal poor-quality panels, hidden fees or weak warranty coverage.

      Also, ask whether they offer extras you might want, like battery storage, an EV charger or critter guards to protect your panels.

      Idaho’s attorney general has issued additional tips for homeowners going solar: Beware of misleading claims about partnerships with the state or electric providers, guaranteed rebates, zero future power bills, energy shortages and power during outages without a battery.

      Read the fine print

      The contract should be easy to understand. If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification.

      » MORE:Best solar companies in Boise

      How much does it cost to go solar in Idaho?

      Average solar panel costs in Idaho typically range between $8,790 and $25,114.

      That price range doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery, which is sometimes as expensive as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence, especially if you want to go off-grid.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Idaho, the average cost per watt is $2.51.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Idaho

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is like buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 14.27 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Alternatively, leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Idaho

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

      On the bright side, you might be eligible for additional solar incentives in Idaho, such as state tax breaks, rebates and low-interest loan programs.

      Net metering is another potential incentive. It lets you send excess energy your system produces to the local power grid in exchange for credits on future energy bills. There’s no statewide net metering policy in Idaho, but Avista Utilities, Idaho Power, Rocky Mountain Power and Idaho Falls Power offer net metering for residential customers with systems up to 25 kilowatts (kW).

      FAQ

      Are solar panels worth it in Idaho?

      Based on feedback from several solar customers in the Gem State, it seems like solar panels are worth it in Idaho.

      With electricity costs continuing to rise, more Idaho homeowners find solar power is financially worth it in the long run. On average, Idahoans with solar panels can avoid $36,949 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      What solar scams are common in Idaho?

      Some scammers in Idaho falsely claim to be associated with Idaho Power or mislead people about solar energy systems. They often exaggerate payback periods, give wrong tax credit information and promise unrealistic savings on electricity bills. To protect yourself, Idaho Power recommends doing thorough research before investing in solar energy.

      Do I need any permits before going solar in Idaho?

      Installing solar panels in Idaho requires several permits, including electrical, building and zoning approvals. You may also need permission from your homeowners association. Specific requirements can vary based on location and project details, so it's best to check with local authorities. These rules ensure solar installations are safe and comply with state and local regulations.

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Idaho averages 4 to 4.5 peak sun hours each day. However, if you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity.

      We suggest using NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      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. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Idaho

      We started with a list of popular solar companies and narrowed it down to those serving Idaho. We then ranked them based on the factors that matter most to homeowners:

      Local customer satisfaction (65%)
      We analyzed reviews from verified customers in Idaho. Companies with the most recent positive ratings were scored higher.

      Price satisfaction (7%)
      We evaluated customer feedback on overall cost and value.

      Installation satisfaction (7%)
      We looked at reviews of the installation process, including professionalism, timeliness and overall quality of the work.

      Customer service satisfaction (7%)
      We evaluated feedback on how responsive and helpful each company is before, during and after installation.

      Payment options (7%)
      We considered companies that make paying for solar easier by offering multiple financing and payment options.

      Warranties and guarantees (7%)
      A long warranty shows confidence in a company’s work. We compared both equipment and workmanship warranties. Our top picks provide 10 to 25 years of coverage.

      Guide sources

      ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:

      1. DSIRE, "Idaho Programs.” Accessed Oct. 14, 2025.
      2. Interstate Renewable Energy Council, “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed Oct. 14, 2025.
      3. Elkhorn Media Group, “Idaho Power Warns against Solar Scams and Misrepresentations.” Accessed Oct. 14, 2025.
      4. Solar Energy Industries Association, “Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Energy.” Accessed Oct. 14, 2025.

      Not sure how to choose?

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