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Best Solar Companies in Idaho

We compared 75 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(159)
    • Complete Solaria
      1.2(195)
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    Written by Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Idaho

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Blue Raven Solar logo
    ShopSolar logo
    Complete Solaria logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      A typical solar panel installation in Idaho costs between $9,415 and $26,900, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for. That’s a lot of money. Let’s make sure that your installation is reliable, efficient and suitable for Idaho’s climate.

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

      Our editor’s top solar company picks

      1. Our top pick overall: Blue Raven Solar
      2. Our pick for easy process: Complete Solaria
      3. Our pick for DIY projects: ShopSolar
      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,590,016 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies reviewed

      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      Blue Raven Solar
      Blue Raven Solar
      4.7
      263 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2014
      Learn More Read Reviews

      Blue Raven Solar stands out for its great reviews, reliable equipment and two locations in Idaho. We also like that it offers a simple, affordable way to go solar with zero-down financing and predictable payments.

      • “It was a good experience. The workers were very courteous, neat and thorough. They explained what I needed to know so I could understand. And left everything as clean as they found it. I would definitely recommend them to others. They were also very prompt and was able to get to the job sooner than expected.” — Gloria in Rigby, Idaho
      • “The Eastern Idaho installation crew for the Blue Raven Solar Company was fantastic. Very efficient and friendly. They answered any questions I had and great at explaining what was done and educating me on what I should do. I would recommend this group to everyone thinking about solar. I have dealt with a few other solar offerings but have been very impressed and happy with the whole team from the Blue Raven company.” — Jack in Idaho Falls, Idaho
      • “All four guys from the East Idaho crew were awesome! The panels and supplies for my installation arrived promptly at 7 AM. That is exactly what time Blue Raven told me they would be here. … The entire team that was here at my home, took very good care to make sure that they picked up after themselves. They completed the job in a timely manner. It is absolutely apparent that Blue Raven takes time in their hiring process when it comes to their installation crew. Long story short, I am extremely happy with the way things went this morning.” — Robert in Pocatello, Idaho
      • “From beginning to end, they were super friendly, easy to work with, and worked efficiently throughout the process to get our panels up and going way sooner than we thought we’d get them! All of the guys on the crew were super respectful and easy going, but they knew how to get things DONE! Easily one of the best crews I’ve ever done business with.” — Cody in Meridian, Idaho

      Blue Raven gets overall positive feedback. Only a few customers have told us about technical service issues after their installations were complete.

      Blue Raven Solar specializes in residential solar panel installations. Reps use proprietary software to design custom systems that maximize annual energy output. Installers employ low-profile panel mounting and sleek cabling for visual appeal. The company has locations in Idaho Falls and Boise.

      Blue Raven Solar services

      • Consulting and design
      • Energy storage systems
      • Financing solutions
      • System monitoring

      Blue Raven Solar has a standard 25-year warranty. Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer. It offers the FranklinWH aPower Battery (12-year warranty), SunPower SunVault (10-year warranty), Enphase IQ Battery 5P (15-year warranty) and Tesla Powerwall 2 (10-year warranty).

      • Cash: You can pay Blue Raven upfront, giving you immediate solar panel system ownership.
      • BluePower: This plan lets you go solar without a significant upfront cost. After installation, you make fixed, low monthly payments. There’s no prepayment penalty, and the plan is transferable to a new homeowner if you ever sell your house.
      • BluePower Plus+: This unique financing option combines aspects of a solar lease with system ownership. Eligible customers pay $0 upfront, get 18 months of free solar power and then make fixed monthly payments. You own the system and are responsible for maintenance.

      Pros

      • Quality solar equipment
      • Zero-down financing
      • Production guarantee
      • Energy storage solutions
      • Locations in Idaho Falls and Boise

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some complaints about miscommunication
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation
      Easy process
      Complete Solaria
      Complete Solaria
      1.2
      195 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20.5%
      Workmanship warranty
      25 years
      Year founded
      2022
      Read Reviews

      Complete Solaria is a leader in shingled solar panel design technology. Its panels are known for high power output and efficiency, making them great for either residential or commercial projects in Idaho. Instead of using the usual metal steps, installers cut and connect the solar cells so they overlap like roof shingles. This allows for improved performance and increased energy production.

      Most customers seem happy with their decision to go with Complete Solaria, but we’ve heard some complaints about subcontracted installers and delays in installation.

      Complete Solaria was formed when Complete Solar and Solaria — two companies in the solar industry for a long time — merged in 2022. Its panels are known for high power output and efficiency, making them great for either residential or commercial projects.

      Complete Solaria offers comprehensive warranties covering power, parts and labor for up to 30 years. The PowerXT 300 and PowerX Advantage series are covered for 25 years; the PowerXT 400 Series panels have a “bumper-to-bumper” linear power, labor and workmanship warranty that lasts 30 years.

      • Cash: You can pay upfront, which gives you immediate ownership and potentially better long-term savings on electricity costs.
      • Loan: Financing partners include Dividend, Sunnova, Mosaic, Sungage Financial and Sunlight Financial.

      Pros

      • Proprietary software platform
      • Quick online quotes
      • Fast installations

      Cons

      • No in-house financing
      • Some installation delays
      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      ShopSolar
      ShopSolar
      4.7
      159 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      Read Reviews

      ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. It’s great if you need solar equipment for homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      • “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. … It was super easy to get started with them. Even had some problems with one of my units that they handled incredibly well. From start to finish, they were amazing. One of the solar generators went down within minutes of plugging it in. It was in the middle of nowhere in the mountains in Idaho. I was able to take a couple of quick pictures with my cellphone and drive out a few miles to where I had service. And that was enough for them to figure out what was wrong, how to fix the problem, which had to replace the unit. They were really fast about all of it. … You always get a real person on the phone when you talk to them. And what they say you're going to get is what you get. I'd recommend them to anybody.” — Todd in Boise, Idaho

      ShopSolar gets overall positive feedback from most customers. But not from Treasa in Mullan, Idaho. Here is how she really feels about the company:

      “I hate it, ShopSolarKits. It doesn't work in the snow and there are eight months of snow up here,” she said. “It doesn't run my electric heater for eight hours, but it is charged up. It's a waste of my money. I'm very disappointed. I'm gonna sell it, and I'm never doing solar again.”

      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.

      The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services. It’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar stocks brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. It also sells custom solar kits. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by individual manufacturers’ warranties. Reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer if you run into a warranty issue.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. There are also financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Annual percentage rates (APRs) from 0% to 36%.

      Pros

      • Complete solar packages
      • Free shipping
      • Lifetime customer support
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      Idaho solar panel buyers guide

      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 look out for.

      Key insights

      Residential solar panel installations cost anywhere from $9,415 to $26,900 in Idaho. The size of your solar panel system is the biggest factor in total costs.

      Jump to insight

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant way to lower the cost of installing solar panels. Idaho also has local financial incentives to make going solar more affordable.

      Jump to insight

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

      Jump to insight

      Going solar in Idaho

      Licensed electrical contractors can make solar installations without securing an additional license. This means that if an individual is a licensed electrical contractor in the State of Idaho, they do not need to obtain a Solar Photovoltaic Limited Electrical Contractor license.

      How to choose a solar company in Idaho

      Idaho’s attorney general has issued 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.

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: experience, licensing and certifications, detailed project quotes and solar warranties. Search for and confirm a contractor’s license through Idaho’s Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. We also suggest hiring NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously. Here are a few other things to look for.

      • Long time in business: Choose a company with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Idaho. Local knowledge is valuable in navigating state-specific regulations and incentives.
      • Good local reviews: Research the company's track record and reputation. Look for positive customer reviews, ratings and testimonials.
      • Free consultations: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Transparent terms: Carefully review all the fine print before signing a contract with any solar company. If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask. Good communication is essential before, during and after the installation process.
      • Ongoing support: Quality solar panels last at least 25 years, so you want a company that’s going to be around just as long. In a booming solar industry, some newer, less reputable solar companies might not exist next year.

      How much does it cost to go solar in Idaho?

      Average solar panel costs in Idaho typically range between $9,415 and $26,900.

      That price range doesn’t include a solar storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels: $7,000 to $18,000. 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 $2.69.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Idaho

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      There are a few ways to pay for a residential solar energy system in Idaho. You could pay cash upfront, but many people finance through a solar loan.

      Using a home equity line of credit or loan to finance a solar installation can be another option — home equity interest rates are relatively low, and homeowners can still take advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit.

      Leasing solar equipment can minimize your initial cost. But you won’t be eligible for the federal solar ITC because you won’t own the system.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Idaho

      Idaho has solar tax breaks, rebates and low-interest loan programs that you may be eligible for. But the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the most significant factor in reducing the cost of going solar in Idaho.

      If you install a residential solar panel system by the end of 2032, you will receive a federal income tax credit equal to 30% of your solar system’s cost. For example, an average system in Idaho costs around $26,000. With a system of that price, you can get a $7,800 credit when you file your taxes.

      » EXPLORE: Idaho solar incentives

      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. One resident, Rae in Boise City, Idaho, looked into solar after considering the installation costs versus the difference it would make in electricity costs. Enrollment was easy, and “so far, we're well satisfied with our decision to go solar,” Rae told us.

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

      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 $71,010 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      However, we’ve also heard about problems with leaks and roof damage caused by the installation of solar panels, leading to frustration and difficulties in getting repairs. 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.

      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.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      Can I get free solar panels in Idaho?

      We’re not aware of a totally free solar option in Idaho, and scams that promise free solar panels can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      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 their 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.

      How does net metering work in Idaho?

      Net metering is the process of sending excess energy your system produces back to the local power grid for compensation. 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).

      » MORE: What are grid-tied solar systems?

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components.

      Ultimately, deciding between a broker or solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process. A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, working directly with a solar installer is best.

      How does solar energy work?

      Solar energy utilizes photovoltaic cell technology to convert sunlight into electricity. Typical solar installations in Idaho are grid-connected systems. Solar panels power homes and businesses during the day, and they can access supplemental power from the grid as needed. Systems contain solar panels, mounting equipment, wiring, one or more inverters and sometimes batteries.

      Methodology

      The Consumer Affairs Research Team uses a research-backed, data-driven approach informed by our expert editors to choose the best solar companies in your state. 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. We gave preference to those with the most 4- and 5-star reviews by verified Idaho customers.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important—it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. 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: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Reputation and local experience: 10%
      We prefer to recommend those with a longer business history and a solid track record of reliability in Idaho. Solar is a booming industry, and some sketchy installers are out there. Company history, current reputation, mission and values were also considered.

      Bottom line: Our goal is to highlight solar companies best equipped to meet most Idahoans’s needs. We regularly evaluate customer reviews, company information and industry trends to update our top picks:

      1. Blue Raven Solar: Best overall
      2. ShopSolar: DIY projects

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      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 article include:

      1. DSIRE, "Idaho Programs.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
      2. EnergySage, "“The cost of solar panels in Idaho.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
      3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Idaho Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
      4. SolarReviews, "How much do solar panels cost in Idaho, 2024?" Accessed March 29, 2024.
      5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council, “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
      6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.
      7. Elkhorn Media Group, “Idaho Power Warns against Solar Scams and Misrepresentations.” Accessed July 23, 2024.

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