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Going solar has never been easier in North Idaho
Net Metering
Utility companies in North Idaho offer net energy metering, which credits your utility bill for monthly net excess energy generation. (For example, Avista credits your account the exactly same rate they charge residential customers with no cap) This means that solar customers in North Idaho can get paid for the energy they produce! Going solar in North Idaho is a great choice for anyone looking to save money on energy.
Rate Increases
An example of local utility companies in North Idaho continuing to raise their rates is the latest for Avista customers.
Effective Sept. 2025: Residential electric customers in Idaho using an average of 939 kilowatt hours per month could expect to see a total billed increase of 14.7% or $15.36 for a revised monthly bill of $119.66 from $104.30.
Effective Sept. 2026: Residential electric customers in Idaho using an average of 939 kilowatt hours per month could expect to see a total billed increase of 5.3% or $6.36 for a revised monthly bill of $126.02 from $119.66. (Source: Avista)
This on top of the almost 30% cumulative rate increases in recent years.
With the price of solar coming down and local electric rates going up, for many, the numbers now make sense. Find out how much you can save by going solar.
Solar incentives for Idaho residents
- Idaho Residential Alternative Tax Deduction allows a deduction of 40% of the cost of your solar panel equipment and installation, and 20% of the cost each year for three years following installation. Max deduction is $5,000/year and $20,000 total.
- Low-interest Idaho state energy loans are offered to support solar installation: up to $15,000 can be borrowed for five years, at 4% interest.
- Idaho homeowners are eligible for the Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC allows you to deduct at least 30% of the cost of installing a solar energy system from your federal taxes.
- Idaho homeowners are eligible for the Domestic Content Bonus Credit (DCBC). The DCBC allows you deduct an additional 10% of the cost of installing a solar energy system where a certain percentage of the solar energy system is manufactured in the United States. Every component of our solar energy system is manufactured in the United States.
Depending on your utility company, you may be eligible for additional solar incentives and programs. (Our technician will let you know what incentives/ programs you are eligible for).
Homeowners Associations
Are you part of a homeowners association? Not to worry…. Idaho has great solar access laws. The law makes it illegal for a homeowners association to prohibit installation of solar on a homeowner’s roof.
Commercial Properties
There are just as many incentives available to commercial property owners. These incentives are tailored to business properties but aren’t as simplified as residential government incentives. That is where we come in. We help navigate you through the incentive acquisition process.
Our Solar Panels Perform In All Kinds Of Weather In Our Area
SUNNY WEATHER
The more sun you have access to, the longer your panels work during the day. Your panels work best at converting energy when sun rays shine directly at them. The more energy you produce, the more excess you will be able to send back to the grid. Take advantage of the excess through your local utility company’s net metering program.
Rainy Weather
As the rain pours down, your panels will continue to be hard at work. Solar panels will work with reflected or partially blocked sun rays to keep your home powered. Your production is linked to the amount of clouds. Rain will have some effect on your production, but the rays will still penetrate through the rain. It may actually help keep your panels working efficiently as they wash away any dust, dirt and ash during the fire season.
Cloudy Weather
In North Idaho, we get our share of cloudy days during the winter. It is a misconception that panels don’t work on cloudy days. The best way to know how much the clouds affect your system’s performance is to monitor your system on sunny days and compare. Your system may actually be more efficient without the excess heat. This is because solar systems prefer the cold! The sun’s rays are still able to penetrate through cloudy skies and keep your system running.
Snowy Weather
Amazingly enough, even when covered in snow a solar system can still produce power! Scattered light filters through snow and reaches solar panels even when the snow cover is fairly heavy. Your solar panels may actual be more efficient in light snow. Cold weather helps them perform better, and usually snow slides right off. Power production may be reduced with heavier snowfall, but your system will still produce.
Other great reasons to go solar in North Idaho
Save On Energy
Have you noticed that your utility bill has been steadily going up these past few years? An example is Avista. This utility company services many areas in the Eastern Washington. They have increased their rates approximately 30% in the last few years and have been approved for another 20% increase over the next 2 years. (see article of Avista’s latest increase request). Avista has a pilot program being rolled out the 2nd quarter of 2024, that would potentially increase rates almost 4 times more than your current rates at certain times.These are called “Time Of Use” rate schedules.
As you can see, utility companies are increasing their rates and will continue to do so. With it being a utility company you don’t have a choice of which utility company you get to use, but there are alternatives to offset your utility costs…..by going solar.
Have Predictable Payments
When “Time of Use” plans kick in, they can make your energy bills unpredictable. Not only does your utility provider charge you based on how much energy you use, but the rate varies depending on when you use it. The summer is a peak time due to warm weather. Avoid the guessing game every month by going solar. With a solar system you can reduce your dependence on electricity from the grid and you are in control of what your energy bill can be each month.
When you purchase your system you can lock in your monthly solar payment for the duration of your loan. (If applicable)
Invest In Your Home
Homes in North Idaho are quickly rising in value. The average home in Kootenai County is valued at $525,000 (Feb 2024), an over 40% increase from only a few years ago. Many homeowners reportedly go solar to invest in their home and keep up with the market. If you are looking to sell your home and say your neighbor has the exact same home for sale, the only difference between the two homes is your home has solar and your neighbor’s home does not, which home do you think will sell faster and maybe for more money? Probably the one that is producing its own electricity.
So Is Solar A Good Fit?
You may have met our solar assessor that stopped by your home in an area that we service. He only introduces himself to homes that appear to be good candidates for solar. His aim is simple, to invite you to explore a free no-obligation design to see if solar makes sense for your home.
It pretty much comes down to going solar making sense for your situation.
If it makes sense…. great, a technician will explain what your specific options are to take advantage of the benefits of solar. For some reason, if after you met the technician it doesn’t make sense at this time…. no problem, at least you now know what options are available to you.