![]() Idaho is joined in the pursuit of access to more renewable energy by Montana, Utah, Nevada, Washington, Oregon, California, and companies like Micron, Meta, Clif Bar Baking Company, HP, and McCain Foods, among hundreds of other businesses. We also conduct research to see if companies offer end-of-life panel disposal programs or have eco-friendly community partnerships.The need for thousands of megawatts of renewable energy throughout the West continues to grow as businesses, cities, and western states set policy targets to transition to a cleaner electric grid. Sustainability (5 points): To measure sustainability, we assess each company based on whether it shares a detailed sustainability statement or ESG disclosures on its website.Industry Experience (10 points): Providers with 10 or more years of experience in the solar installation industry earn a perfect score in this category.Customer Support (10 points): Solar companies that offer virtual consultations, a mobile app, 24/7 customer support and high customer satisfaction with backend support earn the most points in this category.A provider earns more points for extending warranties that meet or exceed industry standards, including 10 years for system workmanship and products and 25 years for panel performance. Warranty (15 points): We verify that each company offers workmanship, product and performance warranties on all of its solar installs.We also look at customer complaint rates on sites like the BBB and weigh how the company responds. Reputation (20 points): To assess the reputation of each company, we consider Google star ratings, Better Business Bureau (BBB) scores and reviews, and NABCEP certification status.Companies can also receive points for completing installations in-house, as opposed to using third-party contractors. Services (20 points): In addition to solar installations, companies offering backup battery and electric vehicle charger installations, energy efficiency audits and system monitoring earn the most points in this category.Companies also receive bonus points for offering solar panel leasing or power purchase agreements (PPAs). Solar providers that offer cash purchases and in-house loan financing earn full points in this category. Cost and payment options (20 points): Cost is one of the most important factors when installing a solar energy system.Our review process involves assessing each company on the following criteria, which we then use to calculate a rating out of 5 stars. We based our solar company methodology on input from multiple homeowner surveys, discussions with industry experts and research into the renewable energy market. We closely evaluate solar installation companies with a focus on the factors most important to homeowners like you. Considering Idaho’s average home price of $448,156, a 4.1% boost would equal an increase of $18,374. Increased home value: Studies show that home buyers are willing to pay about 4.1% more for a home with solar panels than a comparable home that runs on grid power.Having a solar system with battery backup can power your home for a few hours to days in the event of blackouts. In Idaho, heat waves and storms have led to outages lasting several hours. Resilience against blackouts: Power outages from overloaded power grids, winter storms and severe heat are becoming more common in the U.S.Solar energy not only reduces your carbon footprint but the state’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. Going solar helps homeowners offset fossil fuel consumption with clean energy from solar panels. But the state also burns a significant amount of coal and natural gas to fulfill its energy needs. ![]() Environmental benefits: Renewable energy comprises a large chunk of Idaho’s energy mix - accounting for 75% of the state’s total electricity generation in 2022.Homes with solar panels are more immune to the impact of rising power prices because you can generate your own power, and lessen your consumption of grid energy. North Idaho residents can expect to see bills rising from $85 to $103 within a year due to infrastructure growth, droughts and aging infrastructure. Idaho is no exception - for example, Idaho Power and Avista recently applied for rate increases. Protection against rising power costs: Energy costs are on the rise nationwide.Homeowners can save thousands a year after going solar, which can add up over the 25- to 30-year lifespan of your panels. In some cases, solar power can nearly eliminate grid power usage, resulting in a drastic reduction of your monthly energy bill. Electricity bill savings: By generating power from sunlight, solar panels can help reduce your grid energy consumption by a significant margin.There are multiple benefits to installing solar energy in Idaho, including:
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