Best 3 Solar Companies in Pocatello, ID

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Pocatello

The purchase price and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on the solar company that installed them. Consider each of these aspects in your business search.

Licensing and Training

Idaho's Division of Building Safety recently began to issue solar photovoltaic contracting licenses. If you're installing a solar thermal system, your installer must be a licensed plumbing contractor. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most recognized are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Pocatello

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels provide a lower price point but produce less power. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

If you'd like to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your panel array more efficient and user-friendly. Not all solar companies include these additional features, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $17,300 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Pocatello. This table displays more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Pocatello

There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, cash payments, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or car loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We recommend working with an installer that offers multiple financing options. Ask each consultant about what's available, and get more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Pocatello.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.