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Best 5 Solar Companies in Twin Falls, ID
The best solar company in Twin Falls is EGT Solar.
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- Updated 2024-04-18 00:00:00
With Twin Falls' clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for homeowners and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. If you're considering going solar, you might be worried about expensive upfront costs. By working with a professional installer, you'll have both the financial and practical support you need for a smooth transition. On this page, we'll highlight Twin Falls' leading solar companies and provide expert advice for your solar journey.
5 Best Solar Companies in Twin Falls
Brands are algorithmically curated from a database of local service providers near you. We require a minimum number of Google reviews and average ratings for provider inclusion.
EGT Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 1 reviews
Magic Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 12 reviews
Altenergy Inc.-Sun Valley Branch
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 1 reviews
Big Dog Solar Energy
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 302 reviews
Empowered Solar
Ratings are based on our detailed proprietary methodology and review standards.
Based on 4 reviews
Ranking Methodology
We assessed dozens of Twin Falls solar installers, using the following criteria to select the superior:
- Warranty and service offerings: Solar installers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
- Customer feedback and reviews: Most Twin Falls solar installers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
- Panel brands and quality: The leading solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
- Professional licenses and credentials: Each company on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Twin Falls community for a decade or longer.
- Educational approach: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should use their years of experience address your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
Facts about Twin Falls
- Average Max Temperature:59°F
- Solar Payback Period:14 years
- Average Daily Sunlight:59%
- Homes Powered by Solar:2,312
- Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,162
- Solar Power per Capita:65.3%
Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy provides multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems function through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to rely on the grid for your safety and comfort.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Twin Falls Homeowners?
Idaho agencies and electric companies offer a number of solar incentives to help lower your solar system costs. Here's a breakdown of applicable solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type:Loan Program
Incentive Amount:
Residential: $15,000
All others: $100,000
Incentive Type:Rebate Program
Incentive Amount:
Air Source Heat Pump Conversion: Contact IFP
Air Source Heat Pump Conversion with Duct Sealing: contact IFP
Ground Source Heat Pump: $2,700-$3,150
Ductless Heat Pump: $720
Water Heater: $270-$450
Insulation (Attic, Floor, Wall): Varies, see program website for details
Windows: Varies, see program website for details
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Deduction
Incentive Amount:
40% in the first year; 20% per year for next three years
Incentive Type:Personal Tax Credit
Website:https://www.ecowatch.com/solar/ev-appliance-solar-tax-credit-calculator
Incentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Twin Falls
The purchase price and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Here are some crucial criteria to remember while shopping for a solar company.
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. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Twin Falls
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options 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.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not every solar company provides these optional components, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.
You can expect to pay about $17,300 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Twin Falls. Check the table in this section to get an idea of the amount Twin Falls solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,123.93 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $876.66 |
Thin-Film | $512.51 |
Solar Battery | $719.31 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,697.43 |
Financing Solar Energy in Twin Falls
Solar installers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases and solar loans. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from 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. Similar to a car or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the solar system and cannot use solar incentives. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Ask each salesperson about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Twin Falls.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.4 years |
2 kW | 4.9 years |
5 kW | 12.1 years |
10 kW | 24.3 years |
Frequently Asked Questions about Solar in Twin Falls
Most Twin Falls homeowners spend about $1,162 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $848.88 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.
Yes, solar energy is spreading quickly in Twin Falls. Some homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and they're backed by a state solar economy with 512 workers and counting.
Yes, new solar systems translate to higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could boost your property value by $12,000.
Even if you live in one of Twin Falls' few dark areas, you could still take advantage of solar energy. Your provider will optimize your system's performance by selecting the proper site for panels, positioning them to capture the most sunlight throughout the year, installing a battery backup system, and cleaning them regularly. This way, you can keep solar energy longer and use it as necessary.
Today's solar panels are incredibly durable, lasting up to 25 years. Monocrystalline panels and other top-tier models tend to work longer than less expensive models.
To preserve your solar system's efficiency, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually adequate. In dusty or dry seasons, your panels might need cleanings every one to two months. Your installer can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also handle the cleaning for you.
To enhance your solar system's performance, you can use the following steps:
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
After you sign a power purchase agreement, your solar contractor will not charge to set up and take care of your new panel array. Instead, you'll pay them only for the electricity you generate. Typically, PPAs last for 10–25 years or until you "buy out" of the contract.
If you choose a lease, you'll make fixed monthly payments.
With both leases and PPAs, you don't own your panels and lose eligibility for some incentives. Further, you'll have to "buy out" or transfer the contract if you sell your home during the term.
Sources
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