In 2019, Idaho was ranked 21st in the nation for solar capacity. With the prices dropping, more people are starting to use solar energy. There are various incentives available to help homeowners and businesses get started.

Solar panels for sale in Idaho

Solar panels in Idaho are reliable and cost-efficient energy generators for your home, business, RV or a boat. They work as long as there is daylight, aren’t afraid of winds, hail, snow or rain, and last for over 25 years.

The average size of a home PV installation in the US is 5-6 kW. A system of this capacity covers 80-100% energy needs of a medium house. Its cost may vary from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the panels’ brand and incentives available. Since a solar system powers your appliances during the day, your energy bills reduce greatly. Overall, a PV installation brings in around $100 each month on average and thus pays for itself in 6-7 years. 

Solar energy is a great solution for boondockers and sailors as well. Since panels work everywhere, don’t need fuel, don’t smell and are silent, they start to replace gas generators, which traditionally were used to charge house batteries. Sometimes even one panel is enough for everything you have on your boat or RV. Generally, panels go on a trailer roof, and when it comes to marine installation, modules are fixed on a stern rail, deck or canvas.  


Aptos Solar 365W Solar Panel 120 cell DNA-120-MF26-365W

Aptos Solar 365W Solar Panel 120 cell DNA-120-MF26-365W

Specifications:

  • Condition — New
  • Backsheet color — black
  • Cell number — 120 cell
  • Connector Type — MC4
  • DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
  • Dimensions LxWxH — 69.1 X 40.9 X 1.37 in
  • Frame color — black
  • Manufacturer — Aptos Solar
  • Model — DNA-120-MF26-365W
  • Operating Temperature — 111 °F
  • Rated Efficiencies — 20.01%
  • Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
  • Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
  • Weight — 45.19 lbs
  • Price per Watt — $0.8
  • Rated Power Output — 365 W
  • Voltage (VOC) — 40.7
  • Cell Type — Monocrystalline
  • Warranty — 25-year product warranty, 30-year output warranty
  • Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US

REC 400W Solar Panel 132 cell REC400AA-PURE

REC 400W Solar Panel 132 cell REC400AA-PURE

Specifications:

  • Condition — New
  • Backsheet color — black
  • Cell number — 132 cell
  • Connector Type — MC4
  • DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
  • Dimensions LxWxH — 71.7 x 40 x 1.2 inches
  • Frame color — black
  • Manufacturer — REC
  • Model — REC400AA-PURE
  • Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +185 °F
  • Rated Efficiencies — 21.6%
  • Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
  • Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
  • Weight — 45 lbs
  • Price per Watt — $1.2
  • Rated Power Output — 400 W
  • Voltage (VOC) — 48.8
  • Cell Type — Monocrystalline
  • Warranty — 25-year product and performance warranty
  • Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US

Panasonic 370W Solar Panel 120 cell EverVolt EVPV370

Panasonic 370W Solar Panel 120 cell EverVolt EVPV370

Specifications:

  • Condition — New
  • Backsheet color — white
  • Cell number — 120 cell
  • Connector Type — MC4
  • DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
  • Dimensions LxWxH — 67.8 x 40.0 x 1.2 inches
  • Frame color — black
  • Manufacturer — Panasonic Eco Solutions
  • Model — EVPV370
  • Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +185 °F
  • Rated Efficiencies — 21.2%
  • Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
  • Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
  • Weight — 43 lbs
  • Price per Watt — $1.2
  • Rated Power Output — 370 W
  • Voltage (VOC) — 44.1
  • Cell Type — Monocrystalline
  • Warranty — 25-year product and performance warranty
  • Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US

Solar inverters for sale in Idaho

Inverter is another necessary component of a solar panel system. The panels by nature produce direct current which can’t be used by most house appliances. That’s why an inverter converts DC to AC and sends it either into the grid or to your appliances.

Another functions that inverter perform include:

  • Interaction with the grid;
  • Arc fault prevention and protection;
  • Optimization of the solar array production;
  • System monitoring. 

Inverters can be grid-tied, off-grid or hybrid. While the names of the first two are self-explanatory, a hybrid inverter can be used both as a grid-tie or an off-grid one. In other words, you can pair it with a battery, and if a blackout happens, the inverter switches your house to battery support instead of shutting down.

Inverter is the most complicated part of a solar installation and it requires proper maintenance. For Idaho residents, it is recommended to put an inverter in a cold dry place out of direct sunlight — the garage is the best option. To prolong its lifespan, wipe the dust off of it, clean air intake filters and check the screen for errors. 


OutBack Inverter 50A GS8048A-01

OutBack Inverter 50A GS8048A-01

Specifications:

  • Condition — New
  • Input Voltage DC — 48
  • Output Voltage AC — 120/240 VAC
  • Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
  • Type — Grid-tie, Hybrid
  • Dimensions LxWxH — 28 x 16 x 8.7 inches
  • Watts — 8000
  • Manufacturer — OutBack Power Systems
  • Model — GS8048A-01
  • Operating Temperatures — -4 °F to +122 °F
  • Rated Efficiencies — 96%
  • Weight — 125 lbs
  • Warranty — 5 years
  • Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US

SMA Sunny Boy Inverter 5kw SB-5.0-1SP-US-41

SMA Sunny Boy Inverter 5kw SB-5.0-1SP-US-41

Specifications:

  • Condition — New
  • Input Voltage DC — 480
  • Output Voltage AC — 240
  • Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
  • Type — Grid-tie
  • Dimensions LxWxH — 21.1 x 28.5 x 7.8 inches
  • Watts — 5000
  • Manufacturer — SMA America LLC
  • Model — SB-5.0-1SP-US-41
  • Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +140 °F
  • Rated Efficiencies — 97.6%
  • Weight — 57 lbs
  • Warranty — 10 years
  • Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US

SolarEdge Inverter 5Kw SE5000H-US

SolarEdge Inverter 5Kw SE5000H-US

Specifications:

  • Condition — New
  • Input Voltage DC — 480
  • Output Voltage AC — 240
  • Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
  • Type — Grid-tie
  • Dimensions LxWxH — 17.7 x 14.6 x 6.8 inches
  • Watts — 5000
  • Manufacturer — SolarEdge
  • Model — SE5000H-US000BNU4
  • Operating Temperatures — -13 °F to +140 °F
  • Rated Efficiencies — 99%
  • Weight — 25.6 lbs
  • Warranty — 12 years, extendable to 25 years
  • Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US

Purchasing Solar with Loan Funds in Idaho

Getting a loan for a solar energy system is a smart choice in most states. In most cases, solar panels can generate income for their owners, since the costs of electricity are so high.

You can start out with a bang by taking out a loan for a solar energy system. The federal government provides a tax credit for 30 percent of the cost, which makes it easier to install. However, over the life of the loan, your savings will be outweighed by the expenses.

After paying off the loan, you can start generating income, and this will pay off in the long run.

Purchasing Solar with Loan Funds in Idaho

If you have a down payment of at least $20,000, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a conventional loan can be a good choice. They can both have a low interest rate and a long repayment period.

Idaho’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

Aside from the weather, solar power accessibility is also influenced by the rules that govern the production and use of electricity in a state. For instance, in Idaho, there are no laws that encourage the use of solar energy.

Idaho’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

Despite the environmental benefits of solar power, utility companies in Idaho do not have the incentive to encourage homeowners to install solar panels. This means that even though it’s the right thing to do, it doesn’t really bring much cash back to the homeowners.