Some of the best things about living in Idaho have to do with the quality of its outdoor spaces. Beautiful natural scenery, clean and productive agriculture, and unparalleled access to outdoor activities make the Gem State an amazing place to live, wouldn’t you say? These are some of the reasons that people are flocking to the state.
Given the importance of Idaho’s natural and agricultural landscape and the increased pressure of a growing population on the local infrastructure, it’s in every Idahoan’s interest to maintain the cleanliness of the environment. One impactful way to do this is by switching to green energy.
Idaho solar companies are installing more solar panels now than ever before, and for good reason. If you want to learn why so many Idahoans are going green, read on for 10 advantages to switching to solar power in Idaho.
- Time-Limited Incentives
You’ve probably heard that there are tax incentives for switching to green energy. One compelling reason to make the move now is that the 22% federal tax credit is expiring at the end of 2021. This credit applies to the cost of the system and its installation.
On top of the federal rebate, Idaho offers residents its own incentives. You will be eligible for an income tax deduction of 40% of the cost of the system and installation for the first year. For the following three years, you can deduct 20% of the cost.
These tax credits are up to a maximum of $5,000 per year, or $20,000 total. This hefty rebate combined with the federal credit can put a major dent in the cost of a solar system.
- Idaho Solar Exposure
The long-term cost savings of a solar power system depend on how much power the system produces. This, in turn, depends on how much sun it gets.
The good news for Idahoans is that the state gets some of the best sun exposure in the country. It’s well-suited to residential solar power.
Every case will be different, however, depending on exactly where your house is, what type of roof it has, etc. You can check your address’s sun exposure with Google’s Project Sunroof, a fun solar energy tool that analyzing your home and estimates savings.
While Project Sunroof can give you an idea of your circumstances, be sure to follow up with your local solar company. They can assess what options make the most sense for you.
- Immediate Property Value Increase
Many homeowners wonder what the impact of going solar is on their property value. The answer is good news for the eco-friendly: it immediately increases the resale value of a home, on average by over 4%. Depending on the cost of your home, this can equal tens of thousands of dollars.
- Long-Term Savings
One of the biggest reasons people switch to solar power is that it saves them money in the long run. How much you can save depends on a number of factors.
In Idaho, grid energy is relatively cheap. Thus, even with the big savings from tax incentives, it takes about 15 years to recoup the investment.
However, don’t forget point number two! With the increase in property value combined with the monthly energy savings, solar remains a very worthwhile investment in Idaho.
- Net Metering
One of the perks of going solar in Idaho is that the state permits net metering.
Net metering means that when your green energy system produces more electricity than you need, that excess is supplied to the energy grid. The local power company will then pay you for the electricity you provided. This is just one more way that going with solar power saves you money.
- Sustainability
Solar power is a renewable resource, meaning that it won’t run out. This makes solar energy systems a highly sustainable way to produce electricity without depleting increasingly rare and valuable non-renewable resources. Reducing our consumption of non-renewables also means less environmental damage by limiting mining and drilling in new places.
- Eco-Friendliness
Unlike fossil fuel sources, solar energy systems produce no emissions. Limiting emissions protects the already pristine quality of Idaho’s air and ensures that the land remains healthy and productive.
- Energy Independence
Producing your own electricity from solar power allows you to become more independent. You know your energy costs more predictably and you don’t have to rely as much (or at all, in some cases) on energy companies.
This independence will help insulate you from the rising costs of residential electricity.
- Ownership Options
Options to buy, lease or enter a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) are available in Idaho. This gives Idahoans lots of flexibility with solar panel ownership.
PPAs are arrangements with your solar company to finance, install, and maintain a solar power system on your property. You then pay the company for the energy that they provide you. This is a great way to take advantage of the benefits of solar power without investing in the ownership and maintenance of the system.
Buying your solar power system usually provides the greatest return on investment thanks to tax incentives. Leasing can be a good option if you don’t want to commit to ownership.
- Helping Idaho Keep Moving Forward
Experts agree that solar power is an important solution for the future progress of the country and the world.
Idaho is already accelerating its national ranking in terms of solar adoption. At the end of 2020, it was 22nd in the country, up from 34th in 2019. By investing in a solar power system, you’ll be joining the thousands of Idahoans who have made the move toward independence, sustainability, and savings.
Going Solar in Idaho
We’ve given you 10 great reasons to invest in a solar power system. From saving money to helping the environment and contributing to the splendor of the state, there’s plenty of justification to go for it. Get in touch with your solar company today to discuss taking advantage of federal and Idaho solar incentives now.
If you found these tips informative, be sure to check out more posts in the Environment section of the site!