Idaho Solar Guides

Straight answers on solar, batteries and utility rules in Idaho, written by a local installer.

Idaho Power's Solar Export Credit in 2026, Explained

If you add solar in Idaho Power territory today, the power your home uses as it's produced still saves you the full retail rate. The power you send back to the grid is credited at Idaho Power's export credit rate: about 15.7 cents per kWh on summer evenings, 3.4 cents at other summer times, and 2.9 cents from October through May. Those rates are set until at least 2028, so the best systems are sized to use their own power and often include a battery.

Is Solar Worth It in Idaho in 2026?

It depends mostly on your utility. In North Idaho, Avista, Clearwater Power and Kootenai Electric Cooperative credit exported solar one-for-one, so solar is still a strong investment for most homes with a good roof. In the Treasure Valley, Idaho Power credits exports at a lower rate, so solar works best when it's sized to your usage and paired with a battery or a lease structure that still captures federal value. The federal homeowner tax credit ended for systems installed after 2025, but Idaho's state income tax deduction still applies.

Solar Lease vs. Buying in Idaho After the Federal Tax Credit

Since the 30% homeowner tax credit ended for systems installed after 2025, a cash or loan purchase no longer gets federal help. A lease or prepaid lease can, because the system's legal owner is a business that can still claim federal credits and pass part of that value to you. Buying still makes sense for some homeowners, but in 2026 it's worth pricing both before you decide.

Solar and Batteries for Kootenai Electric Cooperative Members

Kootenai Electric Cooperative credits the solar energy you export one-for-one per kWh, so solar is a good fit for most KEC homes. Net-metered members also pay a monthly service charge and a peak-use charge based on demand during morning and evening peak hours. Solar alone does little for that peak charge because the sun is weak or down during those hours. A battery that covers the peak windows can lower it, which is why batteries tend to pay off better on KEC than on many other utilities.

Tesla Powerwall 3 in Idaho: What It Does on Idaho Power, Avista and KEC

Idahome Energy is a certified Tesla Powerwall installer serving Boise, the Treasure Valley, Mountain Home and North Idaho. Powerwall 3 is a 13.5 kWh home battery with a built-in solar inverter. What it is worth to you depends on your utility. On Idaho Power, it stores midday solar that would otherwise be exported for about 3 cents per kWh. On Kootenai Electric Cooperative, it can lower the peak-use charge. On every utility, it keeps your essentials running when the grid goes down.

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