Solar, Battery & Roofing in Boise

Newer Idaho Power solar customers are on net billing. Older systems grandfathered under the previous net metering rules keep their original terms. Under the rates the Idaho Public Utilities Commission approved in fall 2025, the rate is about 15.68 cents per kWh during summer on-peak hours (June through September, 3 to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday), 3.39 cents during summer off-peak hours and 2.90 cents during all other months.

The commission suspended annual updates, and the next update is not expected until 2028. For Boise homeowners, the practical goal is to use more of the solar energy your system produces. Right-sizing around self-consumption and adding a battery can create more value than simply oversizing the array.

Boise City Code requires both a building permit and an electrical permit before a solar installation starts. Permits are issued by the City of Boise Planning and Development Services department, which offers expedited review for residential solar, typically 3 days or less, and reduced permit fees for solar PV systems.

The city uses a three stage inspection: a rough-in electrical inspection (grounding, bonding and listed equipment), a final electrical inspection (wiring methods, disconnect labels and working clearances), and a final building inspection of how the array is attached to the roof, the panel layout and clearances. Systems must meet National Electrical Code Articles 690 and 705. Homes in a Boise historic district may also need a Planning and Zoning inspection before the final building inspection.

Idaho Power's interconnection rules are in its Schedule 68. Residential systems can be up to 25 kW AC, measured by the inverter's AC nameplate rating. The application comes with a $100 non-refundable fee, and Idaho Power does a feasibility review within 7 business days, or up to 15 more business days if extra study is needed. When the review is complete, Idaho Power issues an Approval to Proceed.

After installation and the city inspections pass, a System Verification Form goes to Idaho Power. Idaho Power then inspects the system within 10 business days for systems of 100 kVA or less, and moves the account to the solar rate within 15 business days of a successful inspection. These steps reflect the Schedule 68 tariff in effect in October 2026.

From signed contract to a switched-on system usually takes about 6 weeks. Permitting and Idaho Power approval typically take 4 weeks or less. The installation itself takes 1 to 2 days, and adding a battery adds about a day. Field work is completed by our highly vetted installer partners, and our team manages the permits and the Idaho Power paperwork.

Many Boise subdivisions have a homeowners association. Under Idaho Code 55-3208, added in 2022, an HOA cannot adopt or enforce a covenant that prohibits rooftop solar panels. The HOA can decide where on the roof the panels go, as long as that placement faces south or within 45 degrees east or west of due south.

An HOA can also adopt reasonable installation rules consistent with the building code, such as requiring panels to sit parallel to the roofline and match its slope, and requiring visible frames, brackets, piping or wiring to be painted to match the roof. These rules apply to rooftops the homeowner owns, controls and maintains. We design the layout with your HOA's rules in mind.

A battery can store midday solar production for evening use instead of sending it to the grid at a lower export rate. Idahome Energy is a certified Tesla Powerwall 3 installer, and we design storage around the home's actual loads and backup priorities.

Battery sizing should follow your energy use, rate plan and backup goals. We show what the battery is expected to cover before you decide.

The federal Section 25D homeowner tax credit ended for systems installed on or after January 1, 2026. Lease and prepaid lease structures can still pass through federal value.

Idaho also offers a state income tax deduction for residential solar. It allows 40% of cost in year one, then 20% per year for three more years, capped at $5,000 per year under Idaho Code 63-3022C. Talk to your tax pro, and review our financing options.

Treasure Valley roofs face hail, high wind events and intense summer UV more often than heavy snow load. We inspect roof condition before solar design and explain whether the roof has enough remaining life for the array.

When replacement is needed, we can manage the roof and solar as one project. This avoids paying to detach and reset panels for a roof replacement later. Field work is completed by our highly vetted installer partners, managed by our team and backed by our warranty.