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Discover the Power of Solar Energy in Idaho!

Welcome to Idaho, a state celebrated for its stunning mountain ranges, vast wilderness, and now, its emerging role in the renewable energy sector. With a favorable climate that includes many sunny days throughout the year, Idaho presents a promising landscape for solar power adoption. This potential offers a unique opportunity for homeowners and businesses to engage with clean, renewable energy, supporting the state?s commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation. With attractive incentives aimed at reducing the upfront costs and a community increasingly interested in green living, Idaho is poised to make significant strides in solar energy. Learn how tapping into Idaho?s solar resources can brighten your home, cut down on energy costs, and contribute to a healthier environment right here in the Gem State. Join us in harnessing the sun?s boundless energy and moving towards a brighter, more sustainable future in Idaho.

Solar State Incentives

Idaho State Solar Incentives

Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 modifies the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, expanding eligible technologies, and establishing new criteria for full credit. It also introduces new technology-neutral tax credits.
Dominion Energy - ThermWise Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Dominion Energy's ThermWise program promotes energy-efficient appliances and practices, providing incentives to commercial and industrial customers.
Dominion Energy - ThermWise Home Builder Rebate Program
Dominion Energy's ThermWise program offers rebates to builders who use energy-efficient appliances, promoting reduced natural gas usage.
Dominion Energy - ThermWise Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs
Dominion Energy's ThermWise program encourages use of energy-efficient appliances by offering incentives to residential customers in select areas.
Property Tax Exemption for Wind, Solar, and Geothermal Energy Producers
Idaho restructures taxation for wind, solar, geothermal energy production, shifting from property tax to tax on production earnings.
Avista Utilities - Net Metering
Idaho's investor-owned utilities offer net-metering to customers generating electricity with renewables. Limits apply to system size and customer generation capacity.
Rocky Mountain Power - Net Metering
Idaho's three utilities offer net metering to customers generating electricity through renewable sources. A 2016 order removed peak demand and individual capacity caps for net metering.
Clean Energy Project Bond Program
Idaho legislation enables utilities and independent renewable energy developers to request financing from the Idaho Energy Resources Authority for construction of electric generation and transmission projects.
Idaho Power - Net Metering
Idaho lacks a statewide net-metering policy, but three utilities have approved tariffs. Changes in 2013 removed service capacity cap and altered compensation. In 2018, a comprehensive study into on-site generation was ordered, leading to potential future changes in billing structures.
Low-Interest Energy Loan Programs
Idaho's State Energy Loan Program offers low-interest loans for energy efficiency projects in homes. Loans range from $1,000 to $30,000, with interest rates varying by term.
Residential Alternative Energy Tax Deduction
Idaho allows 40% tax deduction for cost of solar, wind, geothermal and certain biomass energy devices used for heating or electricity generation.
Idaho Solar Easements & Access Laws
Idaho's H.B. 158 prevents homeowners associations from banning solar panels, but allows regulations on appearance. The state also permits solar easements.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.