Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Arco, Idaho. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A well-established, regional solar contractor known for comprehensive service from initial consultation and system design to professional installation and maintenance. They have a strong partnership with SunPower, offering high-efficiency panels and robust warranties.
A locally-owned and operated company with a strong focus on both grid-tied and off-grid solar solutions, making them an excellent choice for the more rural properties around Arco. They are known for their personalized customer service and expertise in battery-backed systems.
As a SunPower Master Dealer, this company offers some of the most efficient solar panels and storage solutions on the market. They are a premium provider focusing on whole-home energy solutions and have extensive knowledge of local financing and federal incentives.
** The home solar market for Arco, Idaho, is characterized by high-quality regional providers rather than local in-town contractors. Due to Arco's small population, the immediate local competition is low, but the city is well-served by several top-tier companies based in Idaho Falls (approx. 70 miles away). These providers are experienced in serving the entire Eastern Idaho region, including rural communities. The market quality is high, with installers holding necessary licenses (like an Idaho Public Works Contractor License), insurance, and often prestigious certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). They are well-versed in the specific needs of the area, including handling snow loads and designing systems for both grid-tied homes and remote off-grid properties common in the surrounding high desert. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Idaho is competitive, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before incentives. For an average 6 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of **$15,000 to $21,000**. The 30% federal solar tax credit significantly reduces this net cost. All top providers offer a variety of financing options, including loans and leases, and are experts in navigating Idaho's net metering policies and available rebates.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Arco regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Arco, Idaho.
Arco's high desert climate is excellent for solar, with abundant sunshine, especially in summer, leading to high energy production. While winter snow can temporarily reduce output, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and the cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. On average, Arco receives over 200 sunny days per year, making it a strong location for a productive solar array that can significantly offset your Idaho Power bills.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Idaho ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Idaho homeowners benefit from the 30% federal solar tax credit, which significantly reduces the net cost. Additionally, Idaho Power offers a net metering program, crediting you for excess energy sent back to the grid. Local installers typically offer financing options like solar loans or leases to make the upfront cost more manageable.
Butte County and the City of Arco generally have solar-friendly permitting processes, but you must obtain a building permit. If you live in a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA), Idaho state law (Idaho Code § 55-115) prohibits HOAs from outright banning solar installations, but they may have reasonable rules regarding placement for aesthetic purposes. Always check with your local building department and HOA covenants before proceeding.
Prioritize providers with proven experience in Eastern Idaho who understand local weather challenges like wind and snow loads. Choose a licensed, insured, and bonded contractor, and look for certifications like NABCEP. Get multiple detailed quotes, check local references and reviews, and ensure they handle the entire process, including Idaho Power interconnection paperwork and Butte County permitting.
Idaho Power's net metering program credits your account for any surplus solar energy you export to the grid, rolling over credits month-to-month. Your system is designed based on your annual usage, meaning you'll generate a surplus in sunny summer months to build credits that offset your higher usage during darker, colder Arco winters. A properly sized system aims for near-net-zero annual energy costs.