Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Coolin, Idaho. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading North Idaho-based company specializing in high-quality residential and commercial solar installations. They are known for their comprehensive in-house services, from initial consultation and system design to installation and maintenance, ensuring a seamless customer experience. Their expertise in handling the region's specific climate challenges, such as snow load, makes them a top choice.
A well-established regional installer serving the entire Inland Northwest, including North Idaho. They have a strong reputation for professionalism, quality craftsmanship, and guiding homeowners through the financial aspects of going solar, including incentives and financing.
A local Coeur d'Alene company focused on personalized service and custom solar energy system design. They excel at designing systems tailored to a home's specific energy needs and architectural style, offering both grid-tied and battery backup solutions.
** The home solar market for Coolin, Idaho, and the broader North Idaho region is characterized by a moderate level of competition among a handful of highly specialized, reputable contractors. Due to Coolin's remote and scenic location near Priest Lake, providers must be adept at designing systems for a variety of property types, including heavily wooded lots and off-grid cabins. The average quality of service is high, as the companies that succeed in this market are established, licensed, and insured professionals who understand local building codes and the unique environmental factors, such as significant snowfall in winter. Typical pricing for a residential solar installation in this region is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$25,000 to $35,000** for a standard 10kW system. The knowledge of local and state-specific incentives, like net metering policies from utilities such as Avista or Northern Lights Inc., is a key differentiator among the top providers. Homeowners are advised to seek multiple quotes from these established regional experts to find the best system design and value for their specific needs.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Coolin regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Coolin, Idaho.
Coolin's heavy winter snow can temporarily reduce production, but panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and they often generate power even on cold, clear winter days. The long summer days with high sun exposure provide excellent production, typically allowing a well-sized system to generate a net surplus annually that offsets lower winter output, especially when paired with Idaho Power's net metering program.
The average gross cost for a residential system in Idaho is between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Homeowners in Coolin benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and Idaho's state sales tax exemption on solar equipment. Local installers typically offer financing options like loans or leases, and Idaho Power's net metering allows you to earn bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid.
Yes, you will need an electrical permit from Bonner County Building Department. If your home is in a subdivision with a Homeowners Association (HOA), you should review its covenants, though Idaho state law (Idaho Code § 55-115) restricts HOAs from prohibiting solar installations outright. Your chosen local provider will typically manage this permitting process for you.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience in North Idaho, as they understand regional snow loads, roofing considerations for mountain homes, and interconnection with Idaho Power. Look for Idaho-licensed electrical contractors (LEC), check reviews, and ask for references from nearby installations. A reputable local company will provide a detailed site assessment specific to your property's sun exposure.
The entire process usually takes 2 to 4 months. After design and signing, securing permits from Bonner County can take a few weeks. Physical installation often takes 1-3 days, but the final step—receiving "Permission to Operate" from Idaho Power after their inspection—can add several weeks. Scheduling can be weather-dependent, with installations more common in late spring through fall to avoid deep snow.