State Overview

Idaho

National Solar Capacity Ranking: 30th

Data Current Through: Q3 2024

 

Idaho State Solar Overview

Just The Facts

  • Solar Installed (MW):

    998

  • National Ranking:

    32nd (26th in 2023)

  • Enough Solar Installed to Power:

    137,366 homes

  • Percentage of State's Electricity from Solar:

    7.03%

  • Solar Jobs:

    728

  • Solar Companies in State:

    44 (4 Manufacturers, 25 Installers/Developers, 15 Others)

  • Total Solar Investment in State:

    $1.5 billion

  • Prices have fallen:

    37% over the last 10 years

  • Growth Projection and Ranking:

    2022 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 31st)

  • Number of Installations:

    22,843

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Idaho State Solar Policy Resources

Idaho Energy Storage Policy and Market Overview

Idaho’s energy storage market is youthful and indicates signs of future growth. Utility and state regulators are targeting grid-scale battery procurement to secure resilience and reliability for rural communities in the state.

In 2022, market opportunities for storage emerged when Rocky Mountain Power expanded its Wattsmart Battery Rebate to Idaho’s service area. The rebate offers critical incentives to BTM customers and kickstarted the storage charge. In 2023, Idaho broke ground on the first grid-scale battery energy storage project. However, only a few other projects have since joined the charge. Idaho Power Company has set short term goals on a 300 MW project that expects to be online in 2026. The utility’s long-term goals aim for 1,685 MW by 2040. Legislators have issued some regulatory guidance on energy storage and set codified operational definitions via HB 96 (2023).

 

Idaho Energy Storage Policy Resources

  • Idaho Governor’s Office of Energy and Mineral Resources – State page on energy storage with information on types of technologies and state and federal resources.
  • Wattsmart Battery Program – Rocky Mountain Power battery storage upfront incentive and performance rebate for residential and commercial customers.
  • DSIRE Idaho Energy Storage Policy Database – Clearinghouse for financial incentives, regulations, and rebates for energy storage and lithium-ion technologies in Idaho and across the United States.
  • Energy Storage Cost in IdahoUp-to-date storage and solar-plus-storage pricing and find installers in Idaho on EnergySage.
  • Idaho Public Utilities Commission – Governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Idaho public utilities, search for regulatory dockets, programs, and initiatives.
  • Idaho Legislature – Pending, passed, and historical legislation affecting energy storage and battery systems, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Idaho.