Skip to content
Plugshine

Plug-in solar in Idaho

Not yet — Idaho's bill stalled in 2026

  • A plug-in solar bill was introduced in 2026 but stalled
  • Reintroduction expected in the 2027 session

Last verified

Status
Bill stalled
Bill
—
Signed
—
Effective
—
Size cap
—
Avg. electricity rate
13.73¢/kWh (-25% vs US)

800 W kit · typical year

$135saved

Payback ≈ 6.7 yrs · ranks #43 of 51 for savings

Idaho lawmakers introduced plug-in solar legislation in 2026, but it stalled before final passage. Bill trackers expect it to be reintroduced in 2027.

Until a law passes, plugging a generating device into home wiring isn't covered by a specific legal framework in Idaho, and your utility may treat it as an unauthorized interconnection.

What plug-in solar is worth in Idaho

Idaho households pay an average of 13.73¢ per kWh, 25% below the US average of 18.31¢. With roughly 4.9 peak sun hours a day, here is what a well-placed system produces and saves. We assume panels facing south at about 30°, 86% system efficiency and 80% of output used on-site.

800 W kit (2 panels)

Saved per year
$135
Payback ($900 kit)
6.7 yr
Energy used
984 kWh/yr
25-year net
$2,479

1,200 W kit (max)

Saved per year
$203
Payback ($1,300 kit)
6.4 yr
Energy used
1,477 kWh/yr
25-year net
$3,768

Run your own numbers

Change the orientation, mounting and size to match your balcony.

800 W
80%

Plug-in systems aren't net-metered: surplus sent to the grid earns nothing. ~80% is typical without a battery; 95%+ with one.

Estimated savings · Idaho

$135/ year

≈ $11.26 per month

Payback
6.7 yrs
Energy used
984 kWh/yr
25-year net
$2,479
CO₂ avoided
797 lb/yr

Monthly savings profile

Estimates only. Rate: EIA July 2026 state average; sun hours: long-term averages. See our methodology.

What to do now

  1. 1Don't connect a grid-tied plug-in system yet — without a law, it may breach your utility agreement.
  2. 2Consider an off-grid setup in the meantime: a panel charging a portable power station is legal everywhere.
  3. 3Cut your bill today with no-cost measures — see our guide to lowering your electric bill.
  4. 4Contact your Idaho state legislators: constituent support is what moved the 2026 bills.

Idaho plug-in solar FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Idaho?

Not yet. A bill was introduced but stalled this session. Expect it back. Without a law, connecting a grid-tied plug-in system may violate your utility's interconnection rules. Off-grid setups (a panel charging a portable power station) are allowed everywhere.

How much can balcony solar save in Idaho?

At Idaho's average residential rate of 13.73¢/kWh (EIA, July 2026) and about 4.9 peak sun hours a day, a south-facing, tilted 800 W kit saves roughly $135 a year, paying back a $900 kit in about 6.7 years. Vertical railing mounts produce about 30% less.

What is the maximum plug-in solar size in Idaho?

There is no Idaho-specific cap yet. Most state laws settle on 1,200 W, the practical limit for a standard 15-amp, 120 V circuit.

Sources

Not legal advice. Laws and effective dates can change; confirm with official Idaho sources and your utility.