There’s no shortage of opinions about rooftop solar in Idaho. The problem is that many of the most common ones are outdated or simply untrue.
Maybe you’ve heard one or more of the following: “Idaho winters are too cold for solar,” or “Solar doesn’t work on cloudy days,” or “Solar only makes sense if you have a big budget.” Some of those concerns may have made sense years ago. But today, these objections often leave out important details about how modern solar technology, local utility policies, financing options, and battery storage actually work.
As a local-to-Idaho solar team, we work with homeowners, businesses, and communities across the state every day, so we see firsthand how solar performs during different seasons, on different roof types, and for differing energy needs. Below, we address some of the most common myths about rooftop solar that we hear and provide context to help Idahoans evaluate solar with confidence.
Myth #1
Solar Panels only last for five to ten years.
Solar panels are designed to last for 25–30 years and have an extremely low failure rate. They are also often backed by long warranties. Over the long term, rooftop solar in Idaho is also a more dependable source of energy, since both the availability and cost of fossil fuels are known to fluctuate due to various geopolitical factors.
Myth #2
You can get free rooftop solar, and the government will pay for it.
Beware of any solar company that makes this claim. While some federal incentives are available for Idaho businesses that install solar panels, these don’t always eliminate costs entirely. (Federal residential clean energy and energy-efficiency tax credits officially expired on December 31, 2025.) An exception to this rule is that some low-income households and disadvantaged communities were previously eligible for grant funding via the Solar for All program, but the EPA canceled the program’s funding in August 2025.
Note: If you’d like to avoid paying out of pocket for an entire project, there are financing options available with zero-down payments.
Myth #3
Rooftop solar in Idaho only works on sunny days.
Solar panels perform best in direct sunlight, but they still generate electricity on cloudy days or on days of inclement weather. Rainy days also keep your solar panels operating efficiently by washing away dust and dirt. And, during snowy winters, most panels are designed and installed to allow snow to blow away or slide off of them. Light reflected from snow on the ground and onto your panels can even improve your solar system’s performance.
Myth #4
Going solar is expensive.
While not all homeowners can afford the upfront costs of installing solar, decreasing material costs make this a more attainable investment than in the past. Also, EGT’s residential customers who purchase rooftop solar in Idaho typically average seven to nine years to pay back, assuming they can fully utilize all available tax incentives. (A homeowner with a $150/month power bill can usually save up to $1,800 annually, which amounts to a savings of $18,000 over ten years.)
Due to the extensive savings available for commercial solar, it’s possible for a business to be reimbursed up to 75 percent of the costs of a project, which will eliminate the majority of their electric utility costs. (Previously, rural small businesses and properties with agricultural purposes could also be awarded a grant from the USDA to cover 50 percent of solar costs in the form of a direct payment to the purchaser, but this funding has been paused.)
Myth #5
Solar salespeople who knock on doors are scammers.
Some unlicensed contractors and scammers from out of town have been known to show up for a few months out of the year, knocking on doors with high-pressure, shady sales pitches — only to deliver false promises and subpar craftsmanship. The Legal Aid Society has even “filed a lawsuit against five companies in the residential solar panel business for using deceptive business practices… to target seniors and homeowners in communities of color.”
While not every door knocker is a scammer, it’s a good idea to compare products and pricing, ideally with a local company with an office in your area. (We recommend starting by asking detailed questions like those found here).
Myth #6
Installing solar panels on my roof will cause damage or leaks.
As long as solar panels are installed correctly by a qualified professional, they will only have a minimal impact on the integrity of your roof, and it’s rare to have roof leaks. To minimize the risk of damage, it’s important to choose a licensed and insured solar installer that offers warranties covering both its workmanship and the materials used.
Myth #7
Financing is the best way to pay for a solar system.
While the offer of a zero percent interest rate and no payment for 18 months may seem appealing, this may cost you more in the long run. Buying a rooftop solar system upfront is ideal, if you can afford it, because a cash purchase means no interest charges, monthly payments, or other fees related to financing. When our clients opt for financing, we recommend that they speak to their local credit union.
Myth #8
Solar panels are ugly and decrease property value.
Installing solar panels can actually increase a home’s value by 6.8 percent on average, according to a 2024 analysis of Zillow data. But keep in mind that a financed solar array technically wouldn’t be considered to add value to your home. Real estate professionals also typically recommend that a solar system be installed by a local contractor that is able to respond to service calls quickly. Otherwise, potential homebuyers may view the solar system as a liability rather than an asset.
Myth #9
The equipment being installed isn’t important.
Many solar companies may claim to be cutting-edge but are still using modules and inverters that are a few generations old. And with how quickly solar technology is advancing, you deserve to have the latest equipment. When requesting bids from these companies, be sure to ask questions like, “Where is your equipment sourced from?” “Is it from an authorized distributor?” and “Is this the latest generation of equipment available?”
Myth #10
Solar panels are bad for the environment.
While manufacturing solar panels requires mining raw materials, these are significantly better for the environment than coal and natural gas, producing a fraction of the greenhouse gas emissions over their lifespans. When it comes to waste, it’s important to note that most residential systems installed today are still too new to be entering end-of-life recycling in large numbers. However, when that time comes, recycling and recovery options are available. Materials can often be refurbished or recycled depending on their condition. Industry organizations such as the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) have developed recycling and recovery pathways to support responsible disposal and material recovery.
Myth #11
I’ll begin generating power immediately after my solar panels are installed.
Before your solar system can be connected to the grid, a qualified solar inspector will need to visit your home or business to verify that the wiring, racking, and panels meet safety standards and that they are up to code. This inspection can happen as early as the day after installation, but it can take longer (depending on demand). Once your system has passed inspection, your utility company will install a net meter that measures energy flow and connects you to the grid. This step can take anywhere from 5 to 15 business days.
Myth #12
Solar energy systems are too difficult/costly to maintain.
Homeowners with rooftop solar may indeed run into connectivity or performance issues over time. If these issues aren’t addressed, they can affect energy production and reduce the long-term value of the system. However, if you are an EGT Solar client, labor is covered on any repairs in the first two years after an install.
Additionally, EGT’s Solar Service Membership Program provides ongoing support for residential solar systems through preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and service discounts, for as low as $19.99/month.
Get Clear Answers to Your Questions
Whatever your power bill or property looks like, we believe people deserve clear answers to their questions, without pressure, jargon, or false promises. And when you have those answers, it’s much easier to decide whether solar could make sense for your home or business.
As Idaho solar professionals, we appreciate that every homeowner’s and business owner’s goals are different. That’s why we work closely with our customers: so we can better understand their needs, and so we can help them to take control of their energy costs now, in addition to planning for the future.
If you’d like to find out what a system could look like for your property, someone from our team will be happy to help you understand your options (and your potential savings). Contact us for a personalized solar assessment today.
