What is the Idaho net metering rate in 2026?

In Idaho, exported solar is valued at the utility's wholesale avoided-cost rate, well below retail — roughly ~25–50% of retail of the retail electricity price. The exact figure depends on your utility and rate schedule.

Do net metering credits roll over each month in Idaho?

In most ID utility territories, surplus credits carry forward to offset future bills. Some utilities cash out any leftover annual balance at a lower avoided-cost rate at the end of a 12-month true-up period.

Is it worth adding a battery in Idaho?

Because Idaho credits exports below retail (~25–50% of retail), storing your own solar and using it later is often worth more than exporting it. That makes batteries more economically attractive in ID than in full retail-rate states.

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Idaho Net Metering Rates 2026

Updated June 2026 · Sources: DSIRE, EIA

Idaho solar exports are credited under avoided-cost buyback, worth roughly ~25–50% of retailof the retail electricity rate. Here's exactly how it works, which utilities offer it, and what it means for your payback.

Credit Type

Avoided-cost buyback

Export Value

~25–50% of retail

Avg Payback

10.2 yrs

How Net Metering Works in Idaho

When your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, the surplus flows back onto the grid and your meter records the export. Idaho utilities credit those exported kilowatt-hours at the utility's wholesale avoided-cost rate, well below retail. You draw that credit back down at night or on cloudy days, so you only pay for your net consumption across the billing cycle.

Because Idaho mandates net metering, a correctly sized system can push net annual electricity costs close to zero for many ID homeowners.

What It's Worth: ~25–50% of retail of Retail

The single biggest driver of solar payback is how much your utility pays for exported energy. Idaho's avoided-cost crediting pays well below retail, which lengthens payback and makes self-consumption (and batteries) more important.

The average ID homeowner reaches payback in 10.2 years and nets $24,800 over 25 years with these rules in effect.

Idaho Utilities Offering Net Metering

The major utilities operating in Idaho are Idaho Power, Avista. Net metering terms — true-up dates, monthly fees, and credit carryover — vary by provider, so confirm the current tariff with your specific utility before signing an installation contract.

Idaho Net Metering FAQ

Yes. Idaho requires utilities to credit residential solar customers for excess energy exported to the grid under avoided-cost buyback. Each exported kWh is credited at ~25–50% of retail of the retail rate.

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What will net metering save you in Idaho?

Our calculator factors Idaho's avoided-cost buyback into your payback and 25-year savings — using your actual electric bill.

Calculate My ID Savings →Free · 60 seconds · no obligation