Solar
Solar energy is produced by collecting natural sunlight in photovolatic cells
or by harnessing the heat delivered by solar rays.
or by harnessing the heat delivered by solar rays.
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Solar Energy in Idaho
Idaho is blessed with abundant high-quality solar resources, but it is just beginning to tap solar for utility-scale electricity generation. Just in the past year, the Grand View Solar PV project near Mountain Home became the first in Idaho to strike a deal with one of the state’s big electric utilities, with Idaho Power agreeing to purchase the output. A second, 150,000-solar panel project has been proposed near Shoshone in Jerome County. And a third solar farm near Murphy was recently approved by the Owyhee County officials. That project by Interconnect Solar Development and Murphy Solar Development would consist of two 20MW solar arrays on 1,200 acres.
Meanwhile, PV installations on homes and businesses continue to spread across the state as prices continue to come down and state and federal incentives take some of the sting out of the intimidating up-front costs. The former Idaho Energy Division, now the Office of Energy Resources, had launched a “5,000 Solar Roofs for Idaho” initiative as a companion to the national “Million Solar Roofs” campaign, but Idaho’s program has been dormant for the past few years.
The challenge with home and business-installed solar continues to be financing, despite existing incentives. Clean energy advocates and progressive policy-makers are exploring financing mechanisms such as low-interest loans or repayment of borrowed money through property tax assessments.
Meanwhile, PV installations on homes and businesses continue to spread across the state as prices continue to come down and state and federal incentives take some of the sting out of the intimidating up-front costs. The former Idaho Energy Division, now the Office of Energy Resources, had launched a “5,000 Solar Roofs for Idaho” initiative as a companion to the national “Million Solar Roofs” campaign, but Idaho’s program has been dormant for the past few years.
The challenge with home and business-installed solar continues to be financing, despite existing incentives. Clean energy advocates and progressive policy-makers are exploring financing mechanisms such as low-interest loans or repayment of borrowed money through property tax assessments.
Solar Potential in Idaho
Solar Projects in Idaho
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Operating, Under Construction, Approved,
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Source: Renewable Northwest Project
