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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

Idaho

ConsideringUpdated August 2, 2026

Idaho has phased out net metering in favor of declining net-billing export rates (cut to roughly 2.46 cents/kWh in 2025), reducing the financial case for grid-tied rooftop solar but making behind-the-meter, self-consumption plug-in solar more attractive since it offsets retail-rate usage directly. House Bill 612, a 2026 plug-in solar bill, did not pass, with opponents citing fire risk and interconnection concerns; sponsors plan to try again in 2027.

Get notified when Idaho goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when Idaho passes — no spam.

What You Can Use in Idaho While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in Idaho right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~4.4h

Powers: Phone, router, and lights through the outage, plus ~6 hours of CPAP a night

$299 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Most popular

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~16h

Powers: A fridge, router, and lights running through a full day outage

$449 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~31h

Powers: A full-size fridge and CPAP for days, or a window AC unit for a few hours

$749 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

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Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 22% over the past 5 years
From $0.090/kWh in 2021 → $0.110/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
4.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.090
2021
$0.094
2022
$0.098
2023
$0.102
2024
$0.106
2025
$0.110
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.241/kWh
at 4.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$1,076
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

What a Idaho Law Could Look Like

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Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A Idaho law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

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High rates = strong economics

At Idaho's avg. $0.110/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $97/year. Payback in as few as 8 years at current rates.

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Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Idaho?
As of June 2026, Idaho has no enacted plug-in/balcony solar law. House Bill 612, introduced in the 2026 session, did not pass after opponents raised fire-risk and interconnection concerns, leaving the legal status of small plug-in devices unaddressed.
Can my HOA block solar panels in Idaho?
No, not entirely. Idaho Code 55-3208 prohibits HOAs from banning rooftop solar panels, though they can require specific placement (within 45 degrees of due south) and adopt other reasonable rules. The law does not specifically address portable plug-in balcony devices.
Does Idaho Power offer net metering?
No. Idaho Power ended traditional net metering in 2024 and moved to a net-billing system with export rates cut to around 2.46 cents/kWh in 2025, significantly reducing the value of exporting excess solar power to the grid.
What happened to Idaho's balcony solar bill?
House Bill 612, Idaho's 2026 plug-in solar bill, failed to pass amid opposition citing fire risks and technical interconnection concerns. Sponsors are expected to regroup for the 2027 session.
Why might plug-in solar still make sense in Idaho?
Because Idaho Power's export rates for excess solar are now very low, devices that primarily offset a household's own electricity use (rather than exporting to the grid) retain more of their value, making behind-the-meter plug-in solar comparatively appealing despite the net-metering cuts.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment Idaho files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.