Solar

The declining cost of solar technology, along with tax incentives and other factors, has made solar power more popular in recent years. Idaho Power’s long-term planning process has also identified a need for more utility-scale solar resources to serve our customers’ growing energy needs.

Idaho Power Solar Contracts

Idaho Power has contracts to buy energy from 24 commercial solar-energy projects in Idaho and Oregon. The 21 projects currently online* represent a combined capacity of 476 megawatts (MW).

Projects still under development are scheduled to add 428 MW. Our 20-year Integrated Resource Plan calls for significant additions of solar capacity in the coming years.

Idaho Power does not own or operate these projects.

*as of March 1, 2024

Customer Generation

Some of our customers have installed solar systems on their homes or businesses to offset some of their energy costs. Here’s some important information to keep in mind if you are thinking about installing a solar system or other customer generation.

Solar in Idaho Power’s Daily Operations

Idaho Power uses small PV panels in its daily operations to power equipment used for checking water quality, measuring stream flows and operating cloud-seeding equipment.

In addition to these PV installations, Idaho Power:

  • Installed a rooftop solar system on our Twin Falls Operations Center in 2016.
  • Participates in the Solar 4R Schools program.
  • Donated a 2.7-kilowatt array (36 75-watt PV modules) to the Foothills Learning Center.
  • Installed an 18.5-kilowatt array to boost voltage on a remote distribution line near Shoshone, Idaho (video).
  • Operates a Solar-Enhanced Lighting™ system in one of its downtown Boise parking lots. The system was installed in July 2013 and is designed to produce as much energy during the day as the lights consume at night while illuminating the parking lot.
  • Participated in installing solar panels at Celebration Park, near Melba, Idaho. The panels supply electricity to the park’s outdoor lighting and visitor center, with any additional power going back to the electrical grid.