Solar Energy in Boise

The City of Boise is committed to more sustainable energy with solar energy as one of the many options that will help improve our energy future. As a part of this commitment, in 2018, the City of Boise has earned a Gold Designation from SolSmart for making solar energy more readily available and cost efficient in the community.

As a result of streamlining the solar installation process, residents, businesses, and solar companies have invested in solar energy. For Fiscal Year 2020, Residential Solar PV Permits totaled 296 permits and are up 12% over last fiscal year. Commercial Solar PV Permits totaled 8 permits and are up 300% over last fiscal year. Total Solar PV Permits totaled 304 permits and are up 14% over last fiscal year.

In addition to the growth of solar energy within the community, the city is dedicated to installing and maintaining solar power at city-owned facilities to create a more energy efficient system within the city. All new city buildings constructed to the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) and LEED standards have solar energy considered with each new building design.

Read the city's official Solar Statement (PDF)

City Facilities

Currently, solar energy systems are installed at City Hall West, the Foothills Learning Center, Library! at Bown Crossing, the Boise Airport and the Twenty Mile South Farm Building.

Building with solar panels on rooftop — Twenty Mile South Farm

Building surrounded by sagebrush — Jim Hall Foothills Learning Center

Benefits of Going Solar

The City of Boise encourages businesses and residents to explore using solar energy by continually working to improve the permitting and process of solar installations. In this effort, the city offers the following incentives interested in integrating solar energy:

Expedited reviews for residential solar PV installations (typically 3 days or less) which can be done over the counter
New solar PV submittal checklists for applicants in residential and commercial
Residential solar PV systems guide
Reduced permit fees for solar PV system installations

Interested in going solar?

Contact PDS or call 208-608-7100 to learn more and review the documents below.

Solar Permitting and Policy

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