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. 

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.

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

• Commercial Photovoltaic and Solar Thermal Systems Submittal Checklist (PDF)
• Residential Photovoltaic Systems Submittal Checklist (PDF)
• Residential Photovoltaic Panels & Modules Guide
• Solar Photovoltaic Systems Fee Guide (PDF)
• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Field Inspection Process (PDF)
• Fire Access Requirements (PDF)