Why Adding a Battery to Your Existing Solar System Makes More Sense Than Ever in Idaho

If you went solar to save money and gain energy independence, you probably remember the promise of Net Metering. It was simple — when your solar panels produced more power than your home used, you’d send that extra energy back to the grid and get full retail credit for it.

But Idaho Power has changed the rules.

The utility has officially moved from Net Metering to Net Billing, and that shift is leaving a lot of homeowners surprised when they open their power bills.

What’s Changed with Idaho Power’s Net Billing Program

Under the old Net Metering structure, every kilowatt-hour (kWh) your solar system produced was worth the same — whether you used it immediately or sent it back to the grid.

Now, with Net Billing, Idaho Power pays you a fraction of the retail rate for that exported energy. Meanwhile, you’re still paying full price for any electricity you draw from the grid at night or during cloudy days.

This means homeowners who once saw $0 or near-$0 electric bills are now starting to see unexpected monthly charges.

How a Battery Changes Everything

This is where a solar battery makes all the difference.

A battery allows you to store your excess solar power during the day instead of sending it to Idaho Power for pennies. Then, when the sun goes down, your home draws from your own stored energy — not the grid.

Here’s what that means for you:

🔋 Lower Power Bills: You keep more of the energy you produce, reducing what you buy from the utility.💰 Better Return on Your Solar Investment: Stop losing money on low export rates.🏠 Backup Power During Outages: When the grid goes down, your lights stay on.🌞 True Energy Independence: You control your energy, not the utility.

The Bottom Line

Idaho Power’s Net Billing policy may have changed the game, but homeowners still have options. Adding a battery gives you the power to protect your investment, cut your bills, and ensure your home has energy security when you need it most.

You went solar to take control — now it’s time to finish the job.

Add a battery. Take your power back.