STATE SOLAR LAWS
Idaho's solar market is growing, with net metering policies that have undergone significant changes. This guide covers your cooling-off rights, Idaho Consumer Protection Act, PUC regulations, and step-by-step exit options for homeowners looking to exit solar contracts in Idaho.
Updated March 2026 · Not legal advice · Our methodology
Idaho homeowners who sign solar contracts generally have at least 3 federal business days to cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule if the sale occurred at their home. Beyond that window, the Idaho Consumer Protection Act (Idaho Code Section 48-601 et seq.) may provide additional grounds for cancellation if misrepresentations were made. Idaho's net metering policies have undergone changes through Idaho Public Utilities Commission proceedings, creating important considerations for solar consumers. We always recommend consulting a qualified Idaho attorney before taking action.
The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule (16 CFR Part 429) generally provides Idaho homeowners with 3 business days to cancel a sale that occurred at your home or away from the seller's permanent place of business. Door-to-door solar sales are becoming increasingly common in Idaho's growing markets — particularly in the Boise metro area, Nampa, Meridian, Idaho Falls, and Pocatello.
Under this rule, the solar company is generally required to:
Idaho Code Section 28-36-101 et seq. (the Idaho Home Solicitation Sales Act) provides protections for home solicitation transactions. Under this statute, sellers conducting door-to-door sales must provide written cancellation notices. The buyer generally has the right to cancel within 3 business days. Failure to provide proper notice may extend the cancellation period.
Important for Idaho homeowners: If the solar company failed to provide the required cancellation notice, your right to cancel may extend beyond the standard 3-day window. Find a solar panel lawyer →
For written contract claims in Idaho, the statute of limitations is generally 5 years under Idaho Code Section 5-216. For fraud, the limitation is typically 3 years from discovery under Section 5-218. Act promptly to preserve your legal options.
Time-sensitive: If you believe you're within the cooling-off period, send your written cancellation notice immediately via certified mail. Pre-installation cancellation guide →
The Idaho Consumer Protection Act (Idaho Code Section 48-601 et seq.) is the state's primary consumer protection statute. Under the ICPA, homeowners may have grounds for action if the solar company engaged in:
Under the ICPA, the Idaho Attorney General may investigate complaints and seek civil penalties. Individual consumers may pursue private actions and may recover actual damages plus attorney's fees under Idaho Code Section 48-608. In cases involving willful or knowing violations, the court may award additional damages.
ICPA tip: Idaho's Consumer Protection Act allows for recovery of attorney's fees in successful claims, which makes it financially viable for consumers to pursue smaller claims. Send a written demand letter before filing suit — this often prompts resolution. Find a solar panel lawyer →
Idaho requires electrical contractors to be licensed through the Idaho Division of Building Safety. Solar installations involve electrical work. If the installer was not properly licensed, this may provide additional grounds for relief.
If your solar agreement involves financing, TILA provides additional protections including potential rescission rights within 3 years if proper disclosures were not provided.
Need help understanding your rights under Idaho law? Get a free preliminary contract review.
Idaho's net metering landscape has changed significantly. The Idaho Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) has conducted proceedings that modified the compensation structure for distributed solar generation. Key considerations:
The IPUC regulates investor-owned utilities including Idaho Power and has authority over:
Idaho provides a property tax exemption for qualifying renewable energy equipment under Idaho Code Section 63-3024B. Solar energy systems may qualify. If the solar company made inaccurate property tax claims, this could support a consumer protection claim.
Idaho does not currently have a comprehensive statewide solar access law preventing HOA restrictions on solar installations. HOA covenants may vary. If the solar company failed to verify HOA compliance before your contract, this may affect your obligations.
As Idaho's net metering compensation has evolved through IPUC proceedings, some homeowners report that savings projections presented during the sales process were based on more favorable rates than those currently available. If the solar company used outdated or inaccurate net metering assumptions, the projected savings may have been materially misleading.
Idaho has good solar resources, particularly in southern Idaho, but production depends on site-specific factors including roof orientation, shading, and local weather. If projections were materially overstated, this may be actionable under the ICPA.
As Idaho's population has grown rapidly — particularly in the Boise-Nampa-Meridian corridor — door-to-door solar sales have increased. Common complaints include high-pressure tactics and promises not reflected in written contracts.
Solar leases and PPAs may contain annual escalator clauses. Given Idaho's relatively low electricity rates compared to some states, an escalator can more quickly erode the economic benefit of solar. If this was not clearly disclosed, it may support a claim.
Important: We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. Missed payments can damage your credit and may result in additional legal liability. Continue making payments while exploring your exit options.
Your attorney will send a demand letter. The potential for damages and attorney's fees under the ICPA creates incentive for companies to negotiate.
Compare solar cancellation companies →
Idaho-specific tip: Idaho's evolving net metering policies mean that savings projections made even a few years ago may no longer be accurate. Compare the net metering rate assumed in your sales projection to the actual rate you receive on your utility bill. A significant discrepancy could support a consumer protection claim.
Stuck in a solar contract in Idaho? Get a free preliminary contract review.
Phone: (208) 334-2424 or (800) 432-3545
Online complaint: File a complaint at ag.idaho.gov
Mail: Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0010
Phone: (208) 334-0300 or (800) 432-0369
Online: puc.idaho.gov
Jurisdiction: Oversees regulated utilities, net metering, interconnection, and rate structures
Phone: (208) 334-3950
Online: dbs.idaho.gov
Note: Verify electrical contractor licensing
Phone: (208) 334-4500
Online: isb.idaho.gov
Under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule and Idaho Code Section 28-36-101, you generally have 3 business days. If the company failed to provide required notices, the window may extend. Full cancellation guide →
Idaho's net metering has changed through IPUC proceedings. Traditional retail-rate net metering may no longer be available. Existing customers may be grandfathered. Check with your utility for current terms.
If the company engaged in unfair or deceptive acts, you may have grounds under the ICPA. Remedies include actual damages and attorney's fees. Find a solar panel lawyer →
If actual savings are significantly less than projected — particularly due to outdated net metering assumptions — you may have grounds for relief. Document the discrepancy and consult an attorney.
Yes, Idaho requires electrical contractors to be licensed through the Division of Building Safety. Unlicensed work may provide additional grounds for relief.
Idaho provides a property tax exemption for qualifying renewable energy equipment under Idaho Code Section 63-3024B.
Get a free preliminary contract review to understand your options under Idaho law.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws and regulations may change, and this information may not reflect the most current legal developments. Results vary by individual situation, contract terms, and applicable laws. We do not advise homeowners to stop making payments or breach contractual obligations. SolarPanelExit.com and TRU Solar Cancellation share common ownership. Always consult a qualified Idaho attorney before taking legal action. See our Ownership Disclosure, Advertiser Disclosure, and Methodology.