Utah Solar Panels
Pricing & Installation Data

Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Utah.

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Solar Panels in Utah

Since 2015, Utah has seen the construction of many utility-scale solar farms. The increase in residential solar has also been tremendous.  Utah has jumped from being ranked as the 23rd state to 12th for solar nationally in just one year, 2022 to 2023. 

Utah is making waves in the solar energy sector, both in utility-scale and residential installations. Major projects like the 240 MW Escalante Solar Project and the upcoming 300 MW-AC ECG Utah Solar 1 plant are putting Utah on the map for large-scale solar production. 

As of 2023, Utah has installed enough solar to power over 500,000 homes. Plus, with a renewable portfolio goal aiming for 20% renewable energy by 2025, Utah's sunny days are looking even brighter. 

While solar power and other renewable energy options are booming in popularity, there is much to consider. Whether you are trying to reduce your carbon footprint or your utility bills we’ll walk you through the most important factors to help you make the best energy decision.

Cost of Solar in Utah

The average price for a home solar panel system in Utah is $16,140 for a 6kW system or about $2.69 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.

Average Cost
6 kW System
Average Cost
10 kW System
Estimated
Tax Credit
(10 kW System)
Average
Cost/Watt
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Utah$17,280$28,800$8,640$2.88
U.S.Average$18,771$31,285$9,385.50$3.13
Most Costly State(Michigan)$22,680$37,800$11,340$3.78
Least Costly State(Arizona)$14,640$24,400$7,320$2.44

Costs by Solar System Size in Utah

For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.

I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.

System SizeSystem CostCost After Federal Tax Credit
5 kW$14,400$8,785
6 kW$17,280$10,542
7 kW$20,160$12,299
8 kW$23,040$14,056
10 kW$28,800$17,570

Pros and Cons of Solar in Utah

Unfortunately, nothing is perfect - including solar. To avoid buyer's remorse, you should think about all the pros and cons associated with installing solar equipment on your home. Then weigh them against each other to decide if it makes sense for you.

Everyone has their own opinion on how to interpret and weigh the pros and cons against each other. Our goal is to present the most common pros and cons and let you make your own choice.

Utah Solar Pros

  • Reduce or eliminate electric bills
  • Utah Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (RESTC) 
  • Tiered Net Metering available to Utah Residents
  • Energy independence from the grid
  • Reduce your carbon footprint
  • Increase home value (4.1% on average)
  • Utah ranks 12th in solar in the U.S.
  • There are many solar buy-back plans available

Utah Solar Cons

  • Not viable for all roofs or homes
  • Installation costs
  • Financial liability

EnergyBot's Take

Overall Utah is a great state to get solar but we will give the caveat that it will highly depend on where you live. Utah's landscape is a stunning mix of natural wonders, from arid deserts to lush forests and towering mountain ranges.

The southern regions get plenty of sunshine year-round, maximizing solar panel efficiency. Even in the northern parts, the sunny days can contribute to a solid solar output. Plus, with net metering available through Rocky Mountain Power, residents can get credited for the excess energy they generate. This can offset electricity costs and make solar an economically smart choice. 

This doesn’t come without challenges of course. Permitting and interconnection rules and regulations are lagging behind demand and technology. 

Utah residents can expect a payback period from 10 to 12 years on their solar investment only half the expected life of a system. That’s right, solar panels on average last over 20 years!

While solar is a viable option for Utah residents, make sure to do due diligence on the logistics in your area for installation. 

If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.

Leasing vs Buying Solar Panels in Utah

There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Utah. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.

Cash Purchase

The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Solar Loan

The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.

This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."

Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.

Solar Lease

Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.

Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:

  • Renew your lease agreement
  • Purchase the system
  • End your lease agreement

Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.

Power Purchase Agreements

A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.

For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.

Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.

Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.

Utah Solar Incentives

Utah residents have some pretty sweet incentives to go solar. First up, the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) gives you a 30% credit on your income tax for your solar system cost, averaging around $6,432 in savings. Then there's Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart Battery Program, offering $400 per kW of battery installed, with an average rebate of about $4,000 for two batteries, if you decide to get batteries with your solar. 

Then, Net Metering, which credits your electricity bill for any extra power you send back to the grid. The savings here can vary but are definitely worth it. On the local level, cities like St. George and Murray City offer full retail rate credits for net energy metering, making solar even more appealing.

But that’s not all! Rocky Mountain Power's Wattsmart program also caps rebates at 30 kW, meaning you could get up to $12,000 back. With Utah's goal to hit 20% renewable energy by 2025, these incentives aren't just pocket-friendly; they're also aligned with the state's green ambitions.

This table shows the available incentives in Utah. But, just because you don't see it here doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Check with your local utility for other potential incentives.

Name State Category Type
Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (Personal) UT Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit - Personal UT Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (Corporate) UT Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Moab - Green Power Community UT Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Credit - Corporate UT Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Clean Fuel Grant Program UT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Clean Fuel Tax Exemption and Certificate UT Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
Net Billing UT Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Interconnection Standards UT Regulatory Policy Interconnection
Salt Lake City - Green Power Purchasing UT Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Alternative Energy Sales Tax Exemption UT Financial Incentive Sales Tax Incentive
Rocky Mountain Power - Cool Cash Incentive UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Rocky Mountain Power - Refrigerator Recycling Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Building Energy Code UT Regulatory Policy Building Energy Code
State Building Energy Efficiency Program UT Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Rocky Mountain Power - wattsmart Residential Efficiency Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of St. George - Net Metering UT Regulatory Policy Net Metering
City of St. George - Solar and Wind Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Murray City Power - Net Metering Pilot Program UT Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Rocky Mountain Power - wattsmart Business Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Rocky Mountain Power - Self-Direction Credit Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Dominion Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Dominion Energy - Commercial Energy Efficiency Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Dominion Energy - Home Builder Gas Appliance Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
U-Save Energy Efficiency Fund UT Financial Incentive Loan Program
Rocky Mountain Power - Solar Incentive Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Salt Lake City - High Performance Buildings Requirement UT Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Renewable Portfolio Goal UT Regulatory Policy Renewables Portfolio Standard
Washington City Power - Net Metering UT Regulatory Policy Net Metering
Washington City Power - PV and Wind Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Logan City Light and Power - PV Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Dominion Energy - Residential Solar Assisted Water Heating Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Questar Gas - Homebuilders Solar Assisted Gas Water Heating Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Renewable Energy Development Incentive (REDI) UT Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Alternative Energy Development Incentive (Corporate) UT Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
City of St. George - Energy Efficient Homes Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
City of St. George - Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Utah - Renewable Energy Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Utah - Cash For Appliances Rebate Program UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Utah Home Performance UT Financial Incentive Rebate Program
Alternative Energy Development Incentive (Personal) UT Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Alternative Energy Manufacturing Tax Credit UT Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Utah Commercial PACE financing program UT Financial Incentive PACE Financing
Utah Solar Rights (duplicate) UT Regulatory Policy Solar/Wind Access Policy
Conversion to Alternative Fuel Grant Program UT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Workplace EV Charging Funding Assistance Program UT Financial Incentive Grant Program
Alternative Fuel Heavy-Duty Vehicle Tax Credit Program UT Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Tax-Exempt Financing for Green Buildings, Renewable Energy & Brownfield Redevelopment US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Conservation Security Program (CSP) Production Incentive US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Federal Excise Tax Exemption for Gasohol US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS) US Financial Incentive Corporate Depreciation
Energy Star Financing and Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA Rural Housing Service Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Exemption
Renewable Energy Production Incentive (REPI) US Financial Incentive Performance-Based Incentive
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Small Business Administration Loan Programs US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Energy-Efficient Mortgages US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government US Regulatory Policy Green Power Purchasing
Energy-Efficient Commercial Buildings Tax Deduction US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Deduction
Energy-Efficient New Homes Tax Credit for Home Builders US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Energy-Efficient Appliance Manufacturing Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Industry Recruitment/Support
Residential Energy Efficiency Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Veterans Housing Guaranteed and Insured Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Federal Appliance Standards US Regulatory Policy Appliance/Equipment Efficiency Standards
Energy Goals and Standards for Federal Agencies US Regulatory Policy Energy Standards for Public Buildings
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) US Financial Incentive Loan Program
U.S. Department of Treasury - Renewable Energy Grants US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
USDA - Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing Assistance Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Repowering Assistance Biorefinery Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Title I Property Improvement Loans US Financial Incentive Loan Program
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Assistance (EA/REDA) Program US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) US Financial Incentive Grant Program
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program US Financial Incentive Loan Program
Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Corporate) US Financial Incentive Corporate Tax Credit
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Tax Credit (Personal) US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit
Previously-Owned Clean Vehicle Tax Credit US Financial Incentive Personal Tax Credit

Renewable Energy Tax Credit (RESTC): The residential Solar PV tax credit is phasing out and currently (installations completed in 2023) the tax credit is calculated as 25 percent of the eligible system cost or $400, whichever is less for installations on residential dwelling units.

Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp) Wattsmart Battery Program: 

  • Provides an upfront solar rebate for $400 per kilowatt (kW) of battery installed alongside panels. The average rebate is around $4,000 for two batteries.
  • Also offers a rebate of $400 per kilowatt of battery capacity installed, capped at 30 kW, for a maximum of $12,000.

Local Incentives: Various rebates and perks provided by individual utility providers, municipalities, and other local entities. Examples include the City of St. George Net Energy Metering and Murray City Power NEM Program, both offering full retail rate credits.

Utah Solar Companies

There are hundreds of solar companies in Utah. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.

To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.

The solar companies we partner with:

  • Project Solar - A nationwide provider of solar panel systems that has a non-sales-oriented approach to building your system. They build your system from their central office and send a local company to complete the solar panel installation.
  • EnergySage - The largest online solar installation network. They work with thousands of installers to help you find the perfect solar system for your home. With thousands of successful solar installations, they can give you a range of bids and pricing options.
  • Tesla - Brains behind some of the most cutting-edge technology in the automotive industry, Tesla also offers sleek and powerful solar systems and battery systems.

We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.

Before You Install Solar Panels

Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.

  • What are the long-term savings and payback period for installing a solar panel system?
  • How will installing solar panels impact my home's value?
  • What is the system’s Return on Investment (ROI)?
  • Are there any specific design or aesthetic considerations for solar panel installation?
  • How do I weigh the environmental benefits against the costs of installation?
  • What are the specific terms and conditions for the installer?

Green Energy & Green Jobs

Utah's has an ambitious plan to achieve net-100% renewable energy by 2030 through a unique program called the Community Renewable Energy Program. Initiated in 2019 with the passage of HB411, this program allows communities within Rocky Mountain Power's service area to opt into a collective effort to boost renewable energy. The program is a first of its kind, involving a collaboration between a monopoly investor-owned utility and various communities.

The plan is still in its early stages. But, 15 communities, including Salt Lake City and Castle Valley, are already on board. These communities make up about 37% of Rocky Mountain Power's electricity sales. If successful, the program could double Utah's solar grid capacity. The timeline for the program is pretty detailed, from rate design in 2021-2022 to the construction of new renewable energy sources from 2023 to 2024. There's also a focus on affordability and a provision for a low-income plan committee to ensure equitable access to renewable energy.

So, it's not just about going green; it's about doing it in a way that involves and benefits as many communities as possible.

Why Trust EnergyBot

We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.

Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Utah decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.

We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.

Utah Solar FAQs

The cost of solar panel installation in Utah can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.

A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Utah is $16,140 for a 6kW system or about or about $2.69 per watt.

The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:

  1. Your home's energy consumption: The first step is to calculate your household's energy use. You can do this by looking at your electricity bills to see how much electricity you use in a year, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average U.S. home uses around 10,400 kWh per year, but this can vary widely based on the size of your home, the efficiency of your appliances, and your personal habits.
  2. The amount of sunlight your location receives: This can vary depending on where you live. For example, if you live in a place that has many sunny days like Arizona, you might require fewer solar panels compared to someone living in a place with less sunlight like Seattle.
  3. The efficiency of the solar panels: Not all solar panels are created equal. Some panels can convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently than others. On average, residential solar panels have an efficiency rating between 15-20%. The higher the efficiency, the fewer panels you would likely need to meet your energy needs.
  4. The size of the solar panels: Solar panels also come in different sizes. A common size for residential use is roughly 65 inches by 39 inches. Each panel typically produces around 250 to 400 watts of power, but this can vary.

To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.

  • Lower Electricity Bills:
    Once your solar panels are installed, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid, which can lower your monthly bills.
  • Environmental Benefits:
    Solar energy is clean and renewable, so using it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful pollutants.
  • Increased Home Value:
    Installing solar panels can increase the value of your home and make it more attractive to potential buyers.
  • Long-Term Savings:
    While the upfront cost of installing solar energy systems can be high, they can pay for themselves over time through lower energy bills and other savings.
  • Location:
    Homes in areas with lots of sunlight are generally better candidates for solar panels. If your home is shaded or doesn't receive much sunlight, it may not be the best choice.
  • Roof Orientation:
    Ideally, your roof should be facing south to get the most sunlight throughout the day.
  • Roof Condition:
    Your roof should be in good condition and able to support the weight of the solar panels. If your roof needs repairs or replacement, it's best to take care of that before your solar installation.

The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.

Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.

Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.

When it comes to solar panels, you've got two main types of solar panels to consider. Monocrystalline panels are the top dogs in efficiency and have a sleek design, but they'll cost you a bit more. Polycrystalline panels are a more budget-friendly option but offer lower efficiency. So whether you're going for max efficiency or are on a budget, there are options for you. 

Either type can produce enough solar power for your home. We recommend getting a recommendation from a solar installer for your home. Depending on your budget, location, and other factors they can recommend the most efficient solar panels for your home. 

Some skilled DIYers may be able to save some solar installation costs by installing solar equipment themselves. But, any solar installation will require a foundational knowledge of wiring and electricity. There's is a lot that can go wrong, posing a potentially deadly hazard.

Before you try to DIY your system we would recommend getting a quote from a solar installer. You may find that the labor costs of your install is relatively small compared to the cost of the solar equipment itself.

Utah, getting a solar permit is pretty straightforward but can vary depending on your local jurisdiction. 

Typically, you'll need to submit a permit application to your local building department, which usually includes site plans and system specs. Some cities have streamlined this process to encourage solar adoption. It's always a good idea to consult your local building department for the nitty-gritty details like required documentation and fees. 

If you're working with a solar installation company, they often handle the permitting process for you.

Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City Building Services

West Valley City

West Valley City Building Services

Provo

City of Provo Permitting & Licensing

West Jordan

City of West Jordan Building & Safety