Key insights
In Utah, a typical residential solar panel installation costs $11,950 to $23,900.
Jump to insightIt takes solar panels approximately 12.9 years to pay for themselves in Utah.
Jump to insightOver 25 years, Utah homeowners with solar panels avoid $31,768 in total utility costs on average.
Jump to insight6 factors to consider before getting solar panels in Utah
ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of solar customers who have already gone through the installation process. It’s generally worth it if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills, helping the environment and gaining more energy independence. But it doesn’t work out for everyone. Here’s what to consider before making the switch.
1. Solar panel installation costs
Average solar panel costs in Utah are comparable to the national average. A typical residential solar panel installation costs $31,954 in Utah. That doesn’t include a solar battery, which can add $7,000 to $18,000 to your total system costs.
On the high end, Brett in West Jordan told us he spent $44,000 going solar.
Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. “Cost per watt” is a little like looking at the price per square foot when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. In Utah, the average cost per watt is only $2.39. In Salt Lake City, the average cost per watt is $2.31.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Utah
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | $11,950 | $14,340 | $16,730 | $19,120 | $21,510 | $23,900 |
| Salt Lake City | $11,550 | $13,860 | $16,170 | $18,480 | $20,790 | $23,100 |
2. Your current energy consumption
A typical Utah household needs a system with a capacity of 13.37 kW to offset its electricity needs with solar energy. You might need a larger or smaller system, depending on your current energy consumption.
Look at your most recent utility bills — how much electricity does your house need each month? This tells you what size and capacity your solar system needs to be.
Once you know your current energy consumption, you can calculate your potential savings and the time it should take for your solar installation to pay for itself.
3. Utah solar incentives
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit has expired, but Utah homeowners may still qualify for utility incentives. For example, Rocky Mountain Power’s Wattsmart Battery program offers eligible customers up to $2,000 upfront for a qualifying battery, plus ongoing bill credits.
What to know about net billing in Utah
Rocky Mountain Power uses net billing instead of traditional net metering. Extra solar power sent to the grid earns a bill credit at a rate that’s lower than the retail price of electricity.
Customers who enrolled under older solar programs may receive more favorable rates, while most newer customers receive Rocky Mountain Power’s current export rate.
Unused credits roll over during the annual billing period but expire at the end of that period, so it usually doesn’t make sense to produce much more electricity than you use.
» MORE: Utah solar incentives
4. How long you plan to stay in your house
Solar panel installations are expensive, and it takes years for electric bill savings to make up for the initial cost. Solar panels typically pay for themselves within 12.9 years in Utah. If you sell your house and move before then, you might not fully realize the financial benefits of your solar investment.
Solar panels last 25 to 30 years.
A 2019 Zillow study found that, on average, houses with solar panels sell for 4.1% more. Let’s say you spend $25,000 putting solar panels on a house that costs $400,000. It might sell for $16,400 more in a few years. But you miss out on some of that $31,768 in total avoided utility costs over 25 years.
In other words, don't get solar panels just because you want to sell your house soon. Instead, consider a home improvement project with a better return on investment, like remodeling the bathroom or kitchen.
5. How you pay
Solar loans are one common way Utah homeowners pay for solar. Some loans require little or no money down, although interest increases your total cost over time.
Cara in Salt Lake City said she was surprised by how affordable financing made solar: “I had always thought buying solar panels for our home would be prohibitively expensive and was surprised to find out that there is no down payment required, the terms of the loan are extremely favorable so the monthly payments are small.”
Leasing solar panels is another way to go solar with little upfront cost. You make monthly payments to use a system owned by a third party, typically for 20 to 25 years.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) works similarly. A third party owns and maintains the panels, and you agree to buy the electricity they produce at a set rate for a specified period.
Monthly costs: solar payments vs. savings
Compare what you’d pay each month with solar to what you pay for electricity now. Ideally, your solar loan payment plus any remaining utility bill should be lower than your current electric bill.
Judie in Murray said, “This has been good for us financially and the payment plan is lower than the monthly costs of the power provided by the local city.”
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
6. The solar company you hire
People have had mixed experiences with solar companies. In the best-case scenario, it’s easy to make the switch and you’re happy with the system’s performance. In the worst-case scenario, you end up paying thousands for midtier solar equipment from a company with poor customer service and no follow-up or support.
One of the most common complaints is related to pushy sales reps who make promises that can’t be delivered. That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly research and verify claims made by sales teams before making a decision.
Pros and cons of solar panels in Utah
Going solar in Utah has some disadvantages. Specifically, the state offers very few solar incentives. It has no laws governing how electric companies compensate you for net metering.
Pros
- Long-term savings
- Better for the environment
- Low maintenance costs
- May increase home resale value
Cons
- Upfront costs
- Seasonal production variations
- Potential roof leaks
- May make your house harder to sell
Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?
Going solar ends up being worth it for many homeowners as long as their house is a good candidate to support a solar panel installation. Here’s what to think about before you commit:
- How old are my appliances? The first step is to ensure that your electrical loads are as small as possible. If you have an older refrigerator or air conditioning unit, for instance, it’s smart to upgrade those before investing in solar panels. That way, you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall.
- How much sunlight do I get? Solar panels need regular exposure to sunlight to produce the most energy possible. Utah averages three to five peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient.
- What is the size and angle of my roof? Utah (and the rest of the United States) is in the Northern Hemisphere, so solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch. For example, if the only place you can install is a north-facing roof with a 30-degree pitch, your costs will likely go up by 30% to 40%.
- What is the condition of my roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels.
Find solar companies in Utah
A good solar company helps you navigate local incentives, permitting and net metering policies. Compare our picks for the top solar companies in Utah to learn more.
| Company | Customer rating | Pro install | Payment options | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Blue Raven Solar | Learn More | 3.0 |  | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | 2014 |
 Project Solar | Learn More | 3.8 | | Cash, loan | 2020 |
 ShopSolar | Learn More | 4.3 |  | Cash, loan | 2018 |
Utah solar FAQ
What are the benefits of going solar in Utah?
Going solar has a few benefits in Utah
Cheaper energy bills: The average homeowner in Utah uses a lot of power, which adds up to a lot of savings when you switch to solar. Going solar now means that your monthly energy expenses will be more predictable (and very often significantly lower). It also protects you from future energy cost increases.
Better for the environment: Traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas release carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the air. Installing solar panels on your roof helps the environment primarily by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Higher home resale value: Installing solar panels can increase a home's value. The exact increase in value varies by location, with homes in active solar markets sometimes seeing even higher boosts.
More energy independence: Embracing solar paves the path toward true energy independence. It works especially well for people in areas susceptible to power outages.
What are the drawbacks of going solar in Utah?
Going solar has a few drawbacks in Utah:
Solar equipment is expensive: Solar panel prices typically start between $10,000 and $30,000. It’s even more expensive if you want a solar battery for energy storage. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000.
Potential roof leaks: The installation process involves drilling holes into the roof to anchor the panel mounting systems. If not done correctly, this can lead to leaks or structural damage.
Could make your house harder to sell: Solar panels can make a home harder to sell if they’re leased or financed, since the buyer may have to take over the agreement. Some buyers may also worry about roof repairs, maintenance or whether the system will actually save them money.
Energy production varies: Solar panels are dependent on weather conditions and seasonality. Solar panels still work on cloudy days, but less available sunlight does affect how efficiently they produce energy. Snow cover may also temporarily reduce efficiency until it's removed or melts off.
» MORE: Solar energy pros and cons
How long does it take to install solar panels in Utah?
Installation times depend on a range of factors, especially seasonality and supply chain issues. The actual installation might take only a day, but it takes time to design and plan, and you also have to activate the system.
What solar scams are common in Utah?
Utah residents should be aware that several solar companies based in the state have a history of deceptive sales practices, resulting in complaints and legal action. These companies often change their names and use tactics like claiming false partnerships with utility companies, charging inflated prices and making unrealistic promises.
Do solar panels increase property taxes in Utah?
Solar panel systems could possibly increase property taxes in Utah, as they generally add value to a home. There is no solar property tax exemption in Utah.
Bottom line: Is going solar in Utah worth it for you?
Going solar in Utah might be easier than you think. The main obstacle to going solar is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels, inverters and other equipment. For a lot of homeowners, it ends up being worth it as long as their cost savings over time outweigh the initial investment. Others are happy to go solar for the environmental benefits alone.
Solar costs vs. savings: Utah and nearby states
| 6-kW system cost (before incentives) | 10-kW system cost (before incentives) | Typical system size needed* | Average cost per watt | Total utility power cost savings** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $13,680 | $22,800 | 13.56 kW | $2.28 | $65,970 |
| Colorado | $15,960 | $26,600 | 11.5 kW | $2.66 | $39,344 |
| Idaho | $18,120 | $30,200 | 13.03 kW | $3.02 | $36,949 |
| Nevada | $14,520 | $24,200 | 13.28 kW | $2.42 | $69,323 |
| New Mexico | $15,420 | $25,700 | 10.98 kW | $2.57 | $43,093 |
| Utah | $14,340 | $23,900 | 13.37 kW | $2.39 | $31,768 |
| Wyoming | $21,060 | $35,100 | 10.12 kW | $3.51 | $46,147 |
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
DSIRE, "Utah Solar Programs." Accessed Sept. 10, 2026.
EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in Utah.” Accessed Sept. 10, 2026.
Solar Energy Industries Association, "Utah Solar." Accessed Sept. 10, 2026.
SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in Utah?” Accessed Sept. 10, 2026.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Solar Power Purchase Agreements.” Accessed Sept. 10, 2026.
Rocky Mountain Power, "Wattsmart Battery Program." Accessed Sept. 10, 2026.
Utah Energy Hub, "Connecting Solar to the Grid and Export Credit Rates." Accessed Sept. 10, 2026.
Utah Clean Energy, “Solar Permitting Toolbox.” Accessed Sept. 10, 2026.
The Utah Investigative Journalism Project, “‘Solar boom’ heats up fraud complaints against Utah solar companies.” Accessed Sept. 10, 2026.
