Best Solar Companies in Utah

We compared 54 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Blue Raven Solar
      4.7(263)
    • Value
      Project Solar
      4.8(76)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in Utah

      If you've been thinking about going solar in Utah but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      Our research team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,568,019 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies, reviewed

      Our top solar company picks

      1. Blue Raven Solar: Best overall
      2. Project Solar: Excellent value
      3. ShopSolar: Great equipment selection

      Blue Raven Solar

      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2014
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation

      Blue Raven Solar installs top-tier panels, storage batteries and microinverters to maximize energy production. We also like that it offers a unique financing option: BluePower Plus+ combines the best aspects of a solar lease with the flexibility of system ownership. This lets you go solar with no upfront costs.

      Customers have generally had positive experiences with Blue Raven Solar. They appreciate the professionalism and efficiency of the installation crews. Many also praised the customer service and communication throughout the process.

      • “From start to finish, the Blue Raven team was professional and have provided exceptional support each step of the way. We even got the critter guard installed for free because of a change in our cities solar codes. Anytime we have had questions, our sales representative has been there and been able to provide us with an answer.” — Stephen in Eagle Mountain, UT

      • “Very respectful crew and easygoing. Just do their job and ask me anything before they coming inside my house so I like that. And the customer service is really good to got the answer for all my questions and get me a help right away if I need to or get me to the right person who can help me better.” — Michael in Syracuse, UT

      Some reviewers have mentioned minor issues, such as debris left behind or delays in completing the installation. Overall, they were still satisfied with the quality of the work and the performance of the solar panels.

      Blue Raven Solar offers homeowners a simple and affordable way to go solar. It has zero-down financing with fixed interest rates and predictable payments. The company installs some of the latest solar technology. All systems come with a 25-year panel guarantee and a two-year production guarantee. The company has locations in Orem and Murray, Utah.

      Blue Raven Solar services

      • Consulting and design
      • Professional installations
      • Financing solutions
      • System monitoring

      Blue Raven Solar solar panel installations come with a standard 25-year manufacturer and 10-year workmanship warranty plus a roof penetration warranty. Power production is guaranteed for two years. Within that time, Blue Raven Solar will reimburse you for lost energy.

      Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer. The company offers the FranklinWH aPower Battery (12-year warranty) and Tesla Powerwall 3 (10-year warranty).

      You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. Blue Raven Solar also has some unique in-house payment options:

      • BluePower: This fixed monthly payment option lets you go solar without a significant upfront cost. There’s no prepayment penalty, and the plan is transferable to a new homeowner if you ever sell your house.
      • BluePower Plus+: Eligible customers can pay $0 upfront, get coverage for the first 18 months of solar loan payments and make fixed monthly payments after that. You own the system and are responsible for maintenance.

      Pros

      • Sleek, durable systems
      • Zero-down financing
      • Fixed interest rates and payments
      • Production guarantee
      • Referral cash bonus

      Cons

      • Occasional installation delays
      • Some complaints about miscommunication
      Our pick for value

      Project Solar

      Max. panel efficiency
      20.9%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2016

      Project Solar reps focus on a simple, streamlined customer experience. We like the fact that they don’t work on commissions. This no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious solar clients who want either professional or do-it-yourself installation.

      Verified customers tell us the prices are competitive and transparent. Its sign-up process is easy, and the installation process is generally smooth.

      We also appreciate the price transparency. The website provides clear information on pricing models and potential savings. As of publishing, full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt, and power purchase agreements are between 10 cents and 15 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Anything over 13 kilowatts is a flat rate.

      • “When I first heard about Project Solar I had spoken with more than 6 solar companies and each ended up being close to $30k to complete the project. Project Solar came in at less than 1/2. I jumped on it. We pay less than $15 a month for power and that is just the subscription minimum. I love that.” — Bill in Lindon, UT

      • “Signing up with Project Solar was good because there was no pressure and working with them was very good. They were very upfront and they indicated that they use different vendors to do the installations. Everything went just fine and I had no problems with them. Three guys came over for the installation and they were prompt that I even bought them lunch. They were working out there hard and were doing it fast and providing the lines. The only hiccup was the City required to do a rough inspection … Other than that, everything went good.” — Oscar in American Fork, UT

      Chanki in Vineyard, Utah, didn’t realize that Project Solar uses local contractors instead of in-house installers. “That was the only thing that I was a little confused with,” Chanki told us. “Everything else was good.”

      We’ve heard about some minor issues related to miscommunications or permit delays. Overall, customers were happy with the cost savings and the customer service provided by Project Solar.

      Project Solar specializes in professional and DIY solar panel installations. Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Q-Cell, Canadian Solar, Jinko and Enphase. As part of the full-service installation, it offers Enphase IQ 5P batteries or Tesla Powerwall. DIY projects only have the Enphase IQ 5P option. It currently operates in multiple states across the U.S.

      Project Solar services

      • System design
      • Equipment procurement
      • Pro and DIY installations
      • Financing solutions

      Project Solar partners with a few lenders to offer two main financing options for professional solar installations:

      • Option A is cheaper overall: Ideal for customers who plan to pay off their solar loan in a shorter period, typically around seven years. It has a higher interest rate, but any extra payments go directly towards reducing the principal amount. This can save you from paying excess interest if you pay off the loan early, as many homeowners tend to move within 13 years on average.
      • Option B has a lower monthly payment: Designed for customers who plan to stay in their current home for at least 20 years and prioritize a consistent, low monthly payment over the long term. While the interest rate is lower, there may be additional costs that cannot be avoided by paying off the loan early.

      For DIY solar projects, Project Solar's financing partners cannot provide loans. DIY customers need to pay cash or finance their project through a third-party lender, such as LightStream or a home equity loan/line of credit.

      Project Solar provides two main warranties: a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.

      • Manufacturer’s warranty: Covers defects in materials of solar panels, inverters and other equipment for 25 years.
      • Workmanship warranty: Covers issues like faulty wiring or improper mounting for 25 years if you pay for full installation services.
      • Performance guarantee: There’s an 84% production level guarantee for 25 years, and it provides reimbursements if production levels are not met during this time.

      Pros

      • Transparent pricing
      • Streamlined installations
      • Great for cost savings
      • Roof-leak warranty

      Cons

      • Fewer equipment options
      • Subcontracted installers
      • No in-house financing

      ShopSolar

      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for DIY projects. We like that ShopSolar has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication. You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. It’s great for homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      • “When I enrolled with them, it was very pleasant and right to the point. I got everything I ordered, and it was all good. Everything works. I like it. The installation was really easy. I have six panels on my greenhouse, and I have a 3,600 watt solar generator that sometimes I have in my greenhouse hooked up …  ShopSolarKits have always been very helpful. When I had a hard time explaining what I needed, they figured it out for me and it all worked very well.” — Kathy in Beaver, UT

      • “I use the system for backup and ShopSolarKits was really good to work with. I'm using it for backup but I lost two batteries. One kicked out, but I was able to get it to kick back on, and we had to send the other one in.” — Tharon in Brigham City, UT

      • “I really like the package that ShopSolar sent me. The products, the battery, the solar, and the inverter were all matched. It went together well. I was really happy with it. It was super easy to set up, but it takes some knowledge. I don't know that an average person can or can't do it. It did not come with a whole lot of instructions. There was some with the final terminations. It was good that way.” — Craig in Eden, UT

      The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services. So, it’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      Additionally, some customers experienced problems with their purchases, such as damaged or faulty equipment, but ShopSolar generally resolved these issues with refunds or replacements.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells custom solar kits and other equipment, such as generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Custom solar kits
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      Utah solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in Utah.

      Key insights

      In Utah, a typical residential solar panel system costs $9,520 to $27,200, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for buying solar panels in Utah. You can also lease a system with little upfront cost, but you aren't eligible for the ITC.

      Jump to insight

      Many solar customers are happy with the service, installation and cost savings. Others felt misled by pushy sales tactics and ended up with monthly bills higher than expected. Watch out for false advertising, aggressive sales tactics and door-to-door solar scammers that attempt to gather your personal information.

      Jump to insight

      Going solar in Utah

      You should be aware that several solar companies based in Utah 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. To protect yourself, verify solar companies through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

      What to look for in a solar company in Utah

      In our experience, the best solar companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Utah. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

      • Read reviews: Research the company's track record and read verified reviews. Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Check certifications: NABCEP certification shows you a solar company takes its business seriously. Solar installers in Utah also must hold a current S202 Solar Photovoltaic Contractor license from the Utah DOPL. Obtaining the S202 license requires specific qualifications, including passing with at least two years of experience in the trade and passing insurance. To check on the business license of a solar contractor, you can see the status of an installer’s licensure on the DOPL Licensee Lookup & Verification System.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Ask questions: Consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in Utah.
      • Read the fine print: Carefully review proposals and financials, understand legal considerations, and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How much does it cost to go solar in Utah?

      Average solar panel costs in Utah typically range between $9,520 and $27,200. On the high end, Brett in West Jordan, Utah, told us he spent $44,000.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Utah, the average cost per watt is $2.72. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Utah

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      You could pay the full cost upfront, but many choose to finance their system through a solar loan. It works like most other types of loans — there is an application process, and you pay the loan back over time with interest.

      You can also lease solar panels. There are pros and cons to leasing. It’s sometimes cheaper in the short term, but you’ll be disqualified from some of the best financial incentives, including the federal solar investment tax credit.

      Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years.

      Some solar companies suggest using a home equity line of credit or loan to finance a solar installation. This can be a financially beneficial option — home equity interest rates are relatively low, and it lets homeowners take advantage of the federal solar tax credit.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Utah

      Utah doesn’t have as many solar incentives as other states. The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant way to make installing panels more affordable. The ITC is a federal income tax credit worth 30% of the total cost of your system, including equipment, labor and permits. The ITC is not a rebate or a refund, and any unused portion rolls over into the next tax year.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. You don’t get these benefits automatically, though. You have to claim your solar equipment, labor and permits on your federal taxes for the same year you started using your system on Form 5695.

      » EXPLORE: Utah solar incentives

      Are solar panels worth it in Utah?

      The general consensus is that solar panels are worth it in Utah. On average, homeowners can avoid $53,135 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Judie in Murray, Utah, is one of the happy solar customers that we’ve talked to. “I knew that this would help my overall living costs and keep our rates lower in the future. We are very satisfied!” she 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.”

      Another resident, Cara in Salt Lake City, Utah, went solar to reduce her household’s impact on the environment. “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, and hopefully we will generate enough energy to almost eliminate our power bills over the year,” she 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.”
      — Judie in Murray, Utah

      However, not everyone benefits from solar panels in the same way. Factors to consider include the age of your appliances, the amount of sunlight you get, the condition of your roof and the space you have available. The return on investment of a solar panel installation also depends on the efficiency and size of your system. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 11 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      Going solar isn’t just a green move in Utah — it's often a smart money move. Solar panels are worth it if you like the idea of helping the environment, lowering your monthly utility bills and gaining more energy independence.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      Can I get free solar panels in Utah?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Utah. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      How does net metering work in Utah?

      Net metering lets homeowners get credits for extra electricity their solar panels generate and send to the power grid. The goal of net metering is to let you produce enough renewable electricity for your own home's needs but not drastically more than what you use. Here's the short version of how it works:

      1. Your home's electricity meter keeps track of both the electricity used from the utility company and any extra electricity fed into the grid from your solar panels or other system.
      2. At the end of each billing period, your utility company looks at whether your system put more electricity into the grid than you pulled out.
      3. If you put back more than you used, you get a credit toward next month's bill for the extra amount. If you used more than your system produced, you only pay the utility company for that additional amount.
      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components. Ultimately, deciding between a solar broker and a solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process. Brokers can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it’s best to work directly with a solar installer.

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.

      It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      If your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      What is the difference between a solar lease and a PPA?

      If you lease a solar system or enter a PPA, you don't own the panels, but you benefit from the cheap electricity they produce. The solar company that owns the system is responsible for maintaining it, so you don't have to worry about ongoing maintenance costs. The key difference is how you pay.

      • Lease: Entering a solar lease is basically renting a solar panel system. As with leasing a car, you pay a fixed amount every month over a set period of time, typically 25 years.
      • Power purchase agreement: With a PPA, you don't pay a fixed monthly price. You pay for the electricity the panels produce, usually at a fixed rate that’s lower than you would receive without a PPA.

      Methodology: how we picked the best solar companies in Utah

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners' needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with a list of popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Utah. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with the most positive recent ratings left by local reviewers on our site were given preference.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Financing and payment options: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Overall reputation: 10%
      We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

      To recap, our top picks for the best solar companies in Utah:

      • Best overall: Blue Raven Solar
      • Best value: Project Solar
      • Best for DIY projects: ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide 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:

        1. DSIRE, "Utah Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in Utah.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Utah Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
        4. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in Utah?” Accessed March 29, 2024.
        5. Interstate Renewable Energy Council (IREC), “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 22, 2024.
        6. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.
        7. The Utah Investigative Journalism Project, “‘Solar boom’ heats up fraud complaints against Utah solar companies.” Accessed June 5, 2024.
        8. Utah Clean Energy, “Solar Permitting Toolbox.” Accessed April 29, 2024.

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