Cost of Solar Panels in Utah (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Utah?

With professional installation, a typical 6-kilowatt residential solar panel system in Utah costs $16,036. On the high end, Brett in West Jordan told us he spent $44,000 going solar.

The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your overall solar costs. A typical Utah household needs a system with a capacity of 5.8 kW to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

Please note, the table below does not include the cost of an energy storage battery, which can be as expensive as the panels. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some batteries cost $30,000 or more.

Average solar panel cost by system size in Utah

Are solar panels worth it in Utah?

Solar panels are worth it for many Utahns. On average, you’ll spend $9,355 to $26,727 for panels that last about 25 years. Over that same time period, you’d avoid approximately $2,569 in total utility costs.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

With energy costs getting more expensive, it’s nice to have a more predictable (and lower) monthly bill. Ultimately, whether or not it’s worth it financially comes down to how much you pay versus how much you save.

We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory'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.

Real-world examples

We’ve talked to dozens of residents with solar panels, and most of them seem satisfied with their savings. For example, Luke in Herriman is happy because his electric bill has dropped to just $10. Similarly, Bill in Lindon told us: “We pay less than $15 a month for power and that is just the subscription minimum. I love that”.

Research and compare different solar companies before making a decision.

But others have had issues with installation delays, poor communication and unmet promises. For instance, Hing in Lehi went solar in 2023 and “was promised 90% of electricity will be generated.” But, in reality, their system only generates about 40%. So, now they have to “pay $200 each month of electricity bill despite installing the solar panels.” Hing’s review stated that the $17,000 investment was a “rip off.”

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Utah

The equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Solar panels

Most of your solar equipment costs come down to how much you pay for solar panels. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.

The difference between monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels comes down to efficiency and materials: Monocrystalline panels are made from pure, single silicon crystals; various silicon fragments melted together are used to make polycrystalline panels.

Additional solar equipment costs

Solar arrays also contain mounting equipment, wiring and other devices, such as inverters, batteries or a monitoring system.

• Solar batteries: A battery stores energy for later use. Prices depend on the battery’s storage capacity, lifespan, brand and other factors. Some cost up to $30,000.
• Solar inverter: Inverters convert the electricity generated by your solar panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track how much energy your system produces and if there are any problems. If not, a stand-alone monitoring system costs $80 to $400.

Size of your system

The cost difference between a 6-kilowatt system and a 7-kilowatt system is thousands of dollars. To estimate what size system you need, first look up how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year on your electricity bill. Then divide that number by 1,200. This will be roughly the system size you need.

Condition of your roof

If you’ve been thinking about replacing your roof, it’s a good idea to do that before getting solar panels. ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete.

Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, so you need your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall them again. This is a frustrating and expensive process you should avoid if you can.

Labor costs

The cost of hiring professionals to install your solar system varies based on project size and complexity. Labor costs are usually included in your system's initial price estimate, but be sure to confirm before committing to a contract.

It’s potentially cheaper to install your solar energy system yourself, but it’s difficult and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, especially for a large residential project. If not installed correctly, solar panels pose safety risks, causing roof leaks and other problems.

» DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros and cons

Local permits and fees

Permits and interconnection fees, though relatively cheap, are worth mentioning. Solar permits vary by municipality in Utah. Usually, city planning or building departments will check if a solar system project complies with building and electrical codes.

For example, Salt Lake City requires fees and inspections before a building permit can be issued. You’ll need your electrical utility’s approval in Summit County as well.

Reputable solar installers in the area can guide you through the permitting process and can often handle it on your behalf. You can also contact your municipality’s building department directly for accurate information and fees.

How to save money on solar panels in Utah

There’s no way around it — solar panel installations are expensive. Here are some tips to maximize your savings on solar panels in Utah:

• Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least three or four different solar companies in Utah. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production to find the best overall value. Don't just go with the cheapest option without vetting quality and services.
• Lower your electrical load: Before going solar, it’s smart to upgrade any old appliances. For example, replacing an old refrigerator with a more eco-friendly one reduces your electric load, which also helps lower your utility bill. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system cheaper.
• Explore payment options: Affordable financing makes the upfront costs of solar more manageable. For instance, leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs) can let you start saving from day one with little or no money down.
• Look for rebates: Some solar panel manufacturers offer rebates on their products. While these may not be specific to Utah, they can still provide additional savings. You can inquire with your installer about any available manufacturer rebates.

» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Utah

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) was the best financial incentive for going solar in Utah. It expired at the end of 2025. 

Additional solar incentives in Utah include a 100% sales tax exemption on solar equipment for commercial projects.

What to know about net billing in Utah

Similar to net metering, net billing lets residents with solar panels receive a credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. This credit is applied to their next electric bill, which offsets future energy costs. Your utility company determines the specific credit rate, but it is often based on a lower, avoided-cost rate.

At the end of your annual billing cycle, any unused credits from net billing are granted to the utility company without compensation to the homeowner. These unused credits go toward low-income assistance programs. Check with your utility for the latest information and rates.

How can I pay for solar panels in Utah?

You have options when it comes to paying for your solar system. You can pay cash upfront, take out a solar loan, lease your system or get a power purchase agreement (PPA).

• Loan: A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest) each month. In an ideal financing scenario, your system generates enough extra power to pay off the loan. Solar loan terms typically last eight to 20 years.
• Lease: Leasing solar panels is a great way to set up a system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same tax incentives.
• Power purchase agreement: A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is similar to leasing. A solar developer buys, installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the system on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. It’s a fixed price, and the cents/kWh is usually cheaper than the utility’s rate for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Compare solar installation companies in Utah

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Utah.

Bottom line

Residential solar panel system costs typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000 or higher, depending on the system's size, local labor rates and available incentives. Utah homeowners with solar panels can typically save more than that in total avoided energy costs over the lifetime of a system.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Utah and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Utah and nearby states