2023 Solar Incentives Guide for South Salt Lake, UT - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in South Salt Lake.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2023 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted South Salt Lake solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in South Salt Lake?

Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (Corporate)

Incentive Type:
Corporate Tax Credit
Commercial wind, geothermal electric, and biomass systems 660 kW or greater, and solar PV systems 2 MW or greater: 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years
Other commercial technologies and commercial wind, geothermal electric, solar PV, and biomass systems smaller than 600 kW: 10% of installed cost
Photovoltaic systems between 660 kW and 2 MW: May choose either 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years or 10% of installed cost

Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (Personal)

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
Residential: 25%
Commercial wind, geothermal electric, and biomass systems 660 kW or greater 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years
Other commercial technologies and commercial wind, geothermal electric, and biomass systems smaller than 660 kW: 10% of installed cost
Solar photovoltaic systems 2 MW or greater: 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years
Solar photovoltaic systems smaller than 660 kW: 10% of installed cost Solar photovoltaic systems between 660 kW and 2 MW: May choose either 0.35¢/kWh ($0.0035/kWh) for 4 years or 10% of installed cost

Rocky Mountain Power - wattsmart Residential Efficiency Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Ductless Heat Pumps: Up to $1,700
Electronically Commutated Motors: Up to $100
Evaporative Coolers: Up to $200
Heat Pumps: up to $750
Ground Source Heat Pumps: up to $2,500
Rooftop Heat Tape Timer: up to $100
Room Air Conditioners: Up to $20
Smart Thermostats: $50
Whole House Ventilation Fans: up to $125
Manufactured Homes Duct Sealing: Free service available
Manufactured Homes Ductless Heat Pumps: Up to $1,300
Lighting: Special pricing at certain retailers
Heat Pump Water Heaters: up to $550
Insulation: Up to $0.10/sq.ft

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives help mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. These financial incentives are intended to encourage more people to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. Different kinds of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Some incentives may be handled by the state of Utah, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:

  • Rebates: Rebates, or partial refunds after a purchase, are normally applied prior to any solar tax credits being calculated. Solar rebates might be provided by your local utility company, by your county or by your state.
  • Net Metering: Don't forget to speak to your South Salt Lake utility company about signing a net metering contract. This will allow you to receive credit towards your monthly utility bill for the value of excess energy generated by your solar panels. You might receive either a dollar-for-dollar credit or a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: Your solar panels might qualify for both sales tax and property tax exemptions. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you exclude the value that solar panels add when calculating property taxes on your house.
  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the federal government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Outstanding Local Installer

ES Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Lifetime workmanship warranty
  • Outstanding customer service
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Energy audits only available 12 months after installation

Federal Solar Incentives

When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is probably the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a predetermined percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC applies to solar panels installed after January 1, 2006 on a primary or secondary residence that you own in the United States. Initially, the credit applied to 30% of the total cost — for panels, equipment, accessories and labor — although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on the installation date of your solar system. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Your local South Salt Lake solar panel installation expert can provide more information about the ITC and how it might apply to your situation.

The ITC was renewed and increased in scope after the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. Homeowners are now eligible for a credit equal to 30% of the total costs of solar system installation for projects started after January 1, 2022 and completed before the end of 2032. The percentage will then begin to decrease annually until the Clean Energy Credit expires in 2035. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make credits for energy storage systems even easier to claim.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to get in touch with your local South Salt Lake solar panel installers.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Rebates, tax credits and more might be provided at multiple levels. On top of federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones, too. Certain incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. Incentives might be provided by the Utah government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in South Salt Lake

You can apply for and receive solar incentives from the federal government and the Utah government, as well as from your local utility company. The growing availability of solar initiatives over the last 15 years has helped increase solar adoption nationwide. Your local South Salt Lake solar panel installation expert can give you more information about which incentives you should apply for, and get you started on the path to switching to renewable energy today.

EcoWatch's South Salt Lake, UT Solar Incentives FAQs

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I install solar panels on my South Salt Lake home?

When you add solar panels to your South Salt Lake home, you can expect to save approximately $998.89 per year, or approximately $18,978.87 over 20 years.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by 300 pounds of CO2 a year when you switch to solar panels. This adds up to around 6,000 pounds over 20 years. In addition, solar power is a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

Can I receive incentives both towards the up-front cost of solar panels, and later as reimbursement?

The order your incentives will be applied in could vary depending on which incentives you receive but typically yes, you can receive multiple types of incentives for your solar project. Get in touch with your solar installer or a local tax professional to be sure you are claiming all the incentives you are eligible for and applying them in the correct order.

Can I use a combination of multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?

Yes, you can use multiple types of renewable energy to power your home, such as a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also combine renewable energy generation with a backup source of non-renewable energy. Be sure to discuss your proposed plan with your local South Salt Lake solar panel installer, to get an understanding of what will be needed and what types of incentives you will or won't qualify for.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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