Solar Panel Cost In 2023 (Homeowner’s Installation Savings Guide)
By Karsten Neumeister /
Here’s a quick look at the estimated cost of solar in Utah:
*Average system size is calculated using data from the Energy Information Administration. This price is after tax credit.
**Payback period is calculated assuming the system is purchased in cash.
Looking to go solar, but want to know more about the average cost of solar panels in Utah? In this article, we’ll go over solar panel pricing in the Beehive State and show you how to save money on your home’s installation.
The figures we use in this article are averages, but solar costs can change significantly based on your home’s configuration and your household energy needs.
To get an accurate, free estimate of what it would cost to put solar panels on your roof, you can get a quote below or to be connected to a certified installer near you.
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The good news for residents of Utah is that the cost of solar panels in the state is on par with the national average. Based on market research and data from top solar brands, we’ve found the average cost of solar panels in Utah to be $2.68 per watt, while the national average stands at $2.66.
At $2.68 per watt, a typical 8-kilowatt (kW) system would cost $15,008 after the federal solar tax credit is applied. For pricing of solar power systems between the 5 kW to 10 kW (which are the most common system sizes for residential installations), take a look at the chart below.
Size of Solar Panel System | Cost of Solar Panels in Utah | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
5kW | $13,400 | $9,380 |
6kW | $16,080 | $11,256 |
7kW | $18,760 | $13,132 |
8kW | $21,440 | $15,008 |
9kW | $24,120 | $16,884 |
10kW | $26,800 | $18,760 |
While the numbers in the table are reliable, they are based on the average cost per watt and hence only indicate approximate system prices. The best way to get the correct pricing for your home is to contact nearby installers. We recommend getting several free quotes before selecting the best solar company for your project.
Consulting installers near you not only gets you a more accurate price range, but also several other important numbers such as your projected solar payback period, your net return on investment and more. These can prove to be key indicators of whether solar panels are worth it for your home.
See also: Find out how much solar power your roof can produce with our solar calculator
The solar equipment, financing option and installation company you select will all determine the cost of your solar panel system in Utah.
Utah residents are also eligible for the federal solar tax credit and Utah’s 2001 Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (RESTC), which can drastically reduce the cost of your solar panels. Other incentives and net metering programs available in Utah can also help pay off a large portion of your system.
The location and climate of where you live largely influence the solar equipment you should choose. An abundance of sunny, clear days in the Utah summer offers great conditions for solar panels.
This means that most residents can generate the energy they require with an older model of solar panel, rather than splurging on the latest and greatest solar technology. This can help keep average prices lower than less sunny states.
Remember that if your roof space is limited, you may still have to opt for more expensive, high-efficiency solar panels. The number of panels that can fit on your roof is an often overlooked factor in choosing the right equipment.
Utah does receive snow, and some snow on your solar panels isn’t a problem. In fact, some snow or rain can actually help brush off debris, making your panels more efficient.
However, excessive snow or extreme weather conditions can put your panels at risk of damage. If your area receives an abundance of snow and ice, we recommend that you opt for a panel with high snow load ratings and a comprehensive warranty that will cover any weather-related damage.
Utah residents enjoy solar incentives like the federal solar tax credit and Utah’s renewable energy system tax credit. Here’s what Utah can offer when it comes to financing the rest of your system.
For homeowners with a good credit score, you may qualify for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to secure a low interest rate for a solar loan. Solar installers, some banks and credit unions offer solar-specific loans as well.
Admiral’s Bank, GoldenWest Credit Union and LRB Financial are some participating institutions in Utah that offer solar loans. Learn more about solar financing options in Utah here.
Utah is a top state in the U.S. for solar energy, so there are plenty of solar companies to choose from. But what many readers don’t realize is that the prices for a solar installation can vary wildly from installer to installer, even if you get quotes for identical systems.
This variation stems from differences in labor, distance and the quality of the workmanship, warranties and backend support that you’ll receive. This is why we always recommend getting as many quotes as you can.
Take a look at our top brand highlights below, and read more on our top solar companies in Utah page.
Make sure to be aware of these considerations and costs before your start your solar installation project in Utah:
When considering the cost of solar panels in Utah, it helps to take into account the financial incentives available to residents. Here’s an outline of the major solar incentives in Utah:
Utah Solar Incentive | How it Affects the Cost of Solar Panels in Utah |
Utah Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (RESTC) | The RESTC offers a state tax credit worth 25% of the residential solar installation costs, with a maximum of $800 for installations completed in 2022. The maximum value falls to $400 in 2023 and will not be available thereafter. |
Net metering | Net metering allows users to send excess solar energy back to the local power grid in exchange for credits to use against future energy bills. This eliminates energy storage costs while also reducing monthly electric bills. Rocky Mountain Power has a net metering program in Utah. |
Local solar incentives | A number of counties and utility companies may offer rebates and other incentives for solar panel installation. Don’t forget to check for any available incentives in your region before going solar. |
Federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) | The ITC allows solar energy system owners to claim a credit equivalent to 30% of their solar system’s costs. The value of the tax incentive is set to reduce incrementally starting in 2033 and expire completely in 2035. |
The availability of solar panels will vary based on your installer, but here are the most common solar brands we’d expect you to encounter in Utah, as well as their relative prices.
Solar Panel Brand | Average Cost Per Watt ($-$$$$$) |
LG Solar | $$$ |
Canadian Solar | $$ |
JA Solar | $$ |
Mission Solar | $$ |
Panasonic | $$ |
Q Cells | $$ |
REC | $$$ |
Silfab | $$$ |
SunPower | $$$$$ |
Tesla | $$ |
Trina Solar | $$$ |
Do you want to know how much solar panels would cost for your Utah home? Select one of our top providers below to get a free, no-obligation quote based on your household’s energy needs.
Read More About Going Solar
At EcoWatch, we’re happy to get questions about the process and costs of getting rooftop solar from Utah residents. Below are some of the questions we see most often, along with our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Multiple studies have shown that having solar panels on a home increases its value, which makes sense considering the fact that solar panels can save thousands of dollars in power bill savings over decades.
A Zillow study showed that on average, solar panels increase property value in the U.S. by 4.1%.3 Other studies have shown similar property appreciation with solar panels.
Although solar panels succeed in eliminating a portion of your energy costs, the equipment itself is not free. However, residential solar panels have witnessed a whopping 64% reduction in prices since 2010. Additionally, the panels pay themselves off in a few years and save a significant amount over their lifetime, making them a highly profitable investment.
If you hear of a company offering “free solar panels,” it’s likely a marketing tactic to get you to sign a solar lease or power purchase agreement. However, the amount you pay for your lease (plus your monthly utility bill) may not be less than what you were paying each month before you installed your system.
The Utah Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (RESTC) is an incentive created by the Utah Office of Energy Development to promote clean energy technologies. Any residential or commercial entity that installs one of the eligible renewable energy systems can avail of the tax deduction.
The incentive covers solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, geothermal, hydro, biomass, and certain renewable thermal technologies. However, this credit is phasing out. As of 2022, residential customers can claim 25% of their system cost, or $800, whichever is lower. The value decreases to a maximum of $400 in 2023, and the program will end in 2024.
Commercial solar customers can claim a deduction of 10% of the solar project cost, or $50,000, whichever is lower.
When you consider the combined effect of the federal solar tax credit and the RESTC, the Utah solar panel costs drop notably.
Aniket Bhor is a solar engineer who has spent nearly a decade studying and working in the solar power sector in the European, Asian, and North American markets. He is a climate enthusiast and avid cyclist, and he also loves to lose himself in books and cooking.
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