Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salem, UT (2024 Update)
- Salem Solar Installation Cost: $11,996
- 25-Year Savings: $14,866
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salem
We break down average solar pricing in Salem.
In Salem, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 5.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Salem, the average price of going solar will be about $11,996 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Salem based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Salem find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salem
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,999 |
| 3 years | $-9,007 |
| 5 years | $-7,015 |
| 7 years | $-5,023 |
| 9 years | $-3,030 |
| 11 years | $-1,038 |
| 13 years | $954 |
| 15 years | $2,946 |
| 17 years | $4,938 |
| 19 years | $6,931 |
| 21 years | $8,923 |
| 23 years | $10,915 |
| 25 years | $12,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Salem
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Salem
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salem
There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,290.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Salem, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Salem have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.42 | $14,371 | $14,009 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.36 | $18,792 | $19,047 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.29 | $23,030 | $24,270 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.22 | $27,083 | $29,677 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.16 | $30,952 | $35,268 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.09 | $34,637 | $41,043 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.03 | $38,138 | $47,002 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.96 | $41,454 | $53,146 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Salem, UT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salem?
The average cost of solar panels in Salem is about $16,450 for a 5-kW system and $32,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Salem?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $946.00 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.
Company 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.