Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Salt Lake, UT (Mar 2023)
- South Salt Lake Solar Installation Cost: $9,830
- 25-Year Savings: $16,346
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Salt Lake
We break down average solar pricing in South Salt Lake.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in South Salt Lake it's 2.68 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $9,830 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in South Salt Lake based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in South Salt Lake can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in South Salt Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,783 |
| 3 years | $-6,689 |
| 5 years | $-4,595 |
| 7 years | $-2,501 |
| 9 years | $-407 |
| 11 years | $1,687 |
| 13 years | $3,782 |
| 15 years | $5,876 |
| 17 years | $7,970 |
| 19 years | $10,064 |
| 21 years | $12,158 |
| 23 years | $14,252 |
| 25 years | $16,346 |
Top Solar Installers in South Salt Lake
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
See all of the solar companies in South Salt Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Salt Lake
The cost of installing a solar system in South Salt Lake can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like South Salt Lake, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Salt Lake to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. South Salt Lake's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.79 | $11,706 | $18,260 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $24,647 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $31,184 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $37,872 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $44,709 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $51,696 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $58,833 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $66,121 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing 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 the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
EcoWatch's South Salt Lake, UT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Salt Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in South Salt Lake is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in South Salt Lake?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in South Salt Lake, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in South Salt Lake?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.