Compare the services, costs, and pros and cons of the top solar companies in Utah to find the right one for your home.
Updated:
Mar 11, 2024
Written by
Leonardo David
Leonardo David
Edited by
Tori Addison
Tori Addison
Utah is one of America’s sunniest states, which creates an excellent opportunity to generate clean energy using solar panels. Utah installed 2,949 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity by the end of September 2023, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), enough to provide electricity for 544,925 homes.
The MarketWatch Guides team has researched and ranked the best solar companies in Utah. Based on our analysis, including a comparison of equipment brands, services, industry experience and warranty conditions, our top picks for solar installers in Utah include Sunpower, Palmetto Solar, Blue Raven Solar and Tesla Energy.
See our list of top solar providers based on in-depth research.
Select the provider that best fits your needs.
Get a free, no-obligation quote for your home.
Compare Reputable Solar Companies in Utah
| Company | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | BBB Rating | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $24,000–$36,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
| $20,000–$25,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE | ||
| $20,000–$22,500 | A | GET QUOTE | ||
| $16,000–$23,000 | A+ | GET QUOTE |
| Company | BBB Rating | Star Rating | Cost of an 8 kW System* | Visit Site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | $24,000–$36,000 | GET QUOTE | ||
| A+ | $20,000–$25,000 | GET QUOTE | ||
| A | $20,000–$22,500 | GET QUOTE | ||
| A+ | $16,000–$23,000 | GET QUOTE |
Top 5 Solar Companies in Utah of 2023
Here are our picks for the best solar companies in Utah based on our analysis of solar equipment, service offerings and cost.
- SunPower: Most experienced
- Palmetto Solar: Our pick for protection plans
- Blue Raven Solar: Our pick for financing
- Creative Energies: Our pick for local experience
- Tesla: Our pick for panel design
The MarketWatch Guides team has conducted extensive research on the U.S. solar industry, including two surveys of 2,000 homeowners with solar panels across 50 states. We also analyzed the sunshine conditions, solar incentives and market trends across the local solar industry in Utah. To identify the best solar companies in Utah, we reviewed the specifications of each provider’s solar equipment and warranty terms. We also considered a company’s workmanship, financing options and verified customer reviews using trusted sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
SunPower
Our pick for most experience
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $24,000–$36,000
Blue Raven Solar
Our pick for financing
Warranty 10 and 25 years
System Cost $20,000–$22,500
Palmetto Solar
Our pick for protection plans
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $20,000–$25,000
Creative Energies Solar
Our pick for local experience
Warranty 10 and 25 years
System Cost N/A
Tesla Energy
Our pick for panel design
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $16,000–$23,000
What To Look for in a Solar Company
The MarketWatch Guides team recommends solar providers that offer high-quality equipment and fair pricing. Home solar systems cost an average of $2.78 per watt in Utah, so you can expect to pay around $22,200 for a 6 kW system. However, prices depend on the installer, system size and solar equipment brands.
Here are some specific recommendations to consider when comparing solar companies in Utah:
- Utilize high-efficiency solar panels: Utah is one of the sunniest states in the country. You can take advantage of increased sunshine by looking for a solar company that installs high-efficiency monocrystalline panels. Manufacturers like SunPower, REC and Qcells make solar panels with an efficiency rating of over 20%.
- Solar financing options: Utah does not offer any local tax credits or rebate programs for home solar systems. If you cannot afford the upfront cost of a solar installation, you can consider companies offering a low-interest solar loan. Keep in mind that you qualify for the 30% solar federal tax credit, even when purchasing your system with a loan.
- Look for a long solar warranty: Solar panels tend to have a quicker payback period in states with expensive electricity prices. Since Utah has below-average electricity rates, the payback period of solar panels can extend beyond 10 years. However, considering the best solar companies offer 25-year warranties, you will still have coverage for over a decade after paying off your system.
Benefits of Going Solar in Utah
A 6 kW solar system can generate around 9,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy per year in places like Salt Lake City and West Valley City. At the average residential rate of 11.85 cents/ per kWh, a Utah homeowner can save around $1,067 in annual power bills with solar panels. During the 25-year warranty period offered by the top solar brands, you can expect to save more than $26,600.
Common Concerns
How much you can save on your solar installation varies by state because, beyond the federal tax credit, states determine which incentives to offer. How much you can save with solar also depends on your state’s electricity rate. Here are some common concerns for Utah homeowners to consider before installing solar panels:
- Lack of state incentives for home solar systems: Utah has abundant sunshine but lacks financial incentives like solar rebates and tax exemptions. However, homeowners still have access to the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), a nationwide incentive that allows you to claim 30% of your solar system cost as a federal tax credit. Covering the upfront cost of a solar installation is also easier if you look for an installation company offering multiple financing options.
- Longer payback period than in other states: Solar panels have a shorter payback period in states where electricity prices are high because you save more per kilowatt-hour of energy used. In Utah, the payback period is longer than average because the state has low electric rates. While this is a benefit for homeowners without a solar system, it is worth considering before investing in renewable energy. You can expect a payback period of 10 to 12 years in Utah — but keep in mind that high-quality solar panels include a 25-year warranty.
Solar Trends in Utah
Utah had installed 2,949 MW of solar capacity by Oct. 2023, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), enough to power nearly 545,000 homes. Here are some statistics from the SEIA that show a promising outlook for the future of solar power in Utah:
- Utah expects to add 3,067 MW of solar power between 2024 and 2028, doubling its capacity within five years.
- Utah has more than 71,000 solar panel systems that generate 12.99% of its electricity.
- The local solar industry has received over $4.5 billion in total investment, creating more than 7,300 jobs.
Utah still produces 79% of its electricity using coal and gas. Still, the state is actively working to make its power grid cleaner — solar power represents 93% of all generation projects installed since 2015.
Utah Solar Incentives
Utah does not offer any state tax credits or rebate programs for residential solar systems. However, the state has a net billing policy that pays you in power bill credits for sending excess solar energy your panels produce back to the grid. You also have access to the 30% federal tax credit.
Federal Solar Tax Credit
If you install a solar panel system, you can claim 30% of the total price as a federal tax credit on your next IRS filing. For example, a 6 kW solar system in Utah with a price of $16,680 would get a tax credit of $5,004. If you decide to add a home battery, it also qualifies for the federal tax credit.
State Tax Credits
Utah used to have a state tax credit of $400 for solar panel systems, but the program ended in Dec. 2023. The state no longer offers solar tax incentives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in Utah
Yes, most homeowners find that it’s worth it to go solar in Utah. The state has ample sunshine as well as tax incentives to make the transition more affordable.
According to Berkeley Lab’s 2021 Tracking the Sun report, solar panels in Utah cost an average of $3.80 per watt. That totals $25,460 for an average 6.7 kW system before applying tax incentives and rebates.
Some Utah power companies, such as Rocky Mountain Power, do offer net-metering. These programs provide credits on your electricity bills for excess energy produced by your solar system.
Although not all homes are configured for solar panels, according to the Utah Energy Hub, the state gets plenty of sunny days to power solar energy systems.
