Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottonwood Heights, UT (2024 Update)
- Cottonwood Heights Solar Installation Cost: $12,070
- 25-Year Savings: $14,657
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottonwood Heights
We go over average solar pricing in Cottonwood Heights.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cottonwood Heights, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Cottonwood Heights is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,070 for a solar installation, or $17,260 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Cottonwood Heights homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Cottonwood Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cottonwood Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,074 |
| 3 years | $-9,082 |
| 5 years | $-7,090 |
| 7 years | $-5,097 |
| 9 years | $-3,105 |
| 11 years | $-1,113 |
| 13 years | $879 |
| 15 years | $2,872 |
| 17 years | $4,864 |
| 19 years | $6,856 |
| 21 years | $8,848 |
| 23 years | $10,840 |
| 25 years | $12,833 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottonwood Heights
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Cottonwood Heights, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Cottonwood Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottonwood Heights
Though the average cost of a solar system in Cottonwood Heights is $12,070, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,290.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cottonwood Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Cottonwood Heights homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cottonwood Heights is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $13,665 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.36 | $18,792 | $18,588 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.29 | $23,030 | $23,696 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.22 | $27,083 | $28,988 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.16 | $30,952 | $34,464 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.09 | $34,637 | $40,125 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.03 | $38,138 | $45,969 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.96 | $41,454 | $51,998 | 11.1 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. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Cottonwood Heights, UT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cottonwood Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Cottonwood Heights 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 type 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 Cottonwood Heights?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Cottonwood Heights, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.