Solar Panel Cost Guide in Park City, UT (2024 Update)
- Park City Solar Installation Cost: $11,889
- 25-Year Savings: $16,492
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Park City
We go over average solar pricing in Park City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Park City it’s 3 per watt.The average Park City homeowner needs a 5.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,889 with the federal tax credit, or $17,001 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Park City homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Park City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,893 |
| 3 years | $-8,900 |
| 5 years | $-6,908 |
| 7 years | $-4,916 |
| 9 years | $-2,924 |
| 11 years | $-931 |
| 13 years | $1,061 |
| 15 years | $3,053 |
| 17 years | $5,045 |
| 19 years | $7,038 |
| 21 years | $9,030 |
| 23 years | $11,022 |
| 25 years | $13,014 |
Top Solar Installers in Park City
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Park City, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Park City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Park City
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 higher efficiency or power generation use 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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Park City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Park City to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill 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 extra 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 | $16,054 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.36 | $18,792 | $21,773 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.29 | $23,030 | $27,677 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.22 | $27,083 | $33,765 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.16 | $30,952 | $40,038 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.09 | $34,637 | $46,494 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.03 | $38,138 | $53,135 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.96 | $41,454 | $59,960 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Park City, UT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Park City?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,450 for a 5-kW system and $32,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Park City?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.