Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salt Lake City, UT (2024 Update)

  • Salt Lake City Solar Installation Cost: $12,070
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,344
  • Payback Period: 11.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salt Lake City

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Salt Lake City.

In Salt Lake City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.2-kW system would cost about $12,070 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Salt Lake City depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Salt Lake City

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 Salt Lake City

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Salt Lake City, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Solar Veteran

Creative Energies

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Salt Lake City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salt Lake City

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Salt Lake City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,290. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Salt Lake City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Salt Lake City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Salt Lake City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Salt Lake City are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $15,596 12.0 years
8 kW $3.36 $18,792 $21,163 11.8 years
10 kW $3.29 $23,030 $26,914 11.5 years
12 kW $3.22 $27,083 $32,850 11.3 years
14 kW $3.16 $30,952 $38,970 11.1 years
16 kW $3.09 $34,637 $45,274 10.8 years
18 kW $3.03 $38,138 $51,762 10.6 years
20 kW $2.96 $41,454 $58,435 10.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Solar Veteran

Creative Energies

★★★★★
4.5

  • Certified B Corp
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Many years of experience
  • Multitude of products and services
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Slightly expensive

EcoWatch's Salt Lake City, UT Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salt Lake City?

The average cost of solar panels in Salt Lake City 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Salt Lake City?

Solar panels aren’t free in Salt Lake City, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $998.89 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Salt Lake City?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger amount 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.

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