Best Solar Companies in Utah

Utah’s solar landscape is shining brightly, with 2,808 MW of solar power capacity installed, earning it the 12th national ranking. This solar capacity is enough to power over 500,000 homes and accounts for an impressive 11.25% of the state’s electricity generation.

Utah is one of the top 10 sunniest states in the United States. With the average number of 238 sunny days per year and about 6 hours of sunlight per day, Utah precedes even Florida when it comes to having favorable conditions for utilizing solar energy to its fullest potential.     

Switching to solar energy in Utah can be a financially and environmentally sound decision. A typical residential solar panel system in Utah can generate around 1,300 to 1,600 kWh (kilowatt-hours) per year per installed kilowatt (kW) of solar capacity [1].

For example, a 5-kW system could produce between 6,500 to 8,000 kWh annually. With the average electricity rate in Utah being around $0.11 per kWh [2], you could save between $715 to $880 annually on your electricity bills. The payback period for a solar panel system in Utah is typically between 8 to 10 years, depending on system size and local incentives, which are generous in Utah (more details later on in this article). After this period, your electricity savings will essentially be money in your pocket.

As an added incentive, solar prices have dropped by a remarkable 54% over the last decade, making it an increasingly cost-effective and environmentally responsible choice for Utah residents.

Furthermore, solar panels grant you greater energy independence. They reduce your reliance on traditional fossil fuels and potentially shield you from rising energy costs in the future.

Solar panels are a great choice if you want to upgrade your home, but now comes the practical part. You need to select a professional and experienced company to provide the best solar panels and install them for you, and their job should be about making your energy transition a positive experience for at least two decades. It is an important decision, and we are here to help with our list of the best solar companies in Utah.  

Best solar companies in Utah

Solar Company	Greentumble Rating Score
Spring Solar	5.0
SunPower	5.0
Smart Wave Solar	4.8
Creative Energies	4.7
ION Solar	4.7
Mynt Solar	4.5
Intermountain Wind & Solar	4.3
Progressive Power Solutions	4.3
ES Solar	4.2
Blue Raven Solar	4.0

Best solar company in Utah: Spring Solar

Spring Solar stands out with its strong roots in the Salt Lake area. This company was selected as the best solar company in Utah for many reasons but one of them is also the fact that they are locally based. As a family-owned and family-operated business, they prioritize trust and integrity in every aspect of their operations.

They have built an outstanding reputation for offering premium residential solar systems at a reasonably lower price than you would find with larger competitors. They can afford friendly pricing thanks to their streamlined approach that cuts out layers of management commissions and advertising expenses. For five years running, Spring Solar has consistently ranked among the most cost-effective solar companies in the state, while delivering top-notch solar panels and exceptional customer service.

What sets this solar contractor apart is their great attitude, exemplified by their helpful and flexible approach to meeting clients’ needs. They are attentive to your preferences, always looking for the solar solution that aligns perfectly with your goals. What comes as a pleasant bonus is that the company is also willing to help you with fixes and maintenance of your existing solar panels, even though they have been installed by a different contractor. 

You can also check our interview with the owner of the company Sam Yeager, where he shares more information that comes handy when you are considering to get solar panels for your house.

Their commitment to quality extends to the equipment they use. Solar Spring only partners with reputable manufacturers and offers equipment with 25-year warranties and 10-year workmanship warranty covering labor.

The company has NABCEP certification to demonstrate their expertise and adherence to industry’s best practices. To make your solar journey as accessible as possible, this company provides free estimates tailored to your specific needs. All you need is to make that first appointment.

Runner up: SunPower by Custom Energy

SunPower’s reputation extends far beyond the borders of Utah. The company has earned recognition for its exceptional qualities that set it apart from the competition across the country.

SunPower solar panels are renowned for their exceptional quality and efficiency. They consistently meet the highest industry standards, boasting an impressive 22.8 percent efficiency rating, the highest in the industry. Plus, their rigorous testing and high-quality solar panel options, including Front Contact Panels and Back Contact Panels, ensure system reliability and maximum energy generation.

SunPower’s home solar storage solution, the SunPower Equinox system with SunVault Storage, is designed to work seamlessly together for optimal performance when it comes to being able to use solar energy continuously and autonomously.

Additional advantage of this advanced system is the transparent performance monitoring. The company has developed the mySunPower mobile app to allow you to monitor your solar panel energy generation, power storage, and your electricity usage. This is a practical information for your use to view and compare performance of your system at any time. 

But what truly distinguishes SunPower is its industry-leading warranty. The warranty covers your entire solar system for 25 years, and includes solar panels, labor, and other parts. This level of assurance means you never have to question how much repairs will cost in case some parts of the equipment need fixing. SunPower’s commitment to providing hassle-free replacement or reimbursement for any defective piece of equipment demonstrates their dedication to your satisfaction.

With multiple financing options, SunPower makes renewable energy affordable. Whether you choose to buy your system upfront or opt for the convenience of buying just the power produced by solar panels, SunPower’s flexible financing choices are designed to meet your needs.

Additionally, the company offers flexible options for evaluating your home’s suitability for solar panels. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer an in-person assessment or an online consultation. They adjust to your preference.

How to choose the best solar contractor in Utah

This is the tricky part that requires some effort and good research on your part. It is important to dedicate enough time to making your decision to ensure that you have done your maximum to not get burned. 

You should also check our video that takes you step by step through the process of selecting the best solar panels for your property. After watching this simple overview, you will be more confident in knowing which way to go and what to look for when making the decision how to proceed with your project.

When choosing the most suitable solar contractor, you should start by seeking recommendations. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for solar company suggestions. Look for companies with written references and a solid reputation.

You should choose solar companies with established premises you can visit. Ask about their years in business and collect their contact information. Do not forget to check on their completed installations and if possible, speak to previous customers for feedback on quality and costs.

When it comes to the expected costs, do not settle for the price estimate from only one company. Try to get at least three written quotations with a detailed breakdown of the work. Be clear about your expectations from the solar system, and make sure the quotes include your specific requirements. You can then compare quotes to understand what is included. The cheapest option isn’t always the best.

Once you agree on a price and start date, get a written contract that outlines the project scope, timeline, payments, and safety measures.

Experienced solar companies pay close attention to every detail, from small aspects to the overall project. They carefully review plans, assess risks, and ensure everything is in order before proceeding.

Needless to say, that good communication skills are crucial. Solar contractors should be able to express their ideas and requirements clearly and listen to you respectfully. Prioritizing quality and safety standards is a hallmark of successful installation of solar panels. A reliable company should ensure work is done to the highest standards, follow safety regulations, and proactively manage risks.

Solar incentives in Utah

Utah has embraced a voluntary Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) goal, urging residents to embrace solar energy. The state’s objective is to generate 20% of its electricity from clean energy sources by 2025.

Utah’s commitment to promoting solar energy is reflected by the incentive programs that are favorable for homeowners and make the transition to solar power more budget-friendly. While the initial cost of converting your home to solar energy can be substantial, the State offers some benefits to alleviate your financial burden. Let’s go through them together.

#1 Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit

The State of Utah offers this personal tax incentive to encourage the use of renewable energy systems. The Utah Office of Energy Development manages the incentive and sets the rules for qualification since 2007.

Every five years, the Utah Tax Review Commission assesses the incentive and provides recommendations on their continuation and modification. To claim the tax credit against Utah state taxes, you must first apply through the Utah State Energy Program.

The tax credit is phasing out this year for residential photovoltaic solar systems. Installations completed until the end of the year are still eligible to 25 percent of the system cost or $400, whichever is lower amount for installations on residential homes. While the residential credit is nonrefundable, any unused credit can be carried over for up to four years.

More information can be found on the official website of the Utah Office of Energy Development.

#2 Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

This is the most well-known tax credit for solar energy. If you have already looked up prices of solar installations, you have probably noticed the mention of this credit as well.

Besides Utah-specific benefits, all U.S. homeowners can also enjoy the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This nationwide program allows you to deduct up to 30 percent of your solar energy system installation cost from your federal income taxes.

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a federal initiative aimed at promoting solar power investments. It directly reduces the income taxes individuals owe to the IRS.

Initially, the ITC provided a 30 percent tax reduction for residential and commercial solar projects until 2019. Originally, this tax credit was supposed to gradually decrease. However, due to the Inflation Reduction Act passed in August 2022, the phasedown has been postponed.

This act maintains the 30 percent tax credit for the next decade, extending it until 2032. So, you can continue to benefit from a 30 percent tax credit on your solar system investment until then.

#3 Energy Efficient Mortgage Options

An Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) is a financial tool that helps Utahns buy energy-efficient homes or add features that help to reduce the need for fossil fuel energy.

EEMs can be used to buy homes that are already energy efficient, like ENERGY STAR-certified homes. The mortgage also serves as a possibility to finance energy-efficient improvements for existing homes. In this case, you need a home energy assessment to confirm your home’s energy efficiency or the expected improvements’ impact. This assessment provides details like monthly energy savings and the value of energy efficiency measures.

This mortgage is supported by federal mortgage programs. The U.S. government backs these loans through the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) and Veterans Affairs (VA) programs. This backing helps borrowers who might not otherwise qualify for loans and provides security to lenders. This program could be one of the options to help you with the higher upfront cost of the solar panel installation.

#4 Net Metering

Rocky Mountain Power, Utah’s predominant utility and only investor-owned utility, offers some unique features in its net metering program. The utility company is actively managing thousands of home batteries, compensating homeowners through its Wattsmart program for supporting the grid with their solar energy backup.

Their ambitious goal is to enroll thousands of customers and hundreds of megawatts into Wattsmart. Through the Wattsmart program, solar system owners can earn money from their batteries supporting the grid as part of a virtual power plant.

While the cost of home batteries is a barrier, Wattsmart offers an upfront payment of $400 per kilowatt of battery capacity enrolled, along with an annual participation credit of $15 per kilowatt. This program makes batteries more affordable, making solar-plus-battery systems a compelling choice in Utah, bridging the gap between solar panels alone and a more resilient energy future.

While not legally mandated, some Utah municipalities have established their net metering programs. Examples include the City of St. George and Murray City Power.

If you generate more electricity than you use, that surplus energy is carried over to your next bill as a kilowatt-hour credit. However, each April, any remaining credits are given to the utility without compensation to you.

To participate, you must have equipment that meets safety, power quality, and interconnection requirements set by various codes and regulations.

Utah has vast solar energy potential for homeowners

If you are considering solar power for your home, you are in the right place. Utah offers an ideal environment for harnessing the power of the sun, and when coupled with federal and state incentives, the benefits of going solar here are compelling. Due to favorable climate, you have a remarkable opportunity to achieve an excellent return on your investment by installing solar panels.

Our comprehensive research led us to evaluate numerous solar installation companies across Utah. We have developed a rating system based on the quality of solar panels, customer support, warranties, and additional services like availability of performance monitoring apps. We have also considered the personalization of solar installations for individual homes.

Furthermore, we have assessed the reputation of each provider through their Better Business Bureau ratings and checked their recent Google Reviews to provide you with a clear overview of their performance across various locations.

If you have read this far, we wish you a good luck on your journey with solar power and positive experience with solar company you have selected.