The Best Solar Companies in Utah of 2023

With the ever-rising cost of energy and concern about climate change, more and more homeowners are considering renewable energy options such as solar panels. Solar panel systems have grown in popularity in recent years, thanks in part to tax credits that incentivize homeowners to make the switch to clean energy and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Due to its above-average number of sunny days, Utah is an ideal place for solar panels.

Homeowners in Utah who are considering installing solar panels on their home likely have a lot of questions about energy production, solar panel efficiency, and overall costs. The best solar installation companies in Utah offer a variety of options to suit different energy needs and budgets, making it easier for homeowners to make the switch to solar energy. When researching solar power companies in Utah, homeowners will want to do their due diligence to make sure the company they choose will be a good fit. We have done the initial research to find the best solar companies in Utah to get homeowners started on narrowing down their options.

1. BEST OVERALL: SunPower
2. RUNNER-UP: ADT Solar
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Tesla
4. BEST FOR FINANCING: Blue Raven Solar
5. ALSO CONSIDER: Smart Wave Solar

What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Solar Companies in Utah

When choosing one of the best solar companies in Utah, homeowners will want to consider a variety of factors. The following are the key considerations for homeowners to take into account while doing their research.

Home Location and Roof Type

When considering the installation of a solar panel system, a homeowner will likely need to prioritize the house itself, with specific attention paid to the roof’s orientation, pitch, and material. For optimal exposure to sunlight throughout the year in the northern hemisphere, it is recommended to install solar panels on a south-facing roof, as the sun’s path is slightly to the south due to Earth’s tilt. Southeast- and southwest-facing roofs are also viable options as they still capture some of the sun’s southerly path, whereas other roof orientations may not generate power as efficiently.

To achieve maximum performance, solar panels should be mounted at an angle between 30 and 45 degrees. In the case of flat roofs, panels can be mounted on brackets that angle them up to 30 degrees. While steep roofs can accommodate solar panels, they may not generate sufficient energy to power the entire home.

Although any roofing material can support a solar panel system, certain types are more convenient to work with. For example, composite shingles are sturdy and can withstand the installation process, while panels can be attached to standing seams on metal roofs, which reduces the need for drilling and modifications. However, installing solar panels on a tile roof can be difficult due to the unevenness of each tile and may require more labor and expense.

​​Type of Panels and Efficiency

Solar panels used for residential power generation are typically categorized as either monocrystalline or polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels have higher conversion efficiency and are more expensive, while polycrystalline panels are less efficient but more cost-effective. These two types of panels can be distinguished by their color, with black indicating a monocrystalline panel and blue a polycrystalline panel. When selecting the right panel, homeowners must weigh their budget against their power production objectives, and a Utah-based solar installer can provide professional advice.

It is important to note that a solar cell’s efficiency is not the same as that of a panel. Although a solar cell can achieve an efficiency of over 40 percent, a panel’s efficiency is lower. Monocrystalline panels have a maximum efficiency of about 23 percent, while polycrystalline panels can reach up to 16 percent. While there are solar panels with an efficiency of nearly 40 percent, this technology is not yet widely available.

Thin-film solar panels are another type to consider. They are lightweight, flexible, and thin, but they are less efficient than polycrystalline panels. Thin-film panels also have a shorter lifespan of 10 to 20 years compared to the 25-year-plus lifespan of monocrystalline and polycrystalline panels. Due to their lower efficiency, more thin-film panels are required to fully power a home, and most roofs may not have enough space for them. However, thin-film panels can be beneficial for homes with irregularly shaped roofs that are not suitable for conventional panels and can be used as supplementary power sources.

On-Grid vs. Off-Grid

When installing a solar system, homeowners will need to decide whether to connect it to the local power grid. A connected system is known as a grid-tied or on-grid home. Grid-tied homes can still draw power from the utility during periods when the solar system is not generating enough electricity. However, they will lose power during a local power outage.

In contrast, off-grid homes are fully self-sufficient, generating enough power for all of their energy needs. These systems store excess energy in solar batteries for use during the night or on cloudy days, and they use solar charge controllers to regulate energy flow. Off-grid homes are not impacted by local outages, but they will experience a power outage if their batteries are depleted and the panels are not producing enough electricity. The feasibility of an off-grid solar system depends on the region and the property, and a qualified solar installer can help homeowners make an informed decision.

Financing, Rebates, and Tax Incentives

The average cost to install a solar energy system on a home in Utah is between $11,602 and $15,697, which is not an insignificant chunk of change. Therefore, it’s important for homeowners to review their financing options before committing to solar panel installation to ensure it will fit into their budget. Beyond buying the system outright, Utah homeowners typically have two options:

• Solar loan: Many solar energy companies in Utah offer financing options where the homeowner takes out a loan and repays it over an agreed-upon period of time. Often, these financing options include perks such as 0 percent APR to help decrease the borrowing cost. Alternatively, homeowners can look into solar loans from lenders such as banks and credit unions to help cover the cost of their solar panel installation. It’s important to note that not all homeowners will qualify for a solar loan, so this may not be an option.
• Solar lease: With a solar lease, the company will own the equipment and the customer will pay a monthly fee to lease the equipment. In exchange, the customer will get to use the energy produced by the solar system. Depending on the monthly payment and the energy production, homeowners may find that they end up paying more in monthly leasing costs than they save in utility bills. This can be a good option for customers who don’t have a lot of money saved as there is no required up-front payment when leasing solar panels. However, on the downside, customers who lease their solar equipment will not typically qualify for federal or state tax rebates or incentives.

Utah homeowners can also take advantage of the following federal and state tax incentives.

• Federal solar tax credit: Homeowners who install solar panel systems on their homes between 2022 and 2032 are eligible to receive a tax credit of 30 percent, with no maximum amount that can be claimed. For example, a homeowner who installs a $20,000 system on their home can receive $6,000 back, decreasing their overall cost. Customers who opt for a solar lease will not qualify for this tax credit.
• Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit (RESTC): The state of Utah has an additional tax credit that homeowners may be eligible for. While the tax credit is due to expire in 2024, customers who have a system installed in 2023 can claim 25 percent or $400, whichever is less. Installations that were completed in 2022 have a cap of $800.

Guarantees

Similar to other home renovation projects, solar panel installations generally include labor warranties to address any installation-related issues that may arise. These warranties usually span between 10 and 25 years. Alongside labor warranties, solar panels also come with a manufacturer warranty that may extend up to 25 years.

Moreover, several Utah solar contractors provide guarantees for power production, ensuring that the solar system will generate a specific amount of energy throughout the guarantee period, which usually lasts for 20 to 25 years.

Customer Support

Utah-based solar system companies that provide various support channels usually receive better ratings for customer satisfaction, as customers find it simpler to communicate with representatives to resolve their queries and concerns. Though phone support is the norm, certain companies may have prolonged waiting periods before connecting to a live agent. Consequently, some customers may choose to reach out to the company through email, which also keeps a written record of the conversation.

Our Top Picks

We evaluated dozens of companies to determine the best solar companies in Utah. The following outshone their competitors in several ways.

Best Overall

SunPower

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Specs

• Type of panels: SunPower Maxeon monocrystalline
• Payment options: Buy, finance, lease
• Guarantee: 25-year complete-system warranty
• Customer support: Phone

Pros

• High 22.8 percent efficiency rate
• Cradle to Cradle–certified equipment
• Interactive online design-studio feature
• Sleek solar panel design with built-in microinverters

Cons

• Customer service only available by phone

Why It Made the Cut: SunPower solar panels boast the highest energy efficiency in the industry, and potential customers can visualize what their home will look like with solar panels thanks to the interactive online design-studio feature. Homeowners in Utah who are considering solar panels will find a lot to like about SunPower. One of the biggest draws of SunPower is its high-efficiency solar panels; with a 22.8 percent efficiency rate, SunPower’s solar panels have the highest efficiency in the solar industry, which means a homeowner can install fewer panels that produce the same amount of solar power as a larger number of lower-efficiency panels. This makes them ideal for homes where usable roof space is limited. Visualizing how a home will look with solar panels can be tricky, but customers can use SunPower’s interactive online design studio to see a rendering of their home with panels installed. This can give Utah homeowners a better idea of how many panels they may need, which can help them set a realistic budget for their solar panel installation project. Additionally, SunPower solar panels have a sleek design that helps them blend into the roof more easily, and they come with built-in microinverters, which converts the solar energy from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) so it can be used immediately and safely in the home. Although customers are limited to the phone when it comes to customer service, with SunPower’s industry-leading 25-year complete-system warranty, customers will only need to contact one company for any issues that arise with their solar power system. The warranty covers power output, the solar panels, and service, whereas other solar companies may only cover one component of the system. SunPower’s Maxeon monocrystalline solar panels are Cradle to Cradle certified, which is a gold-standard certification when it comes to sustainability. This certification means that Cradle to Cradle has assessed the solar panels and determined that they contain no substances known to cause health issues such as cancer, birth defects, or genetic damage, and that they are recycled at the end of their life.

Runner-Up

ADT Solar

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Why It Made the Cut:

Utah homeowners who choose ADT Solar will get several unique benefits, such as 24/7 solar monitoring, a 25-year power-production guarantee, and roof repair services.

ADT Solar provides roof repair services through its sister company, BuildPro, and can bundle roofing costs into the homeowner’s total solar energy system price. This can be beneficial for homeowners concerned about potential roof damage caused by solar panel installation. Additionally, ADT Solar and BuildPro claim that solar panels can shade certain areas of the roof, which can decrease UV damage and help the roof last longer.

While ADT Solar doesn’t include battery warranty information on its website, the company offers a generous 25-year power-production guarantee. When ADT Solar installs solar panels on a home, the company will let the homeowner know how much energy their panels are guaranteed to produce. For the next 25 years, ADT Solar will pay homeowners the difference in cash if the panels produce less than this guaranteed amount. This can help give homeowners assurance that they won’t lose money if their solar energy system doesn’t perform as expected.

ADT Solar customers can take advantage of 24/7 solar monitoring through the Enphase App. Using this app, homeowners can monitor the amount of solar energy their panels are producing throughout the day, check their system status, and see how much energy their appliances are using. This perk can help homeowners decrease their energy usage to get the most out of their solar system.

Specs

• Type of panels: Q Cells, Silfab, Canadian Solar
• Payment options: Buy, finance, lease
• Guarantee: 25-year power-production guarantee
• Customer support: Phone, email

Pros

• Generous 25-year power-production guarantee
• 24/7 solar monitoring
• Additional roof repair services available

Cons

• Warranty information on battery not readily available online

Best Bang for the Buck

Tesla

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Why It Made the Cut:

Tesla offers a generous price-match guarantee so customers can feel confident they’ve gotten the best deal on their solar panel installation.

Installing solar panels can be pricey, but Tesla offers customers a generous price-match guarantee for additional peace of mind. To take advantage of this guarantee, a customer will need to submit a recent quote from a competing solar company for a system of a comparable size and with at least a 10-year warranty. If approved, Tesla will match the competitor’s price.

Although Tesla doesn’t offer a solar lease option, it does offer instant online quotes so customers can get a good idea of their solar panel budget. To get a quote, customers will simply need to enter their home address and their average electric bill. Within the quote, customers can choose whether to view the total purchase price or the price with potential incentives, which can help them determine their potential savings as well.

Although most solar companies only offer traditional solar panels, Tesla also offers solar roof tiles that can blend in with the home’s design more seamlessly than solar panels. This gives Utah homeowners an additional option to consider if they’re not sure whether they like the look of traditional solar panels. Tesla solar tiles are durable and can hold up well during cold and snowy Utah winters.

Specs

• Type of panels: Tesla monocrystalline
• Payment options: Buy, finance
• Guarantee: 25-year performance guarantee, 10-year comprehensive warranty
• Customer support: Live chat

Pros

• Traditional solar panels and sleek solar tiles available
• Generous price-match guarantee
• Instant online quotes available

Cons

• No solar lease option

Best for Financing

Blue Raven Solar

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Why It Made the Cut:

Blue Raven Solar’s BluePower Plus+ financing option combines the benefits of leasing and financing to provide customers with 18 months of free solar power.

Blue Raven Solar has a unique financing plan to help customers get more value of their solar panels. The BluePower Plus+ financing plan doesn’t require customers to put any money down for design, permitting, and installation costs—just like they would with a solar lease. Customers can then get 18 months of free solar power and still receive any available tax credits that they can use to pay down their solar panels. If a customer wants to pay off their loan early, they can do so with no prepayment penalty. Because of this unique financing option, Blue Raven Solar doesn’t offer a solar lease option.

In addition to BluePower Plus+ financing, homeowners can save money with the available SmartStart program. This program provides customers with a monthly check for 42 months after the initial 18 months of the BluePower Plus+ plan is over, guaranteeing that homeowners’ payments will remain the same for a full 5 years.

Blue Raven Solar also provides all customers with a complimentary energy-savings kit so they can maximize their savings. This kit includes a smart thermostat and LED light package that can help customers save an average of 20 percent annually on their heating and cooling costs.

Specs

• Type of panels: Monocrystalline (various manufacturers)
• Payment options: Buy, finance
• Guarantee: 25-year manufacturer warranty, 10-year labor warranty
• Customer support: Phone, email

Pros

• Flexible and relatively affordable BluePower Plus+ financing option
• Money-saving Smart Start program available
• Complimentary energy-saving kit

Cons

• No solar lease option

Also Consider

Smart Wave Solar

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Why It Made the Cut:

Smart Wave Solar has several locations across Utah and offers perks like an emergency-ready system and free battery backups.

As a Utah-based solar company, Smart Wave Solar understands the solar energy needs of the average Utah homeowner. Although the company’s website doesn’t specify details about panels, payment options, and guarantee information, potential customers can call or even stop by Smart Wave Solar’s Bluffdale location in person to learn more. This can be beneficial for customers concerned about using locally based companies rather than national companies for their solar panel installation.

Smart Wave Solar systems will provide customers with emergency power that will decrease the negative impact of a lengthy power outage, and the company customizes each system to meet the customer’s critical-need items, such as lights, appliances, or medical equipment. Smart Wave Solar also offers portable and lightweight emergency products that allow the customer to bring power with them wherever they go. Additionally, customers who refer four customers to Smart Wave Power will receive a free emergency backup battery.

Specs

• Types of panels: Not specified
• Payment options: Not specified
• Guarantee: Not specified
• Customer support: Phone, email

Pros

• Emergency-ready system installation available
• Free battery backups available

Cons

• Panel, payment, and guarantee information not readily available

Our Verdict

SunPower is our choice for Best Overall solar company in Utah because it offers the highest efficiency solar panels in the industry, as well as an online design studio to help customers visualize what their home will look like after solar panel installation. Our pick for Runner-Up is ADT Solar thanks to its user-friendly app that allows 24/7 solar monitoring, as well as its 25-year power-production guarantee and its available roof repair services.

How We Chose the Best Solar Companies in Utah

In order to find the best solar companies in Utah, we looked at several important factors. Our first step was to ensure that the companies chosen serve the state of Utah, as not all solar companies offer installation services in all states. Next, we reviewed each company’s solar panel options, as well as any additional options such as solar roof tiles. We also looked at financing options and whether each company offered several financing options, such as leasing and financing. Warranties and guarantees were also taken into consideration, as companies offering lengthy warranties can offer additional peace of mind to customers preparing to spend a lot of money on solar panels. Finally, we reviewed available customer service options, as well as any unique features and offerings that helped a company stand out from the competition.

Before You Work With One of the Best Solar Companies in Utah

The solar manufacturing companies in Utah listed in this guide will likely be good options for most Utah homeowners, but they are by no means the best for all homeowners, or even the only solar panel companies in Utah. Potential customers will want to carefully review the options at each solar company to determine the best fit for their needs. This may lead them to choose one of the solar installers in Utah mentioned above, or it may lead them to choose another option entirely.

Once a homeowner has narrowed their choices, they’ll want to make sure they understand the steps the company will take to install their solar panels. This includes a detailed project timeline that specifies the exact number of panels that will be installed on their home and their location. Customers will also want to determine whether the company employs its own installers or if they have subcontractors who complete installation jobs for them. While both can be good options, some homeowners may prefer to hire a company that has its own employees complete all stages of the installation.

Cost of Working With One of the Best Solar Companies in Utah

The cost of solar panels in Utah can vary based on a number of factors. First, the size of the home and the usable roof space will determine how many solar panels will need to be installed. The company will also take into account the home’s energy needs to ensure that the panels will be able to provide enough energy to dramatically reduce energy costs, or even eliminate them entirely. In general, the more solar panels installed on a roof, the higher price a homeowner can expect to pay. The average out-of-pocket cost for Utah homeowners installing a 5-kilowatt system in 2022 was between $11,602 and $15,697, with a net 20-year savings of $20,415 to $27,620. Utah homeowners have an average payback period (the number of years until they break even on their installation costs) of 8.2 to 11.1 years.

Customers can also take advantage of tax credits and rebates to decrease their solar panel costs. For solar panel systems installed in 2022 to 2032, homeowners nationwide can claim a 30 percent credit on their tax return through the federal solar tax credit. Utah residents can also apply for the Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit as long as their system was installed prior to December 31, 2023. This tax credit equals 25 percent of the system cost or $400, whichever is lower. For systems installed in 2022, the maximum tax credit was $800, and in 2021 it was $1,200. Systems installed in 2024 and beyond will no longer be eligible for this tax credit at the time of writing.

When it comes to paying for solar panel installation, customers may be able to choose to lease, finance, or buy the panels outright. A homeowner with enough money in savings may choose to pay for the solar panels with cash, which will result in a $0 monthly payment. Many homeowners choose instead to finance their home solar panel system, and solar companies often have special offers for customers who finance, such as 0 percent APR, for additional savings. Finally a homeowner may choose to lease the solar panels from the company if that is an option. However, doing so means they won’t be eligible for any available tax rebates.

The Advantages of Working With One of the Best Solar Companies in Utah

Homeowners who choose to work with one of the best solar companies in Utah can enjoy numerous benefits. These companies typically offer a variety of payment options, such as leasing and financing, so homeowners can choose the one that makes the most sense for their needs and budget. The best solar companies also come with lengthy warranties and guarantees that can give customers additional protection in case a panel breaks or their system produces less power than expected. Additionally, the best solar companies in Utah may offer the following options:

• A quick and easy online quote process to help customers determine their budget;
• High-efficiency solar panels designed to maximize a home’s solar energy potential; and
• Various customer support options to allow homeowners to get help when needed.

FAQs

Homeowners who are considering installing solar panels using one of the best rooftop solar companies in Utah likely have numerous questions about the installation process. The following are some of the most common questions homeowners have about solar panels and their answers to help homeowners make an informed decision regarding their home’s energy needs.

Q.How many solar panels are needed to power a house?

There’s no one answer to this question; it will depend on several factors, such as the following:

• The home’s annual energy consumption;
• The wattage of the solar panels; and
• The production ratio of the solar panels.

To determine how many solar panels are needed to power a house, homeowners will want to carefully review their most recent utility bills, consider the amount of sun their home gets, and whether they want their home to be 100 percent reliant on solar energy or if they will remain on the grid and get part of their power from the utility company.

Q.Does Utah offer a solar panel tax credit?

Until December 31, 2023, Utah homeowners who install solar panels on their home may be eligible for the state’s Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit, which covers up to 25 percent of the cost to purchase and install solar panels on a home, up to a maximum of $400. The tax credit is set to expire in 2024. Until then, homeowners can use this tax credit to reduce the cost of solar panels.

Q.Does solar panel installation increase home value?

Typically, solar panels can increase a home’s sale value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a home’s value increases by an average of $20 for every $1 in reduction of energy bills. However, homes in areas where solar panels are in demand may see a larger increase in home value, while those in areas with low demand may see a smaller increase, or possibly no increase at all. The best solar companies may be able to provide customers with data from homes in their area to determine whether they’ll see an increase in their home value.

Q.Is solar installation worth it in Utah?

In many cases, solar panel installations are worth it in Utah. Homeowners can expect to save $20,745 if they install an average-size solar energy system on their home, provided they pay the full cost up front. Homeowners who finance their solar panels can start to see savings immediately.

Q.How long do solar panels last in Utah?

In general, solar panels in Utah will last between 25 and 30 years, though the exact lifespan will depend on the type and brand of solar panels used. Many solar companies offer warranties of 25 years or more.

Q.How do I choose a good solar company?

In order to choose the right solar company, Utah homeowners will want to consider the following factors:

• Reputation: Potential customers can read online reviews and ask friends and family for recommendations on solar companies they have used in the past. Negative reviews are to be expected, so homeowners will want to take these with a grain of salt and see whether the company works to make the situation right for the customer.
• Credentials: Homeowners will want to ensure that the company they choose is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), as well as checking to make sure the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. Certified solar companies in Utah have been vetted by the NABCEP to give customers additional peace of mind.
• Transparency: The company representative should be able to truthfully answer any questions the homeowner has about the installation process, and also disclose if they use subcontractors instead of company employees to install the solar panels.
• Pricing: Homeowners will want to get quotes from several different solar companies (at least three, ideally) to compare prices and see which best fits their budget.

Sources: EnergySage