Utah Solar Overview
Utah has incredible solar resources—5.5 peak sun hours and that high desert altitude. But Rocky Mountain Power has made life harder for solar with their Schedule 137 changes. Export rates are nowhere near retail value now. My honest advice: if you are going solar in Utah, think about batteries to capture that solar for your own use rather than selling it back for pennies. The state tax credit helps, but self-consumption is the name of the game here.
Utah has exceptional solar potential—abundant sunshine and high altitude boost production. However, Rocky Mountain Power's evolving net metering policies have complicated solar economics. Understanding current rates is essential for Utah solar decisions.
Why Utah is Good for Solar
- Excellent sunshine: 5.5 peak sun hours average
- High altitude: Thinner atmosphere = stronger radiation
- State tax credit: Utah offers solar tax credit
- Property tax exemption: Solar excluded for 4 years
- Growing adoption: Active solar market
State Incentives
Utah Programs
- State tax credit: Up to 25% or $1,600 cap (check current)
- Property tax exemption: 4-year exemption on added value
- Net metering: Available but rates reduced
- Utility programs: Check Rocky Mountain Power offerings
Federal Options
- Purchased systems: No federal credit (25D ended 2025)
- PPA/Lease: Still benefits from 30% credit through 2027
Rocky Mountain Power
Current Policy
- Export credits: Reduced from retail rate
- Rate structure: Schedule 137 for solar customers
- Self-consumption: Full retail value when you use your own
- Strategy: Size for usage, minimize exports
Maximizing Value
| Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Battery storage | Use solar at night instead of exporting |
| Daytime usage | Run appliances during solar hours |
| Right-sizing | Don't overbuild; match to usage |
Solar Costs
| System Size | Gross Cost | After UT Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $14,400-18,000 | $12,800-16,400 |
| 8 kW | $19,200-24,000 | $17,600-22,400 |
| 10 kW | $24,000-30,000 | $22,400-28,400 |
High Desert Climate
Production Factors
- Altitude boost: Higher elevation = stronger sun
- Low humidity: Clear skies most days
- Snow: Slides off; brief impact
- Air quality: Inversions can reduce production in valleys
Production Estimates
- Annual production: 1,500-1,700 kWh per kW installed
- 8 kW system: ~12,000-13,600 kWh/year
- Salt Lake area: ~5.5 peak sun hours
- St. George: Even higher—desert Southwest sun
The Bottom Line
Utah has excellent solar potential but evolving economics. Great sunshine and state incentives help, but Rocky Mountain Power's reduced export rates mean focusing on self-consumption. Consider batteries and right-sizing.
Questions About Utah Solar?
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