Solar resource
Your solar production in Salt Lake City
5.5 avg peak sun hours/day
Monthly avg solar radiation (kWh/m²/day) — Salt Lake City, UT. Bars update to show estimated kWh production when you use the calculator above.
Utility rate
Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp) electricity rate
$0.11/kWh residential
- Utility
- Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp)
- Residential rate
- $0.11/kWh (blended)
Rocky Mountain Power is the primary electricity provider for Salt Lake City. Utah's HB 146 (2017) froze full-retail net metering for customers who enrolled by December 11, 2017 (grandfathered through 2035). Customers enrolling after that date receive net metering under a non-grandfathered tariff with export credits at the monthly avoided-cost rate (approximately $0.055–$0.065/kWh) rather than full retail. On-site solar self-consumption still offsets real retail electricity purchases at ~$0.110/kWh. Salt Lake City's excellent solar resource (5.50 peak sun hours/day on average) partially compensates for the reduced export economics — but right-sizing the system to match household usage is especially important for post-2017 customers.
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Incentives
Available solar incentives in Salt Lake City, UT
Federal + state + utility
| Incentive | Type | Value | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | Tax Credit | 30% of system cost | Federal |
| Rocky Mountain Power Net Metering (Non-Grandfathered) | Net Metering | Export credit at avoided-cost rate (~$0.055–$0.065/kWh) for customers enrolling post-December 2017 | Utility |
| Utah Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit | Tax Credit | 25% of system cost, capped at $1,600 per residential system | State |
| Utah Solar Energy Equipment Property Tax Exemption | Exemption | Solar equipment value excluded from residential property tax assessment | State |
Incentive amounts and eligibility rules change. Verify current terms with your installer and a tax professional before installation.
System cost
Cost breakdown (6 kW default)
- Gross system cost
- $22000
- Federal ITC (30%)
- −$8200
- Net system cost
- $13,800
- Installed cost per watt
- $2.75/W
Rocky Mountain region residential solar benchmark (Tracking the Sun, NREL), used as a planning estimate for Salt Lake City.
Payback & long-term value
25-year outlook
- Annual savings (yr 1)
- $1,250
- Simple payback period
- 11.0 years
- 25-year net savings
- $34500
- Assumed annual rate increase
- 2.5%/year
25-year estimate uses flat electricity rate for conservative baseline. Accounting for 2.5% annual rate increases, lifetime savings increase substantially.
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How it works
How solar savings work in Salt Lake City
- Salt Lake City's high-desert sun is an exceptional solar resource At 5.50 peak sun hours per day on average and an elevation of about 4,265 feet, Salt Lake City ranks among the best solar markets in the Intermountain West. A standard 8 kW roof-mount system is modeled at approximately 12,504 kWh per year.
- On-site self-consumption drives the core savings For post-2017 Rocky Mountain Power customers, the most valuable solar production is what you consume directly on site — offsetting retail electricity purchases at ~$0.110/kWh. Exported excess generation is credited at the lower avoided-cost rate, so minimizing net export maximizes savings.
- Utah's modified net metering framework affects system sizing Utah's HB 146 (2017) ended grandfathered full-retail net metering enrollment. New customers receive export credits at the monthly avoided-cost rate (~$0.055–$0.065/kWh) rather than the retail rate. Right-sizing the system to match household usage — rather than oversizing for maximum exports — is the key design decision for SLC homeowners.
- The federal ITC and Utah state credit cut upfront costs On a modeled $22,000 system, the 30% federal ITC is worth $6,600. Utah's state income tax credit adds up to $1,600. Combined, these incentives can reduce net upfront cost to approximately $13,800 before financing effects.
- Snow considerations: panel tilt and clearing matter Salt Lake City's ground snow load (~43 psf) means occasional heavy snowfall. Steeper tilt angles help panels shed snow faster, improving winter production. Most Utah solar installers recommend a minimum 20–30 degree tilt for SLC rooftops.
- Long-run savings still compound as utility rates rise Even with reduced export economics, a well-sized SLC system produces durable savings as Rocky Mountain Power rates increase over time. The 25-year savings estimate assumes a 2.5% annual rate escalation.
FAQ
Common solar savings questions for Salt Lake City, UT
How much can I save with solar in Salt Lake City, UT?
An 8 kW system in Salt Lake City is modeled at approximately 12,504 kWh per year. With savings driven primarily by on-site consumption at ~$0.110/kWh and reduced export credits for post-2017 customers, first-year savings are estimated at around $1,250. After the federal ITC and Utah state credit, simple payback is approximately 11 years.
Does Rocky Mountain Power still offer net metering in Utah?
Yes, but with an important distinction. Customers who enrolled in Rocky Mountain Power net metering on or before December 11, 2017 are grandfathered at full-retail net metering through 2035. Customers enrolling after that date receive export credits at the avoided-cost rate (~$0.055–$0.065/kWh), which is significantly lower than the retail rate. On-site consumption still offsets retail bill charges.
Is solar still worth it in Salt Lake City with the modified net metering rules?
Yes — Salt Lake City's excellent solar resource (one of the highest in the Intermountain West) partially offsets the reduced export value. The key is right-sizing the system to match household electricity usage rather than oversizing for maximum exports.
What state solar incentives are available in Utah?
Utah offers a 25% state income tax credit capped at $1,600 per residential system, plus a property tax exemption that excludes the solar equipment's added value from your property tax assessment. The federal 30% ITC is the largest single incentive.
How does SLC's snow load affect solar panel performance?
Heavy snowfall can temporarily reduce production by covering panels. Steeper tilt angles help shed snow more quickly. Rooftop systems in SLC are generally designed with a minimum 20–30 degree pitch, which balances year-round production with snow-clearing performance.
How many solar panels does a Salt Lake City home need?
Most SLC households land in the 6–10 kW range depending on annual electricity usage, roof space, and orientation. Given reduced export economics, the goal is to closely match system output to on-site consumption rather than generate large annual surpluses.
Do I need a permit for solar in Salt Lake City?
Yes. Rooftop solar installations in SLC require a building permit from Salt Lake City Building Services and interconnection approval from Rocky Mountain Power. If you are also planning a deck, review the Salt Lake City deck permit guide to keep both projects compliant.
Sources
Data sources and freshness
- https://developer.nrel.gov/docs/solar/pvwatts/v8/
- https://www.rockymt.com/en/residential/my-account/rates-and-tariffs.html
- https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title54/Chapter17A/54-17a.html
- https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/UT
- https://tax.utah.gov/utah-taxes/individual-income-tax/solar-energy-systems-tax-credit
- https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-federal-tax-credit-solar-photovoltaics
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only — not financial or investment advice. Solar savings depend on actual shading, roof orientation, energy usage patterns, rate changes, and equipment performance. Consult a licensed installer and a tax professional before making purchasing decisions. Verify incentive eligibility with official sources. Data last verified 2026-04-19.