Solar Panels in Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City receives 1463.5 kWh per kWp of solar panels per year — 3.9% below the US national average of 1,550 kWh/kWp. At Utah's electricity rate of 12.88¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $1,508/year and pays back in 10 years.
Solar is well worth it in Salt Lake City. Note: The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. The numbers below reflect today's actual costs.
Salt Lake City Solar at a Glance
Last updated: April 11, 2026 · Sources: PVGIS v5.3, EIA
How Much Solar Power Does Salt Lake City Get Each Month?
Monthly solar yield (kWh per kWp installed) based on PVGIS satellite data for 40.76°N, 111.89°W.
Live Solar Forecast for Salt Lake City
Real-time generation estimate for an 8 kW system based on today's weather forecast. Data: forecast.solar.
Is a Home Battery Worth It in Salt Lake City?
A battery stores excess midday solar for use at peak evening hours. At 12.88¢/kWh in Salt Lake City, here is the math for the two most popular options.
10-year value: $5,080 · Based on 365 cycles/yr, 12.88¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.
10-year value: $3,610 · Based on 350 cycles/yr, 12.88¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.
Battery ROI improves significantly in states with Time-of-Use (TOU) rates where peak electricity can cost 2–3× the off-peak rate. California (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), New York (ConEd), and Massachusetts (Eversource) have the strongest TOU incentives for battery storage.
What Are the 25-Year Solar Savings in Salt Lake City?
Based on 1463.5 kWh/kWp/yr yield, 12.88¢/kWh electricity rate, and a 2026 system cost of $2.80/W. Federal tax credit expired Dec 31, 2025 — not included.
What Solar Incentives Are Available in Salt Lake City, Utah?
The federal ITC expired in 2025. These state and utility incentives still apply in Utah.
Solar Panels in Salt Lake City: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do solar panels cost in Salt Lake City, Utah in 2026?
Is solar worth it in Salt Lake City without the federal tax credit?
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Salt Lake City?
What solar incentives are available in Salt Lake City, Utah?
How long is the solar payback period in Salt Lake City?
Environmental Impact & Home Value in Salt Lake City
An 8 kW solar system in Salt Lake City produces roughly 11,708 kWh/year. Here is what that means beyond your electricity bill.
How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Salt Lake City?
The right system size depends on your annual electricity usage and how much of your bill you want to offset. In Salt Lake City, where annual solar yield is 1463.5 kWh per kWp, here is what different households typically need:
| Annual usage | System size | Panels (400 W) | Est. cost | Annual savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6,000 kWh Small home | 4.1 kW | 11 panels | $11,480 | $773/yr |
| 10,800 kWh Average home | 7.4 kW | 19 panels | $20,720 | $1,391/yr |
| 15,000 kWh Large home | 10.3 kW | 26 panels | $28,840 | $1,932/yr |
| 20,000 kWh Large + EV | 13.7 kW | 35 panels | $38,360 | $2,576/yr |
Costs based on $2.80/W installed (2026 US average). Panel count assumes 400 W modules. Savings based on current 12.88¢/kWh rate. State incentives not included — see above for Utah credits.
Salt Lake CitySolar Resources & 2026 Incentives
Key information for homeowners in Salt Lake City going solar in 2026 — after the federal 30% tax credit expired December 31, 2025.
The 30% Section 25D residential solar credit expired December 31, 2025. An 8 kW system in Salt Lake City costs $22,344 after a $56 Utah state credit. The commercial Section 48 credit (for businesses, landlords) was not affected.
IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit →Utah has a net metering policy. Contact your local utility for current export rates.
DSIRE — Utah Incentive Database →25% state tax credit (up to $400/year, carryforward allowed), Rocky Mountain Power net metering
- PVGIS — EU JRC Solar Yield Data(yield figures on this page)
- EIA — Utah Electricity Profile(electricity rates)
- DSIRE — Utah Solar Incentives(incentives & rebates)
- Lawrence Berkeley Lab — Tracking the Sun(installed cost data)
- NREL — Solar Panel Degradation Study(lifespan & performance)