The best solar installers in Utah
A Wasatch Front top 5 covering Davis, Salt Lake, and Weber counties — the regions where most Utah homeowners live. Southern Utah options are listed in the Honorable mentions below.
Intermountain Wind & Solar Local
Why listed: Utah-headquartered installer with two decades of in-state operations, A+ BBB rating, and ~400 Google reviews averaging 4.5 stars across residential and commercial work.
Creative Energies Local
Why listed: Founded 2001; B Corp certified; NABCEP-certified; Tesla Powerwall Certified Installer; Amicus Solar Cooperative member.
ES Solar Local
Why listed: 15,000+ installs and 4,000+ Google reviews — the largest residential review volume of any Utah-based installer.
Gardner Energy Local
Why listed: Operating since 2005; 10+ MW installed statewide; residential and commercial track record across Weber and Davis counties.
Smart Wave Solar Local
Why listed: Founded 2015; A+ BBB; NABCEP-certified; 4.7★ Google with strong 2025–2026 review activity.
National installers National
Sunrun, Tesla Energy, and Palmetto Solar are the major national installers still actively taking new residential contracts as of 2026. Palmetto Solar currently holds EnergySage's Elite+ tier — the platform's highest installer rating. National installers typically have larger sales footprints but also higher financing markup and more variable local service quality than the state-based installers above.
Avoid — recently bankrupt or exited: Sunnova (Chapter 11 June 2025), the original SunPower (Chapter 11 August 2024 — the current "SunPower Inc." is rebranded Complete Solaria, a separate company), ADT Solar (exited residential solar January 2024 — warranty service only), Trinity Solar (East Coast only, doesn't serve most states), and Freedom Forever (Chapter 11 April 2026). If a salesperson contacts you under any of these brand names, ask which legal entity is actually signing the contract and warranty.
For the complete list of national installers with state coverage maps, financing terms, and ratings:
Utah solar economics in 2026
| Metric | Utah average |
|---|---|
| Average residential rate | $0.11–$0.13 / kWh |
| Typical 8 kW system cost (cash) | $20,000–$26,000 before incentives |
| Average $/W | $2.50–3.25 |
| Average annual production (kWh per kW) | ~1,500–1,700 kWh/kW/year |
| Net metering structure | Net billing — Rocky Mountain Power exports paid below retail (post-2018 changes) |
| Average cash payback | 11–14 years |
For full state-by-state cost comparison see solar cost by state.
Utah solar incentives and rebates (2026)
Utah stacks federal credit pathways (commercial Section 48E for businesses and third-party-owned residential), state-level credits/rebates where applicable, statutory tax exemptions, and utility-specific programs. Below is the 2026 picture with links to authoritative sources.
Federal credits (2026)
- Commercial Section 48E (Clean Electricity Investment Credit): Available to businesses, farms, and to third-party owners in lease/PPA structures (which can pass the benefit through as lower monthly payments). FEOC restrictions apply — see FEOC rules guide and FEOC compliant parts list. IRS — Clean Electricity Investment Credit.
- USDA REAP grants (agricultural / rural small business): Up to 50% of project cost, with low-interest loan guarantees on top. Quarterly application windows. "Before you build" rules — you must apply before construction starts. USDA — REAP Program.
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible EV charging equipment + installation costs at qualifying locations. Expires for property placed in service after June 30, 2026. IRS — 30C Credit.
Utah state-level incentives
- UT Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit: 25% of system cost capped at $400 in 2026 (program has been stepping down annually; verify 2026 cap).
- Property tax exemption: UT Code §59-2-1101 — property tax exemption for renewable energy systems.
- Sales tax: UT does not specifically exempt residential solar.
Net metering & utility programs in Utah
Rocky Mountain Power has transitioned existing customers to a flat export-credit rate (~$0.05/kWh). Battery + self-consumption design recommended. See also net metering explained.
- Rocky Mountain Power: Net billing at avoided cost www.rockymountainpower.net
Utah EV charger and EV-purchase incentives (2026)
- Federal 30C EV Charger Tax Credit: Up to 30% of eligible equipment + installation in qualifying low-income / non-urban census tracts. Expires June 30, 2026 for property placed in service after that date.
- Many Utah utilities and cooperatives offer Level 2 EV charger rebates ($150–$800 typical) often tied to TOU enrollment or smart-charger requirements. Check directly with your specific utility.
Authoritative sources to verify before signing
- Utah Office of Energy Development: geo.utah.gov
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency): programs.dsireusa.org/system/program?state=UT — searchable national database, kept current by NC State.
- Federal IRS guidance: irs.gov — Clean Electricity Investment Credit
What to verify before signing in Utah
- Contractor license: Verify with your state contractor licensing authority before signing.
- NABCEP certification: Most reputable installers carry NABCEP-certified installers on staff. Ask which crew member holds the certification.
- Insurance: General liability + workers comp + roofer's insurance separate from electrical insurance.
- References from your county: Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Ask for 2–3 references from your specific county.
- Get at least three bids: Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Got bids from Utah installers? Compare them properly.
Upload up to four solar proposals from any Utah installer. The analyzer compares $/W, production estimates, equipment, and financing structure — and tells you which one to sign.
Analyze My Bids →Honorable mentions
Additional installers worth getting a quote from — strong Utah-based alternatives and EnergySage-screened regional installers that serve Utah.
Other Utah-based installers
Southern Utah Energy Local
Why listed: Residential + battery specialist for southern UT.
HedgeHog Electric & Solar Local
Why listed: Electric + solar contractor serving Washington County.
Go Solar Group Local
Why listed: NABCEP, Tesla Powerwall partner, founded 2009.
Regional installers serving Utah
Worth a quote for homeowners willing to consider out-of-state regional installers with a verified UT presence. Expect longer drive times for service calls than a fully UT-based installer.
TriSMART Solar Regional
Why listed: Verified active UT presence (per their service-area page).
Frequently asked questions about Utah solar
Does solar make sense in Utah?
Yes for most homeowners with a $150+ monthly electric bill, an unshaded roof, and 8+ years of expected ownership. Utah's specific economics are summarized in the table above.
How much does a typical Utah solar install cost in 2026?
$20,000–$26,000 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Effective net cost depends on your state and utility incentives.
Should I get more than three bids?
Yes — three is a minimum. Four or five is better. Solar bids vary by 20–35% on the same scope of work. See how to compare solar bids.
Are there other reputable Utah solar installers besides these?
Many. The list above represents installers with strong public profiles in Utah; reputable installers exist beyond it. Get bids from a mix and compare them objectively rather than relying on any one list.