Best solar companies in Salt Lake City 2021
Updated: February 26, 2021Compare the prices and reputations of solar installers, solar panel manufacturers and other solar energy companies servicing Salt Lake City.
4.69 21 Reviews
Latest review
, over 1 month
I have had a great experience with New Star Solar. No stress, always just a phone call away. System up and running! Wish I had done it sooner.
Read more
Latest review
, over 1 month
I have had a great experience with New Star Solar. No stress, always just a phone call away. System up and running! Wish I had done it sooner.
4.68 59 Reviews
Latest review
Amy, 1 week ago
We worked with Chris out of the Corona office, he's very knowledgeable, very responsive, and did a great job. We had our hiccup's with the city, but he and his company followed through, and got things done as efficiently as possible given the hoops they had to jump through. We had a very good experience and recommend them highly.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 (2.95 per watt)
Latest review
Amy, 1 week ago
We worked with Chris out of the Corona office, he's very knowledgeable, very responsive, and did a great job. We had our hiccup's with the city, but he and his company followed through, and got things done as efficiently as possible given the hoops they had to jump through. We had a very good experience and recommend them highly.
4.63 18 Reviews
Latest review
Whitni, over 1 month
Rocky Mountain Renewable Energy was amazing to work with. I have wanted solar but was worried about the financial commitment. I was worried it wouldn't be worth the money. After a long conversation with Bryan I became very confident it was the best company to go with and the best decision financial. They got me an amazing interest rate and working with my payments. They made sure I got solar in an affordable manner! I am so grateful for their understanding, their willing to be flexible, and still giving me the best product. Everyone form the owner to them men who installed the equipment were beyond amazing. They were kind, respectful, and got everything in and going so quickly. I would recommend the company to my family, friends, anyone!!!!!
Read more
Latest review
Whitni, over 1 month
Rocky Mountain Renewable Energy was amazing to work with. I have wanted solar but was worried about the financial commitment. I was worried it wouldn't be worth the money. After a long conversation with Bryan I became very confident it was the best company to go with and the best decision financial. They got me an amazing interest rate and working with my payments. They made sure I got solar in an affordable manner! I am so grateful for their understanding, their willing to be flexible, and still giving me the best product. Everyone form the owner to them men who installed the equipment were beyond amazing. They were kind, respectful, and got everything in and going so quickly. I would recommend the company to my family, friends, anyone!!!!!
4.61 14 Reviews
Latest review
solarman1234, 2 weeks ago
After doing much research and getting many different bids from many different companies, I determined that most solar companies are basically the same. Very similar processes, pricing, etc. The main reason we went with Smart Wave was the emergency power outlet. Game changer. Your power goes out with the rest of the grid and with the rest of solar companies, but not with Smart Wave. It is a great hybrid between basic solar and an very expensive battery powered system.
Read more
Latest review
solarman1234, 2 weeks ago
After doing much research and getting many different bids from many different companies, I determined that most solar companies are basically the same. Very similar processes, pricing, etc. The main reason we went with Smart Wave was the emergency power outlet. Game changer. Your power goes out with the rest of the grid and with the rest of solar companies, but not with Smart Wave. It is a great hybrid between basic solar and an very expensive battery powered system.
4.59 1,046 Reviews
Latest review
Lisa Myers, 2 days ago
From start to finish, John Griffith has been amazing! He took the time to get to know us, our energy needs and answered all of our questions. Blue Raven’s concierge service is also top notch. They do all the legwork for you making this switch a very stress-free process. Lastly, the install team was courteous and efficient, ensuring the install was done to perfection!
Read more
Latest review
Lisa Myers, 2 days ago
From start to finish, John Griffith has been amazing! He took the time to get to know us, our energy needs and answered all of our questions. Blue Raven’s concierge service is also top notch. They do all the legwork for you making this switch a very stress-free process. Lastly, the install team was courteous and efficient, ensuring the install was done to perfection!
4.54 70 Reviews
Latest review
Dave D, over 1 month
Solaroo installed my system a few years ago, and now I have a leak in my roof. Solarfox will not honor Solaroo warranty, so not sure why they are saying (Formerly Solaroo Energy) in the business title. Very misleading. Either honor their warranty and fix my leak, or don't claim them.
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Latest review
Dave D, over 1 month
Solaroo installed my system a few years ago, and now I have a leak in my roof. Solarfox will not honor Solaroo warranty, so not sure why they are saying (Formerly Solaroo Energy) in the business title. Very misleading. Either honor their warranty and fix my leak, or don't claim them.
4.54 176 Reviews
Latest review
EdwardM, over 1 month
Decided in about Sep of 2019 to finally order a solar PV intertied system. Incredibly, they were able to complete the proposal, design and engineering work, permits and install before the end of the year, all in about 3 months time. If you've ever done re-modeling work with permits, you can appreciate that this is a very timely install! This involves multiple parties, city permit department (about a month just for the city), and the power utility company. From their sales rep, to the project manager, to the install crew - IWS was easy to reach throughout the process, to answer any questions. The install crew and electrician were great too. We had to wait until the first week of January to turn on the system but that was because the local power company had to update the software in our power meter and they had a delay due to the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Once that was done, we just flipped a switch and the solar PV was in operation. Our system is producing almost exactly the amount of power it was designed to do, and what we expected. Because we are very economical with our power usage, we are net positive to the power company for now. But that means we have the right amount to also recharge a future EV car. Our home is in Redmond, Oregon - and was installed by the crew out of Boise.
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Latest review
EdwardM, over 1 month
Decided in about Sep of 2019 to finally order a solar PV intertied system. Incredibly, they were able to complete the proposal, design and engineering work, permits and install before the end of the year, all in about 3 months time. If you've ever done re-modeling work with permits, you can appreciate that this is a very timely install! This involves multiple parties, city permit department (about a month just for the city), and the power utility company. From their sales rep, to the project manager, to the install crew - IWS was easy to reach throughout the process, to answer any questions. The install crew and electrician were great too. We had to wait until the first week of January to turn on the system but that was because the local power company had to update the software in our power meter and they had a delay due to the Christmas and New Year's holiday. Once that was done, we just flipped a switch and the solar PV was in operation. Our system is producing almost exactly the amount of power it was designed to do, and what we expected. Because we are very economical with our power usage, we are net positive to the power company for now. But that means we have the right amount to also recharge a future EV car. Our home is in Redmond, Oregon - and was installed by the crew out of Boise.
4.51 19 Reviews
Latest review
chess1, over 1 month
I purchased a solar system from USG in April 2020. When I try to contact USG for after sales service, their website is gone and emails to utahsolargroup.com are bouncing. I suspect they are no longer in business. Does anyone know for certain?
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Latest review
chess1, over 1 month
I purchased a solar system from USG in April 2020. When I try to contact USG for after sales service, their website is gone and emails to utahsolargroup.com are bouncing. I suspect they are no longer in business. Does anyone know for certain?
4.51 33 Reviews
Latest review
, over 1 month
Power CO is very easy to work with. They were professional and communicated with me throughout the entire process. Their price was the lowest by far of any of the other 3 bids, even though they use the better optimizers, and there were no unexpected charges on the final bill. My system works exactly as it was designed and my electricity bills have been reduced dramatically. I will use them again when I purchase a new home next year.
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Latest review
, over 1 month
Power CO is very easy to work with. They were professional and communicated with me throughout the entire process. Their price was the lowest by far of any of the other 3 bids, even though they use the better optimizers, and there were no unexpected charges on the final bill. My system works exactly as it was designed and my electricity bills have been reduced dramatically. I will use them again when I purchase a new home next year.
4.46 9 Reviews
Latest review
, over 1 month
Redstone went the EXTRA MILE at each stage, giving us the benefit in each situation.<br /><br /> - Worked to CUSTOMIZE our installation to our needs and wishes.<br /><br /> - Substituted later and better technology (LG panels) that became available just as our installation was taking place (without changing the price).<br /><br /> - Did the CLEANEST possible installation.<br /><br /> - Gave us a significant BETTER PRICE compared with other bids.<br /><br /> - Very generously gave us the BENEFIT of the doubt regarding a billing question that arose.<br /><br />THANK YOU Chris for the great experience we had (and continuing), doing business with Redstone Solar!
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Latest review
, over 1 month
Redstone went the EXTRA MILE at each stage, giving us the benefit in each situation.<br /><br /> - Worked to CUSTOMIZE our installation to our needs and wishes.<br /><br /> - Substituted later and better technology (LG panels) that became available just as our installation was taking place (without changing the price).<br /><br /> - Did the CLEANEST possible installation.<br /><br /> - Gave us a significant BETTER PRICE compared with other bids.<br /><br /> - Very generously gave us the BENEFIT of the doubt regarding a billing question that arose.<br /><br />THANK YOU Chris for the great experience we had (and continuing), doing business with Redstone Solar!
Stats for solar companies in Salt Lake City:
Companies reviewed
Avg rating of Salt Lake City solar installers
Avg size of residential system
Avg price 10.72kW installed system
Salt Lake City solar cost & savings calculator
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2.63 611 Reviews
Latest review
Silva, 2 weeks ago
We just had our Tesla solar panels installed and I want to give a big shout out to the Apollo crew! They were very professional and highly attentive to details. They even painted our conduit to match our house! Both Luc and Minh took time to educate us on our equipment as well as how best to maximum our energy with every day usage. Again a great big thank you to this team!! I am ready to start reaping the reward of solar energy!!
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Average cost (5kW system)
$10,000 ($2.00 per watt)
Latest review
Silva, 2 weeks ago
We just had our Tesla solar panels installed and I want to give a big shout out to the Apollo crew! They were very professional and highly attentive to details. They even painted our conduit to match our house! Both Luc and Minh took time to educate us on our equipment as well as how best to maximum our energy with every day usage. Again a great big thank you to this team!! I am ready to start reaping the reward of solar energy!!
4.77 912 Reviews
Latest review
Charles, over 1 month
I used this company to have a basis for my solar panels on my new house. They did a great assessment of my usage, roof, and environment. They came to the house after numerous meetings online (COVID) to finalize the project and check if 100% everything was fine. Everything financially was reviewed. Before starting, they took over all the communication with the HOA. Once approved by the HOA, the project was started. I now have 28 beautiful Solar Panels which cover 100% of my yearly usage. Would I recommend Cape Fear Solar Systems: YES.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$19,950 ($3.99 per watt)
Latest review
Charles, over 1 month
I used this company to have a basis for my solar panels on my new house. They did a great assessment of my usage, roof, and environment. They came to the house after numerous meetings online (COVID) to finalize the project and check if 100% everything was fine. Everything financially was reviewed. Before starting, they took over all the communication with the HOA. Once approved by the HOA, the project was started. I now have 28 beautiful Solar Panels which cover 100% of my yearly usage. Would I recommend Cape Fear Solar Systems: YES.
4.84 319 Reviews
Latest review
William Hurley, over 1 month
The Panasonic panels we had installed had better power generation than what the competition wanted to steer us towards, and a much longer warranty.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$21,700 ($4.34 per watt)
Latest review
William Hurley, over 1 month
The Panasonic panels we had installed had better power generation than what the competition wanted to steer us towards, and a much longer warranty.
4.54 895 Reviews
Latest review
Roger, over 1 month
We have had Sunpower Solar now for a little over a year now and are more then just pleased. We produce much more then we use. In fact we have a nice credit built up with the electric company. So far we haven't had any problems with the system and would recommend Sunpower to anyone.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$24,550 ($4.91 per watt)
Latest review
Roger, over 1 month
We have had Sunpower Solar now for a little over a year now and are more then just pleased. We produce much more then we use. In fact we have a nice credit built up with the electric company. So far we haven't had any problems with the system and would recommend Sunpower to anyone.
4.68 165 Reviews
Latest review
Mark and Karen, over 1 month
These panels were recommended by our installer as the best compromise between price, capacity, efficiency and life span
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Average cost (5kW system)
$23,700 ($4.74 per watt)
Latest review
Mark and Karen, over 1 month
These panels were recommended by our installer as the best compromise between price, capacity, efficiency and life span
4.69 21 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
I have had a great experience with New Star Solar. No stress, always just a phone call away. System up and running! Wish I had done it sooner.
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
I have had a great experience with New Star Solar. No stress, always just a phone call away. System up and running! Wish I had done it sooner.
4.68 59 Reviews
Latest review
Amy, 1 week ago
We worked with Chris out of the Corona office, he's very knowledgeable, very responsive, and did a great job. We had our hiccup's with the city, but he and his company followed through, and got things done as efficiently as possible given the hoops they had to jump through. We had a very good experience and recommend them highly.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Latest review
Amy, 1 week ago
We worked with Chris out of the Corona office, he's very knowledgeable, very responsive, and did a great job. We had our hiccup's with the city, but he and his company followed through, and got things done as efficiently as possible given the hoops they had to jump through. We had a very good experience and recommend them highly.
4.63 18 Reviews
Latest review
Whitni, over 1 month
Rocky Mountain Renewable Energy was amazing to work with. I have wanted solar but was worried about the financial commitment. I was worried it wouldn't be worth the money. After a long conversation with Bryan I became very confident it was the best company to go with and the best decision financial. They got me an amazing interest rate and working with my payments. They made sure I got solar in an affordable manner! I am so grateful for their understanding, their willing to be flexible, and still giving me the best product. Everyone form the owner to them men who installed the equipment were beyond amazing. They were kind, respectful, and got everything in and going so quickly. I would recommend the company to my family, friends, anyone!!!!!
Read more
Latest review
Whitni, over 1 month
Rocky Mountain Renewable Energy was amazing to work with. I have wanted solar but was worried about the financial commitment. I was worried it wouldn't be worth the money. After a long conversation with Bryan I became very confident it was the best company to go with and the best decision financial. They got me an amazing interest rate and working with my payments. They made sure I got solar in an affordable manner! I am so grateful for their understanding, their willing to be flexible, and still giving me the best product. Everyone form the owner to them men who installed the equipment were beyond amazing. They were kind, respectful, and got everything in and going so quickly. I would recommend the company to my family, friends, anyone!!!!!
4.61 14 Reviews
Latest review
solarman1234, 2 weeks ago
After doing much research and getting many different bids from many different companies, I determined that most solar companies are basically the same. Very similar processes, pricing, etc. The main reason we went with Smart Wave was the emergency power outlet. Game changer. Your power goes out with the rest of the grid and with the rest of solar companies, but not with Smart Wave. It is a great hybrid between basic solar and an very expensive battery powered system.
Read more
Latest review
solarman1234, 2 weeks ago
After doing much research and getting many different bids from many different companies, I determined that most solar companies are basically the same. Very similar processes, pricing, etc. The main reason we went with Smart Wave was the emergency power outlet. Game changer. Your power goes out with the rest of the grid and with the rest of solar companies, but not with Smart Wave. It is a great hybrid between basic solar and an very expensive battery powered system.
4.59 1,046 Reviews
Latest review
Lisa Myers, 2 days ago
From start to finish, John Griffith has been amazing! He took the time to get to know us, our energy needs and answered all of our questions. Blue Raven’s concierge service is also top notch. They do all the legwork for you making this switch a very stress-free process. Lastly, the install team was courteous and efficient, ensuring the install was done to perfection!
Read more
Latest review
Lisa Myers, 2 days ago
From start to finish, John Griffith has been amazing! He took the time to get to know us, our energy needs and answered all of our questions. Blue Raven’s concierge service is also top notch. They do all the legwork for you making this switch a very stress-free process. Lastly, the install team was courteous and efficient, ensuring the install was done to perfection!
Average cost of solar installation in Salt Lake City
Table 1: Average cost of residential solar systems by system size
| System size* | Avg cost per watt |
Avg cost
(After tax credit) show before tax |
|---|---|---|
| 4kW | $2.91 | $8,612 |
| 5kW | $2.79 | $10,331 |
| 6kW | $2.67 | $11,836 |
| 7kW | $2.64 | $13,668 |
| 8kW | $2.68 | $15,859 |
| 9kW | $2.58 | $17,213 |
| 10kW | $2.56 | $18,925 |
| 12kW | $2.56 | $22,719 |
| 15kW | $2.42 | $26,884 |
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,718.32
($2.61 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,523.93
($2.49 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$291.18 ($0.88 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,008.02
($2.43 p/w)
VBH330RA03K overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$340.00 ($1.00 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$14,280.00
($2.80 p/w)
VBHN340SA17 HIT+ overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
20.3
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,968.01
($2.44 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,335.47
($2.45 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$205.00 ($0.58 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,951.44
($2.40 p/w)
CS3U-355PB-AG overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
17.7
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$240.01 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.8kW system
$12,341.39
($2.57 p/w)
CS3W-400PB-AG overview
Rated power
400 watts
Efficiency
17.9
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,840.67
($2.43 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,079.73
($2.44 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Mosaic
- Loan
300 Lakeside Drive, 24th Floor,
Oakland, CA, 94612
(855) 746-7849
https://www.joinmosaic.com/
Description
Mosaic offers choices for solar financing. One loan is structured so that the monthly payment is lower than their existing electricity bill. The average Mosaic customer saves $30,550* over the life of the solar energy system, sometimes starting right from the time the system is energized. And when the homeowner owns their system, they claim all the savings, from the federal tax credit to any state or local incentives.
Dividend Solar
- Loan
- Pace
433 California St, Suite 300,
San Francisco, CA, 94123
(844) 805-7100
https://www.dividendsolar.com
Description
Dividend is a leading national provider of renewable energy and energy-efficient financing solutions to property owners. We give our customers the opportunity to obtain clean energy financing through a comprehensive suite of financing options. Our flagship product, the EmpowerLoan™, continues to expand its product offerings into the storage and home-energy space. Dividend also offers commercial PACE, which is a public-private financing mechanism for energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and seismic upgrades on privately-owned property.
GreenSky
- Loan
6220 Enfield Avenue,
Encino, CA, 91316
(844) 810-7713
https://www.greensky.com/
Description
GreenSky® was founded on the idea that payment, credit and commerce could be enhanced using technology and elegant user experiences. We believed payment and credit could be an asset that empowers and enables commerce, not a distraction or impediment. Today, GreenSky delivers a service that helps business grow and delight their customers.
YGrene
- Loan
- Pace
2100 South McDowell Boulevard,
Petaluma, CA, 94954
(866) 634-1358
https://ygrene.com/
Description
A national leader in residential and commercial clean energy financing via PACE , Ygrene Energy Fund is revolutionizing the home improvement industry.
GreenBiz Financial
- Loan
(800) 764-3601
https://www.greenbizfinancial.com/
Description
The mission of GreenBiz Financial is to offer solar and other energy-efficient home improvement loans with attractive rates to our customers.
Light Stream
- Loan
Description
LightSteam is a national online consumer lending division of SunTrust Bank, the flagship subsidiary of SunTrust Banks Inc., one of the nation’s leading financial services companies.
Home Loan Investment Bank
- Loan
2 Altieri Way,
Warwick, RI, 02886
(401) 773-9948
https://www.homeloanbank.com
Description
Fast loan processing, competitive fixed rates with no pre-payment penalties and attentive customer service Home Loan Investment Bank, FSB is a full-service financial institution offering commercial lending, home improvement lending, small business lending, personal and business banking, automobile financing and mortgage services. We are a federally regulated, FDIC-insured savings bank with branches in Providence and Warwick, Rhode Island and are dedicated to helping our customers with their financial needs through our team of experienced and friendly bank representatives. We will give you personalized one-on-one attention and professional guidance to ensure that your transaction is completed in an accurate and timely manner. We are also a member of the Allpoint Network, providing access to over 40,000 surcharge-free ATMs nationwide. Whether you are looking to open a CD, refinance your home or start a business, we offer competitive rates. Call us today and see how we can help with your financial needs.
EnerBank USA
- Loan
1245 E. Brickyard Road Suite 600,
Salt Lake City, UT, 84106
84106-2562
https://enerbank.com
Description
FDIC insured EnerBank USA® is a highly specialized, national consumer lender that helps strategic business partners and independent home improvement contractors increase sales. Strategic business partners include manufacturers, distributors, franchisors, member or trade associations, and major retailers of home improvement, remodeling, and energy-saving products and services. They all rely on the bank to be here today and tomorrow to fund customer loans and help them achieve their business goals and objectives. We are America's home improvement lender of choice. We are reliable, professional, and we produce results.
Medallion Bank
- Loan
22232 17th Ave SE,
Bothell, WA, 98021
888.833.8570
https://www.medallionbank.com
Description
We offer similar programs and pricing as the big Banks, but with the kind of personal attention that you won't get with a black box lender. Our team provides a level of interaction and dedication to problem-solving that is unique in our industry. We also have a consumer-friendly process with no prepayment penalties or other hidden costs.
Celtic Bank
- Loan
- Pace
268 South State Street,
Salt Lake City, UT, 84111
800.509.6191
https://www.celticbank.com/
Description
Founded in 2001 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Celtic Bank is a privately owned industrial bank chartered by the State of Utah. Celtic Bank specializes in small business finance, helping business owners with working capital, expansion, acquisition, construction, equipment financing, renewable energy finance, real estate purchases and refinances, and more. Celtic Bank has ranked as one of the top ten SBA lenders nationally since 2013. Celtic Bank has a proven track record in a range of industries, including renewable energy finance, healthcare, gas station / C-store, car wash, hotel and others. Every business loan application is approached with a creative and problem-solving mindset, and we aim to structure tailored financing solutions that help our clients meet their growth objectives.
Further Research:
Installing a 11.8kW solar system in Salt Lake City, 2021
Net cost of system
Average payback time
Annual power production
Levelized cost of solar energy
If you don't get solar
16¢ /kWh
Savings over 25 years
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 11.8kW system
Going solar in Salt Lake City
Table 2: Available incentive programs
|
Eligibility: Federal incentive
Type: Personal Tax Credit
|
|
Eligibility: State incentive
Type: Net Metering
|
Note: Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
Types of solar energy companies
There are several different types of solar companies, and there are significant differences between them.
Large corporate solar companies
These are companies like Tesla, Sunrun and Vivint Solar with corporate ownership and wide geographical coverage. When residential solar took off back in 2012, they were the first to offer zero-down solar options and thus gaining massive market share. However, these companies grew too quickly and were unable to maintain the quality of their customer service; this is reflected in their poor review scores on SolarReviews and other sites. Furthermore, these large companies face stiff competition from local solar companies who now offer zero-down financing via specialist solar loan companies. Indeed, in a bid to stay competitive, in July 2020 Sunrun and Vivint, the largest companies by market share, announced they were merging.
Local and family-owned solar installation companies
These companies are typically one-stop shops that both sell and install solar systems. They are more likely to employ their own installation team rather than outsourcing the task. This is a good thing: our reviews indicate that customers are more satisfied with jobs performed by in-house crews.
Solar sales companies
These are companies that sell solar to homeowners over a large geographical area, but rely on outsourced installation labour to supply all the equipment, manage the permitting, and perform the installation. For example, they may sell you a solar system for $15,000, but then pay an EPC contractor $12,000 to supply and install the entire job. These companies also tend to have super-aggressive sales tactics, and we generally see low customer satisfaction for consumers who sign with them.
EPC contractors
EPC contractors do all of the permitting, installation and inspections for solar jobs that other companies sell. They became common as large corporate solar companies like SolarCity sold zero-down systems across vast parts of the country where they had no installation teams of their own. Large corporate solar companies still tend to use outsourced installation labour to protect themselves from any liability in the case of accidents. Like all roof work, solar panel installation carries large safety risks for workers.
Solar panel manufacturers
These are the companies that make the solar panels. Unfortunately, very few solar panel manufacturers still make solar panels in America. Even San Jose-based SunPower now makes all of its panels overseas. Ironically, probably the only major company making panels in the US right now is Jinko Solar, a large Tier 1 Chinese-owned manufacturer with a factory in Jacksonville, FL. The leading solar panel manufacturers are LG, Panasonic, QCells, SunPower, LONGi, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar, JA Solar, GCL, and Hyundai.
Solar inverter manufacturers
Inverters convert the DC power made by your panels to AC power that your home can use. Inverters cause far more warranty issues than the solar panels themselves. If there’s one piece of advice we have for those going solar, it’s to buy a good inverter brand. The rapid shutdown rule now in force in most jurisdictions means that micro inverters or power optimizers need to be used, rather than string inverters.
(This is unfortunate, as string inverters have far fewer warranty issues). We recommend the brand Enphase for micro inverters, and SolarEdge for power optimizers. If string inverters are allowed where you live, then we suggest either SMA or Fronius.
Solar finance providers
Consumers who want to buy solar panels (instead of lease them) can now access loans from many different companies. Buying solar is preferable to leasing as it allows you to keep the 26% federal solar tax credit; if you lease panels, the credit goes to the lessor instead. Solar loan applications are made through your solar installation company, who acts as the dealer for the financing company. Leading solar loan providers include Mosaic, Dividend and Greensky.
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