Solar

10 Steps to Install Solar Energy for Your Home

Identify solar technology
Determine your energy usage
Improve your energy efficiency
Site your system
Contact installers
Determine the system size
Research financing options
Net metering agreement
Apply for utility solar incentive
Apply for tax credits
Learn More

1. Identify Solar Technology
Determine whether you are interested in solar thermal (for hot water/space heating) or solar photovoltaic (for electricity). Both have different costs, applications and technologies. Refer to our Solar 101 section or contact a solar installer to help determine which technology is best for you. Before you begin this process, we recommend you calculate your monthly energy consumption (see step 2).

2. Determine your energy usage
Determine how much electricity and/or natural gas you use, on average, over the course of a year. Review 12 months of power bills or contact your utility companies to request a summary of your usage history. Once you know your average energy consumption, determine how much of your energy consumption you would like to offset.

3. Improve your energy efficiency
Solar technologies are most cost-effective when used in conjunction with energy efficiency measures. Consider simple ways to improve your energy efficiency to get the most out of your system and minimize your power bills overall. Refer to our Energy Efficiency for the Home and Office sections for simple efficiency improvement tips.

4. Site your system
For optimal output, your solar system should be oriented south or southwest, free from obstructions (tall buildings) or shading (trees). Systems can be roof-mounted, ground-mounted, or pole-mounted, offering different costs and benefits over the life of the system. The ideal location will allow the panels to receive maximum solar insolation (or sun hours/day). Consult with an installer to identify the best location for your system.

5. Contact solar installers
Contact a few solar dealers and installers in your area to explore options and get an idea of costs. Below are several websites that provide updated lists of solar installers across the state:

6. Determine your system size
The size of solar system you need depends on your energy consumption, how much sunshine is available, the space available, and how much you're willing to invest. You can contact a solar installer to get an idea of what will work best for your needs. You can also use a solar power calculator to get a general estimate of your system size and costs (actual costs should be determined with the help of an installer).

You can also check out the Department Of Energy's Building Energy Tools Directory for energy analysis tools such as PV-DesignPro (photovoltaic design, tracking systems, solar, electrical design), RETScreen (pre-feasibility analysis, heating, renewable energy), or PC-Solar 2.0 (passive solar calculations, solar shading, external shading, internal shading, solar incidence).

7. Research financing options
Financing your solar system does not mean you need to break the bank. More options are available to residential customers interested in solar energy. Explore your options with a financial advisor, mortgage broker, or bank. For example, you can use an energy efficiency mortgages to finance a solar power systems. Ask your broker to provide you with information about FHA and/or VA energy efficient mortgages to see if you qualify.

Learn more about financing options:

The Borrowers Guide to Financing Solar Energy Systems (PDF)

8. Net metering agreement
If you decide to install a solar PV system, you should contact your utility company to inquire about net metering. Some utilities offer net metering, but not all. If you are a Rocky Mountain Power customer, visit their net metering website.

9. Apply for utility solar incentive
Check with your utility to see if they offer any solar PV rebate incentives. The following utilities offer solar PV rebates at the moment:

10. Apply for tax credits
Familiarize yourself with federal, state and local credits available to you, and be sure your solar contractor understands the requirements for the installation requirements. Once you have installed your system, you can apply for the state and federal tax credits. Be sure to retain all receipts and documentation for tax purposes:

Utah State Tax Credit (if you are served by St. George or Dixie-Escalante, inquire about the SunSmart Program - you can invest in a utility-scale solar project and claim the state tax credit)
Federal Tax Credit

11. Learn More

For a list of important policies to support solar, visit the Solar Alliance
For model net metering and interconnection policies, visit the Interstate Renewable Energy Council
Learn About the U.S. Department of Energy Solar America Cities Program
Learn About Solar Salt Lake - A US DOE Solar America Cities Project
Learn More about Solar Salt Lake Phase II
Get involved in Utah Policy and Regulatory issues
Support Utah Clean Energy's work.