Why should I install a solar electric system on my home or business?

New state incentive programs and federal tax credits can reduce the cost of a solar electric system by as much as 40%-50%.  Solar power is a renewable resource.  Solar electricity is clean and non-polluting, producing no greenhouse gas emissions. Help clean up Utah's air one rooftop at a time. Spin your electric meter backwards, reducing your monthly electric bills. A solar electric system may increase the real estate value of your home by $20 for every $1 in annual utility bill savings.

What does an average solar electric system cost?

Most residential solar PV systems cost between $5,000-$15,000 (after rebates and incentives) which include the cost of all materials, installation, freight, permitting fees and sales tax. Solar PV systems for small businesses typically range from $10,000-$35,000, while large scale commercial projects can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

What financial incentives are currently available in the state of Utah?

Utah residents and businesses can benefit from both Federal and State financial incentives: (1) the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 provides a 30% federal tax credit for solar electric systems installed on homes and businesses through December 31, 2016; and (2) the state of Utah provides a tax incentive that equals 25% of the systems installed cost with a cap of $2,000 for residential systems and a cap of $50,000 for commercial systems.

What is the size of an average solar electric system?

Averages won't help when sizing a solar system for your specific home or business. Sizing a solar PV system involves careful consideration of three main factors: (1) project budget; (2) a customer's electricity requirements or consumption; and (3) available sunny space where a system can be installed.

What modifications would be necessary for my house to run on solar electricity?

Very little, if any. Solar panels are relatively lightweight, so there are rarely structural modifications required. Conduit and wire must be installed from the solar panels to the electrical panel. Typically installations take only 1-3 days, with only 1 hour without power.

Can a homeowner install a solar PV system themselves?

No. A solar PV system generates electricity at the source (solar panel) and this high voltage electricity is carried through the wiring, inverters, disconnects, batteries and main distribution panels and tied directly into Rocky Mountain Powers electric utility grid. These installations can be very dangerous when installed by someone who is not an electrician with the proper training and experience. Keep in mind, in order to receive state and federal tax incentives your system must be installed by a qualified S202 Solar Photovoltaic Contractor. 

What happens if it's cloudy or rainy for several days in a row?

Your solar electric system would produce less electricity, but you wouldn't notice the difference inside your home. Grid-tied solar systems never "run out" of electricity. Although solar panels only produce their maximum output in full, unobstructed sunlight, they will still produce power on cloudy or rainy days - albeit much less than normal. During these times, you end up buying more power from the utility company to make up the "deficit". When we design systems we take into account weather variables and can accurately estimate monthly and annual solar electricity production.