Whether you’re just curious about how solar works or ready to get real quotes, this guide breaks down everything Utah homeowners need to know about grid-tied solar systems — in clear, straightforward terms.
If you ever feel uncertain along the way, Solar Butlers can review your quotes, verify your savings calculations, and guide you through Utah’s solar process from start to finish.
How Utah Grid-Tied Solar Actually Works
Simply put: your solar panels generate electricity during the day, your home uses what it needs immediately, and any extra power flows back into the electrical grid. When the sun isn’t shining, your home draws power from the grid just like usual.
You stay connected to your utility, creating a seamless energy experience. This grid-tied approach means you don’t need expensive battery storage to benefit from solar. The grid acts as your battery — storing excess production during sunny hours and supplying power when you need it.
Solar Butlers Tip: Understanding exactly how your credits and export rates work is critical in today’s market. We can help you confirm what your utility will actually pay for excess energy before you sign any contract.
Utah Solar Billing Reality: What Rocky Mountain Power Customers Need to Know
Today, when your panels produce more than you use, that extra electricity goes to Rocky Mountain Power. But instead of getting full retail value, you’re credited about 5–6¢ per kWh in summer and 4–5¢ per kWh in winter — far less than the 10–15¢ you pay them.
This means savings are still real, but not as dramatic as in the early “net metering” days. Always confirm the actual export credit rate in writing before signing, since rates can change.
Solar Butlers Tip: We can review your proposal to ensure the savings math reflects current Rocky Mountain Power rates, not outdated or inflated numbers.
Critical Factors Affecting Utah Solar System Performance
Your solar system’s performance depends on several local factors:
- Roof orientation and shading: South-facing roofs with minimal shade perform best.
- Equipment quality: Higher-efficiency panels and reputable inverters deliver better long-term output.
- Utah’s climate: Snow and shorter days affect winter production, but long, high-sunlight summers make up for it.
Modern monitoring systems allow you to track performance and quickly catch issues before they become expensive.
Solar Butlers Tip: We offer system performance reviews and maintenance plans so your panels keep producing at peak efficiency all year long.
Step-by-Step Guide to Going Solar Safely in Utah
- Get at least three comparable quotes.
Make sure each proposal lists the same system size (in kW), panel brand, and inverter type so you can compare accurately. - Ask for full savings disclosures.
Utah’s HB 215 requires solar companies to clearly explain assumptions about utility rates, system degradation, and export credits. If a company avoids details, it’s a red flag. - Verify your actual utility program.
Contact Rocky Mountain Power directly — don’t rely solely on sales claims about rates or programs. - Know your cancellation rights.
Under HB 215, you have 15 days after your second power bill to cancel without penalty. Companies must remove equipment within 20 days if you cancel.
Solar Butlers Tip: We help homeowners confirm HB 215 compliance, double-check calculations, and flag contracts that could create problems later.
What Utah Solar Customers Should Do Next
Before signing:
- Make sure your contract includes all HB 215 required disclosures.
- Confirm the company is not affiliated with Rocky Mountain Power or any government agency.
- Ask about warranties, maintenance, and what happens if the installer goes out of business.
Also, consider the total cost of ownership, not just the installation. Include monitoring, maintenance, and insurance. A system that’s maintained well will easily last 25 years or more.
Solar Butlers Tip: We help homeowners evaluate long-term costs, review warranties, and provide professional maintenance so your system continues to perform year after year.
Get Your Free Utah Solar Resources
Ready to make an informed decision? Solar Butlers provides Utah homeowners with tools, transparency, and ongoing support.
Start with our free resources:
- Utah Solar Buyer’s Checklist — essential questions to ask any solar company
- Free Solar System Assessment — professional evaluation of your home’s solar potential or existing system performance
Don’t navigate Utah’s solar market alone. Whether you’re exploring solar for the first time or dealing with an underperforming system, Solar Butlers delivers honest guidance and reliable service Utah homeowners can trust.
