Utah Solar Panels Installation: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting solar panels for your Utah home has several installation steps. Understanding the installation process will help you to better understand what to expect.

The Pre-Installation Processes

Before you can embark on your residential solar journey, there is a bit of paperwork involved. Full-service companies, however, will help you get through the process.

Residential Solar Financing

Getting a Building Permit

The Utah Net Metering Application

What Does the Residential Install Entail?

Once your paperwork is processed and you have received approval, your installation can commence. There are three parts to an installation. 

Pre-installation Check

• • verify system design

• • speak with the install team lead about any questions

• walk through the system access points

Solar Array Installation

An installation on a good day shouldn’t take more than a couple hours, though some systems require a daylong effort.  If you have heavy snow or other debris to clean up, this may take longer to get the space cleared for your installation. You will not be charged for the duration of the installation.

During your installation, you should expect a 15-30 minute power outage while they install. The installers will need attic access and it should be expected that there will be some loud noises. That said, if you install with Go Solar Group, you won’t need to be home for the duration of the installation. 

Post-Installation Check of Your Residential Solar System

If you go through Go Solar Group, the Installation Team Lead will go over the system with you. Together you will go over the commissioning of the inverter, the AC and DC disconnects, access points, and receive utility company expectations for the utility meter.

Utah Solar Incentive Programs: State and Federal

Having incentive forms completed will make taxes the next year a smoother process.

Utah Arrays that Qualify for the State Production Tax Credit

The Utah production tax credit (PTC) is a state program for photovoltaic systems that are 660 kilowatts or greater. This tax credit can be used for photovoltaic, wind, geothermal, and biomass projects. You are given $00.35 per kilowatt hour produced in the first 48 months. If you have a large project you can decide to use either the PTC or the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) to your advantage.

Utah’s State Investment Tax Credit

Utah will pay for $1,600 of your residential system through tax credits in the year 2018. For larger systems, it will cover 10 percent of your system costs. This tax credit is scheduled to decrease by $400 per year until it disappears.

Federal Tax Credit

The federal tax credit covers 30 percent of your system cost. This is the magnum opus of Utah’s and other states’ solar tax credits. Making sure you either have the forms for this tax credit turned in or near completion will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck.