Quick Answer
Utah solar incentives in 2026 include a state sales tax exemption on solar equipment, a property tax exemption, Rocky Mountain Power net billing at 5.636¢/kWh summer and 4.745¢/kWh winter, the Wattsmart battery program at $400/kW upfront, and full retail net metering for City of St. George and Murray City Power customers. The federal residential tax credit expired for homeowner-owned systems at the end of 2025.
Utah had roughly 4,724 MWdc of installed solar capacity by early 2026, enough to power more than 880,000 homes, according to SEIA. The state ranked 16th nationally in cumulative solar and 8th in new 2025 additions. For anyone researching solar incentives Utah, that scale means competitive installer pricing and plenty of local experience.
The incentive story changed on January 1, 2026. The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit under Section 25D expired for homeowner-owned systems. Utah homeowners can no longer subtract 30% of system cost from their federal taxes. The state solar tax credit also expired at the end of 2023. What remains is a thinner but still useful stack: the state sales tax exemption, the property tax exemption, Rocky Mountain Power net billing, the Wattsmart battery program, and full net metering in a few municipal utilities.
For installers and EPCs, the shift means proposals must be built around utility territory first. A home in Rocky Mountain Power territory faces net billing. A home served by St. George or Murray City Power can still access full retail net metering. This guide explains every active 2026 incentive, the real dollar value of each program, and how to model payback accurately. For the national context, see our solar incentives in USA 2026 guide. For payback modeling, SurgePV’s generation and financial tool can pull Utah utility rates and net billing rules into a single proposal.
Quick Answer
Utah solar incentives in 2026 include a state sales tax exemption on solar equipment, a property tax exemption, Rocky Mountain Power net billing at 5.636¢/kWh summer and 4.745¢/kWh winter, the Wattsmart battery program at $400/kW upfront, and full retail net metering for City of St. George and Murray City Power customers. The federal residential tax credit expired for homeowner-owned systems at the end of 2025.
In this guide:
- Latest 2026 status of every active Utah solar incentive
- How the federal ITC expiration changes the math
- State sales tax and property tax exemptions
- Rocky Mountain Power net billing and export value
- The Wattsmart battery program and when it pays off
- Municipal utilities that still offer full net metering
- Three real-world ROI scenarios by utility territory
- Financing options and who should lease versus buy
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
Latest Updates: Utah Solar Incentives 2026
Utah did not lose all its solar incentives in 2026. It lost the federal residential credit. The state and local programs that remain are smaller but still meaningful. They are also more fragmented than a single national tax credit.
Utah Solar Incentive Status — June 2026
| Incentive | Type | Status | Key Terms |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal residential ITC | Tax credit | Expired | Section 25D ended December 31, 2025 |
| Federal Section 48E | Tax credit | Active for commercial/TPO | 30% through 2027 with safe-harbor deadlines |
| Utah state solar tax credit | State tax credit | Expired | Residential program ended December 31, 2023 |
| Utah commercial solar tax credit | State tax credit | Active | 10% up to $50,000 for systems under 2 MW |
| Utah sales tax exemption | Tax exemption | Active | State sales tax waived on qualifying solar equipment |
| Utah property tax exemption | Tax exemption | Active | Added system value excluded from assessment |
| RMP net billing | Export credit | Active | 5.636¢/kWh summer, 4.745¢/kWh winter |
| RMP Wattsmart battery | Utility rebate | Active | $400/kW upfront, $15/kW/year |
| St. George net metering | Export credit | Active | Full retail credit for municipal customers |
| Murray City net metering | Export credit | Active | Full retail credit for municipal customers |
Key Changes Since 2025
Federal ITC expiration: The 30% residential Investment Tax Credit expired for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Homeowners who buy solar with cash or a loan in 2026 cannot claim it. Commercial, third-party-owned, and leased systems may still qualify under Section 48E, according to IRS guidance.
State tax credit sunset: Utah’s Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit for residential solar ended on December 31, 2023. EnergySage confirmed in January 2026 that systems installed in 2024 or later no longer qualify, according to the Utah Office of Energy Development.
RMP rate updates: Rocky Mountain Power updates its Solar Export Credit Rate annually on March 1. The 2025–2026 rate is 5.636¢/kWh for billing months June through September and 4.745¢/kWh for October through May, according to Utah Clean Energy.
Key Takeaway
2026 is a utility-territory year in Utah. The statewide sales tax exemption and property tax exemption are durable. Rocky Mountain Power customers must design for self-consumption. Customers of St. George or Murray City Power can still benefit from full net metering.
Why Utah’s Solar Market Matters in 2026
Utah receives roughly 238 sunny days per year and 5 to 6.5 peak sun hours per day, depending on location. The state has high solar irradiance, competitive installed prices, and rising retail electricity rates. Those factors keep solar economics attractive even without the federal credit.
Market Size and Targets
Utah had 4,724 MWdc of installed solar capacity and 81,496 solar installations by early 2026, according to SEIA. Solar supplied more than 17% of the state’s electricity. The industry supports more than 7,900 jobs and $7.5 billion in investment. SEIA projects Utah will add another 3,065 MW over the next five years.
Utility Rate Snapshot — Spring 2026
The average residential electricity price in Utah reached 11.85¢/kWh in April 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (2026). That is below the national average but has risen steadily. Rocky Mountain Power requested a 30.5% rate increase in 2024, later reduced by regulators to roughly 15%, according to Utah Clean Energy (2025). Higher rates shorten payback because every kilowatt-hour offset by solar avoids a more expensive grid purchase.
| Utility | Service Area | Solar Program | Approximate Residential Rate (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Power | Most of Utah | Net billing (Schedule 137) | 11–14¢/kWh |
| City of St. George | St. George area | Full net metering | 10–12¢/kWh |
| Murray City Power | Murray area | Full net metering | 10–12¢/kWh |
| Rural cooperatives | Varies by co-op | Varies | 10–13¢/kWh |
Utah Statewide Solar Incentives
Two statewide incentives apply to almost every Utah homeowner regardless of utility: the sales tax exemption and the property tax exemption. Neither requires an income test or application beyond standard installer documentation.
Utah Solar Sales Tax Exemption
Utah exempts the sale of solar energy systems and components from the state’s sales and use tax. The exemption covers photovoltaic panels, inverters, racking, wiring, and batteries when part of a solar energy system. Utah’s state sales tax rate is 6.1%. On a $25,000 solar installation, the savings are roughly $1,525 in state sales tax.
The exemption applies at the point of sale when the installer is registered as a solar energy retailer or contractor. Local option sales taxes may still apply in some jurisdictions. Installers should itemize which taxes are waived and which remain.
Utah Solar Property Tax Exemption
Utah law exempts solar energy systems from property tax assessment. The added market value of a qualifying system is not added to the assessed value, so annual property taxes do not rise. This is a long-term benefit. A $25,000 system might otherwise increase assessed value by the same amount. In a 1% effective property tax jurisdiction, that adds $250 per year in taxes. The exemption avoids that bill. Over 25 years that is $6,250 in avoided taxes, without applying for a rebate.
| Utah State Incentive | Value | Eligibility | How to Claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales tax exemption | 6.1% of equipment and labor | All solar energy system purchases | Automatic at point of sale via registered installer |
| Property tax exemption | 100% of added value excluded | All qualifying solar installations | Applied by county assessor based on system documentation |
| Commercial tax credit | 10% of cost, up to $50,000 | Commercial systems under 2 MW | Claimed on Utah corporate income tax return |
Rocky Mountain Power Net Billing in Utah
Rocky Mountain Power is the largest utility in Utah, serving more than 80% of the state’s electricity customers. Its solar rules determine the economics for most Utah homeowners.
How Net Billing Works
RMP closed traditional net metering to new applicants on November 15, 2017. New customers fall under Schedule 137 Net Billing Service. Under net billing, exported solar energy is credited at a rate below the retail price of electricity. The customer still pays full retail for grid imports. This makes self-consumption the most valuable strategy.
The current Solar Export Credit Rate is 5.636¢/kWh for billing months June through September and 4.745¢/kWh for October through May, according to Utah Clean Energy. The rate is updated annually on March 1. RMP customers pay an average retail rate of roughly 10.2¢/kWh, so exports are worth about half of avoided grid purchases.
The Three RMP Solar Schedules
| Schedule | Applies To | Export Value | Netting Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule 135 Net Metering | Interconnection agreements before November 15, 2017 | Full retail credit | Monthly |
| Schedule 136 Transition Program | Agreements November 15, 2017 to October 30, 2020 | 90–92.5% of retail | 15-minute |
| Schedule 137 Net Billing | Agreements after October 30, 2020 | 4.745¢/kWh winter, 5.636¢/kWh summer | Instantaneous |
Schedule 135 and Schedule 136 are closed to new customers. Existing customers remain grandfathered until January 1, 2036, and January 1, 2033, respectively.
The Self-Consumption Rule
Under Schedule 137, exported midday solar is worth far less than solar used on site. A kilowatt-hour exported at 5.6¢ is worth one-third to one-half of a kilowatt-hour that avoids a 11–14¢ grid purchase. The safer design rule is to size the array to match daytime load and add storage to shift solar into evening hours.
Battery Incentives and the Wattsmart Program
Utah does not offer a statewide battery tax credit. The main battery incentive is Rocky Mountain Power’s Wattsmart program, a virtual power plant that pays customers for access to their battery capacity.
How Wattsmart Works
Wattsmart participants receive an upfront enrollment incentive and ongoing annual participation payments. In exchange, RMP can discharge the battery during grid events. EnergySage reports the upfront incentive at $400 per kW of battery power, up to $2,000. SolarReviews confirms the same $400/kW upfront figure and $15/kW per year for ongoing participation.
A typical 5 kW battery would receive $2,000 upfront and $75 per year. A 7 kW battery would receive $2,800 upfront and $105 per year. The program terms can change, so actual payments may vary after enrollment.
Battery Eligibility and Tradeoffs
Approved batteries have historically included sonnen, SolarEdge, Fortress Power, and Torus systems. The tradeoff is access. RMP can use the battery when grid demand is high and may leave only 10% to 20% of capacity reserved. That means less backup power during an outage than a standalone battery would provide.
For RMP customers, the value stack for storage includes:
- Wattsmart upfront payment of $400/kW
- Annual participation payment of $15/kW
- Avoided grid imports at 11–14¢/kWh by shifting solar to evening
- Possible backup power during outages, depending on reserve settings
Does Storage Pay Off in Utah?
A battery pays off when the value of shifted energy exceeds its net cost. Under RMP net billing, self-consumed solar is worth roughly 2x exported solar. For homes with high evening usage, a battery can improve payback. For homes that are empty during the day and already send most solar to the grid, storage is even more valuable.
| Battery Size | Power Rating | Wattsmart Upfront | Annual Participation | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 kWh | 5 kW | $2,000 | $75 | Small home, partial backup |
| 13.5 kWh | 7 kW | $2,800 | $105 | Average home, evening peak shift |
| 20 kWh | 10 kW | $4,000 | $150 | Large home, full backup focus |
Municipal Utilities with Full Net Metering
Not all Utah customers are on Rocky Mountain Power. Two municipal utilities still offer full retail net metering, which can transform project economics.
City of St. George
The City of St. George Electric Utility offers full net metering to residential solar customers. Excess generation is credited at the full retail rate and rolls over month to month. Unused credits at the end of the annual cycle in April revert to the utility without payout. Most customers use winter grid imports to consume summer credits, so the annual reset has limited practical impact.
Murray City Power
Murray City Power also offers full net metering. Excess generation credits roll over monthly. At year-end, any remaining credits are paid out at a rate set by the utility. This is more favorable than St. George’s use-it-or-lose-it structure.
Other Cooperatives and Municipal Utilities
Some rural electric cooperatives offer net metering or favorable solar terms. Rules vary by cooperative board policy. Customers outside RMP, St. George, or Murray City should contact their utility directly before quoting savings.
| Utility | Program | Export Value | Annual Credit Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rocky Mountain Power | Net billing | 4.745¢/kWh winter, 5.636¢/kWh summer | Instantaneous netting |
| City of St. George | Net metering | Full retail | Credits expire in April |
| Murray City Power | Net metering | Full retail | Year-end payout at utility rate |
| Rural cooperatives | Varies | Varies | Varies by co-op |
Cost, ROI, and Financing Scenarios
The federal credit expiration made financing structure the most important lever in a Utah solar proposal. The same system can look very different depending on whether it is purchased with cash, financed with a loan, or leased.
Hypothetical 8 kW System in Salt Lake County
Consider a 2,200-square-foot home in Salt Lake County served by Rocky Mountain Power. The household uses 10,000 kWh per year and pays an average rate of 12¢/kWh. An 8 kW system is priced at $2.80/W, for a gross cost of $22,400.
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Gross system cost | $22,400 |
| Utah sales tax exemption (6.1%) | -$1,366 |
| Net upfront cost | $21,034 |
| Estimated first-year production | 11,200 kWh |
| Self-consumed solar value | $840/year |
| Exported solar value | $280/year |
| First-year utility savings | $1,120 |
| Simple payback | 18.8 years |
| 25-year savings (undiscounted) | ~$28,000 |
This is a hypothetical example for illustration. Actual production depends on roof orientation, shading, and equipment. The property tax exemption adds further long-term value that is not reflected in the simple payback.
Scenario Comparison by Utility Territory
| Scenario | Gross Cost | Incentives | Net Cost | Est. Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RMP, cash purchase, 8 kW | $22,400 | $1,366 | $21,034 | 14–19 years |
| St. George, cash purchase, 8 kW | $22,400 | $1,366 | $21,034 | 10–13 years |
| Murray City, cash purchase, 8 kW | $22,400 | $1,366 | $21,034 | 10–13 years |
| RMP, solar + battery, cash | $34,400 | $3,766+ | $30,634+ | 13–17 years |
| Lease/PPA, RMP territory | $0 | Passed to lessor | Monthly payment | Immediate savings, lower lifetime total |
The St. George and Murray City customers see shorter paybacks because full net metering credits exports at the retail rate. The RMP customer still receives the sales tax exemption and property tax exemption, but lower export values stretch payback.
Financing Options
Cash purchase captures every available incentive and produces the highest lifetime savings. It requires the most upfront capital and the highest assumed tax liability for credits that need it.
Solar loan spreads the cost over 10–20 years. The homeowner owns the system and keeps the exemptions, but loan interest reduces net savings. In 2026, interest rates are still elevated compared to the early 2020s, so shorter loan terms often produce better lifetime economics.
Lease or power purchase agreement requires no upfront payment. The leasing company owns the system and may claim Section 48E. Savings appear as lower monthly bills from day one, but the homeowner does not receive the sales tax exemption, property tax exemption, or net metering benefits directly. Leases make sense for customers with limited tax appetite or cash flow, but they surrender long-term value.
Third-Party Ownership and Section 48E
Commercial projects and third-party-owned residential systems can still claim the 30% Clean Electricity Investment Credit under Section 48E. To qualify, construction must begin by July 4, 2026, or the system must be placed in service by December 31, 2027. This is why lease and PPA providers can still advertise lower payments in 2026: they own the system and capture the credit.
Commercial and Agricultural Considerations
Commercial and agricultural customers in Utah have additional tools. Utah offers a 10% Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit for commercial systems smaller than 2 MW, capped at $50,000. Businesses can also use MACRS depreciation, which front-loads tax deductions over five years.
Rural small businesses and agricultural operations may qualify for USDA REAP grants and loan guarantees. REAP can cover up to 50% of project cost, but applications must be submitted before construction begins. The Section 48E credit can cover 30% of project cost for projects that meet the construction or placed-in-service deadlines.
For commercial project modeling, SurgePV’s solar design software can size arrays, run shade analysis, and export production and financial reports. The solar proposals feature can package the incentive stack into a client-ready document.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Utah’s incentive stack is smaller than in some states, but the same mistakes can still cost homeowners thousands.
Assuming the Federal Tax Credit Still Exists
Many homeowners still expect a 30% federal credit. For cash or loan purchases placed in service after December 31, 2025, it is gone. Proposals should lead with the net cost after state exemptions, not a federal credit that no longer applies.
Designing for Annual Offset Instead of Self-Consumption
Under RMP net billing, oversized arrays export midday energy at 4.7¢ to 5.6¢/kWh. A system that produces far more than the household uses during the day wastes capital. Size for 90–100% of annual consumption and match production to daytime load unless the customer plans to add an electric vehicle or heat pump.
Ignoring Utility Territory
A proposal for a home in Murray City should not use RMP net billing assumptions. Full net metering changes every calculation. Always confirm the utility before designing the system.
Missing Approved Battery Lists
The Wattsmart program only works with approved battery models. Quoting a non-approved battery and promising the rebate creates a bad customer experience. Verify eligibility before signing.
Forgetting Rate Escalation
Rocky Mountain Power rates have risen substantially in recent years. A payback model that uses flat rates understates long-term savings. Use a reasonable rate escalation assumption, typically 2.5% to 4% per year, based on recent utility filings.
Bottom Line
Utah solar in 2026 is still a viable investment, but the decision is no longer driven by tax credits. The best projects stack the state sales tax exemption and property tax exemption with utility-specific design. For RMP customers, that means self-consumption and storage. For St. George and Murray City customers, it means taking full advantage of retail net metering.
Three actions will put you ahead:
- Confirm your utility territory first, because net metering versus net billing changes payback by several years.
- Size the system for self-consumption if you are on Rocky Mountain Power; do not optimize for annual production.
- Model storage carefully if you are on RMP, and verify battery eligibility for the Wattsmart program before quoting.
For installers working across Utah utility territories, SurgePV combines solar design, shade analysis, and incentive-aware financial modeling in one platform. Book a demo to see how it works, or check pricing for your team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What solar incentives are available in Utah in 2026?
Utah offers a state sales tax exemption on solar equipment, a property tax exemption, Rocky Mountain Power net billing credits, and the Wattsmart battery program. The City of St. George and Murray City Power still offer full retail net metering. Utah’s state solar tax credit expired at the end of 2023 and is no longer available.
Does Utah have a state solar tax credit in 2026?
No. Utah’s Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit expired for residential solar installations at the end of 2023. Systems installed in 2024 and later do not qualify for the state tax credit. Commercial systems may still qualify for a 10% credit up to $50,000 under the commercial program.
How does Rocky Mountain Power net billing work in Utah?
Rocky Mountain Power uses Schedule 137 Net Billing Service for new solar customers. Exported solar earns 5.636¢/kWh from June through September and 4.745¢/kWh from October through May. Credits are calculated instantaneously, so self-consumption or battery storage is more valuable than exporting midday surplus.
What is the Wattsmart battery program?
Rocky Mountain Power’s Wattsmart battery program pays participants $400 per kW of battery power upfront and $15 per kW per year for ongoing participation. In exchange, RMP can discharge the battery during grid events. Eligible batteries are limited to approved models such as sonnen, SolarEdge, and some Fortress Power and Torus systems.
Is the federal solar tax credit still available in Utah in 2026?
The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 25D expired for homeowner-owned systems placed in service after December 31, 2025. Commercial projects and third-party-owned residential systems may still qualify under Section 48E, with construction beginning by July 4, 2026, or placed in service by December 31, 2027.
Does Utah have net metering in 2026?
Full retail net metering is not available for new Rocky Mountain Power customers. RMP closed net metering to new applicants in 2017 and now uses net billing. However, the City of St. George and Murray City Power still offer full retail net metering to their customers. Some rural electric cooperatives may also offer favorable terms.
Will solar increase my property taxes in Utah?
No. Utah law exempts solar energy systems from property tax assessment. The added value of a qualifying system is not included in the property’s taxable value, so annual property taxes do not increase because of solar.
What is the typical solar payback period in Utah in 2026?
Payback periods for well-designed residential solar systems in Utah typically range from 10 to 14 years in 2026. Customers of St. George or Murray City Power with full net metering often see paybacks at the shorter end of the range. Rocky Mountain Power customers without battery storage may see paybacks toward the longer end.
Can I lease solar in Utah and still get incentives?
Leases and power purchase agreements do not pass the state sales tax exemption or property tax exemption to the homeowner. The leasing company owns the system and may claim commercial tax benefits such as Section 48E, which are reflected as lower monthly payments. Homeowners who want the tax exemptions and net metering benefits should purchase the system with cash or a loan.
What is the most common mistake when applying for Utah solar incentives?
The most common mistake is designing a system for annual production rather than self-consumption. Under RMP net billing, exported midday solar is worth roughly half the retail rate. A better design covers daytime load and adds storage to shift solar into evening hours.
