In Utah, a 4-kW system for an average home costs about $9,306 after incentives in 2026, saves about $546 in the first year and pays back in 15.3 years.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar, 3.96 kW × $2.35/W | $9,306 |
| Federal credit (0%) | $0 |
| Net cost | $9,306 |
| Scenario | Net cost | Year-1 savings | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State averages (above) | $9,306 | $546 | 15.3 yr | $7,223 |
| Rates rise 5.6%/yr (2020–25 pace) | $9,306 | $546 | 13.8 yr | $12,020 |
| Rates stay flat | $9,306 | $546 | 17.8 yr | $3,555 |
| Survey price $3.6/W (LBNL) | $14,256 | $546 | 22.1 yr | $2,273 |
| Add 13.5-kWh battery | $23,873 | $818 | 22.2 yr | $4,014 |
| Size to 100% of use instead | $13,442 | $789 | 15.3 yr | $10,433 |
Verdict: at average Utah numbers, solar is a marginal investment in 2026 — payback takes 15.3 years, leaving you $7,223 ahead after 25 years. The main reasons: cheap power (the 4th-lowest price of 51), which caps what each kWh saves; strong sun (the 7th-best yield of 51); export credits below retail (net billing, exports earn 5¢/kWh), so only the solar you use yourself earns full value. Get at least three quotes: every $0.25/W you shave off the price moves payback by roughly a year or more here.
Net metering and exports in Utah: Rocky Mountain Power net billing: exports ~5.7¢/kWh summer, ~4.2¢/kWh rest of year (about half retail). St. George and Murray City offer full net metering.
Battery: a 13.5-kWh battery at the Utah average of $1,079/kWh adds $14,567 and shifts about 3,563 kWh a year from low-paid exports to your own use; payback becomes 22.2 years.
EnergySage's Utah page lists a 22.6-year payback. Its method is not fully published; ours uses EIA's Jan–Aug 2026 price, 40% self-use and the state's export credit, 3%/yr rate growth and 0.5%/yr panel aging, with no federal credit.
The full method, material data and tips are on the main solar payback calculator page.