Solar Panels in Utah

How Rocky Mountain Power’s Schedule 135 Net Metering Works

Rocky Mountain Power’s Schedule 135 credits excess solar generation at the full retail rate — currently 10.7 cents per kWh — for residential customers who installed systems before the programme’s transition deadline. That retail-rate credit is the most generous arrangement available in Utah, and it explains why acting sooner rather than later matters: the utility has signalled it will shift new applicants to a lower “avoided cost” export rate, estimated at 4–5 cents per kWh, once the transition is finalised.

Under the current structure, credits accumulate monthly and roll forward. Any surplus remaining at the end of a 12-month true-up period is paid out at the lower avoided-cost rate rather than retail. The gap between the mid-year rate you receive and the true-up payout means you want to size your system so annual production closely matches annual consumption, rather than overshooting and leaving large credits on the table. A system sized for 100–105% of your annual usage is the standard target for Utah installations.

Utah’s average residential customer consumes about 762 kWh per month, or roughly 9,150 kWh per year — well below the national average of 10,500 kWh. That lower baseline means a smaller, less expensive system often covers the full load. NREL’s PVWatts data shows Salt Lake City averaging 5.26 peak sun hours per day, competitive with Arizona at 5.7 hours and well ahead of Oregon at 4.1 hours. That sun resource means an 8 kW system in Salt Lake City produces approximately 12,000–12,500 kWh per year under typical conditions, comfortably covering a standard Utah home’s annual electricity use.

Rocky Mountain Power also offers time-of-use (TOU) rate options for solar customers. With battery storage, TOU rates can increase savings by allowing you to discharge stored power during on-peak price windows — typically 3–8 p.m. on weekdays — when the grid pays most. Without storage, TOU requires careful consideration: panels produce most during midday hours when TOU rates often sit in the off-peak window. Homeowners on the standard Schedule 1 rate avoid this mismatch and benefit straightforwardly from retail-rate net metering credits while the grandfathered terms remain in force.

Choosing a Utah Solar Installer and Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Most Utah homeowners receive quotes from three to five solar contractors, and the spread between the lowest and highest bids for an identical 8 kW system commonly reaches $4,000–$6,000. That variation reflects differences in panel quality, inverter brand, and warranty terms — not simply profit margin. A quote of $2.60 per watt may use Tier 2 panels with 10-year product warranties, while a $3.10 per watt quote from an established installer includes 25-year performance warranties backed by a manufacturer with a proven support history.

Verify that any installer holds certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Rocky Mountain Power’s interconnection requirements mandate that all equipment meets UL listing standards and that the installation complies with the 2023 National Electrical Code — reputable installers handle both automatically, but confirming before signing protects you from post-installation delays.

SEIA’s 2025 Utah market data shows the state added 312 MW of residential solar capacity in 2024. That growth means installer backlogs extend 8–12 weeks during peak spring and autumn seasons, so homeowners wanting to energise before Rocky Mountain Power’s net metering transition closes the retail-rate window should start the process early in the year.

For Idaho residents served by Rocky Mountain Power across the state border, the Wattsmart rebate differs — Idaho’s rate is $0.15 per watt rather than $0.20, with a lower programme cap. Washington state homeowners face a different incentive landscape entirely, with stronger community solar options but no equivalent utility rebate. Always compare your state’s full incentive picture before committing.

Salt Lake County requires a separate electrical permit in addition to a building permit for rooftop solar. Skipping it delays the Rocky Mountain Power interconnection inspection by four to six weeks. A correctly filed installation averages 45–60 days from permit submission to permission to operate in 2026, making early paperwork the most reliable way to stay ahead of the Wattsmart budget deadline.