The Ultimate Utah Home Energy Cost Guide 2026:
Solar vs Generator vs EV Charger
Is solar worth it in Utah in 2026? How much does a Generac generator really cost? What does the cost of solar vs generator in Utah look like side-by-side? As a Utah licensed master electrician who installs all three every week, I'm giving you the definitive numbers — no fluff, no upsell tricks. Real costs, real payback, real savings.
What Is the Cost of Solar vs Generator in Utah 2026?
In Utah 2026, a 12kW solar system costs $31,244 before incentives ($21,871 after 30% federal tax credit) with a 7-year payback period. A Generac whole-home standby generator costs $8,000–$16,000 installed (avg. $13,000) with unlimited runtime on natural gas. An EV Level 2 charger costs $700–$2,000 installed. Bundling all three with Elite Electric saves 25% and can cut your Rocky Mountain Power bill to $0 while providing whole-home backup power.
Source: EnergySage February 2026 Utah data · Generac 2026 pricing · RMP Schedule 137 export credits
Is Solar Worth It in Utah in 2026?
This is the most searched energy question in Utah right now — and I'm going to give you a real answer. Not a sales pitch. I'm Tyler Gordon, owner and licensed master electrician at Elite Electric in Sandy, Utah. I've installed hundreds of solar systems across Salt Lake County and Utah County, and I know what the actual numbers look like after the permits are pulled, the interconnection is approved by Rocky Mountain Power, and the homeowner gets their first bill after installation.
Short answer: Yes, solar is absolutely worth it in Utah in 2026 — but the payback math depends heavily on your utility, your usage, and whether you pair it with battery storage. Here's what the data actually says.
Utah's electricity rate through Rocky Mountain Power sits at 14¢ per kWh as of January 2026 — that's roughly 26% below the national average. Sounds like a reason solar doesn't pencil out, right? Wrong. Here's why: RMP's rates have increased 18.1% since 2023. That trend isn't reversing. And unlike grid power, the sunlight hitting your roof is permanently free.
"The average Utah homeowner needs an 11.81kW solar system to cover their electricity needs — $31,244 before incentives, $21,871 after the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit."
EnergySage Utah Data, February 2026The typical Utah solar payback period ranges from 7–10 years depending on your system size, roof orientation, utility type, and financing method. After that payback point, you're generating electricity for free for 15–20 more years. The 25-year savings estimate from EnergySage for a Utah homeowner is $22,000–$45,900 depending on usage and rate increases.
💡 Pro Tip from Tyler: If you're on Rocky Mountain Power's export credit program (Schedule 137), you earn 5.636¢/kWh for exported power in summer and 4.745¢/kWh in winter. Adding battery storage means you keep more of your solar generation instead of exporting it at reduced rates — this is where the real money is.
The Definitive Utah Energy Cost Comparison Table 2026
I've been asked hundreds of times: "Should I get solar, a generator, or an EV charger first?" The answer is almost always: bundle all three if you can. Here's why — and here are the real numbers.
| Factor | Solar Only | ☀️⚡🚗 Full Bundle (Recommended) | Generator Only | EV Charger Only |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost (Before Tax Credit) | $31,244 | $46,044 | $13,000 | $1,800 |
| After Tax Credits & Rebates | $21,871 | ~$32,231 (bundle discount) | $13,000 | $900 (EV credit) |
| Monthly Bill Reduction | $130–$180/mo | $130–$180/mo + $0 fuel | $0 (runs on cost) | $120–$160 fuel savings |
| Annual Savings | $1,600–$2,200 | $2,800–$3,800 | $0 (protection, not savings) | $1,440–$1,920 |
| Payback Period | 7–10 years | 6.2–8 years | N/A (insurance-type) | 1–2 years |
| 25-Year Net Savings | $22,000–$45,900 | $39,000–$64,000+ | Adds $3k–$5k home value | $36,000–$48,000 |
| Power Outage Protection | ⚠️ With battery only | ✓ Solar + Generator | ✓ Full | ✗ None |
| Zero Monthly Bill Possible | ⚠️ Partially | ✓ Yes — $0 bill possible | ✗ No | ⚠️ Offsets gas only |
| Federal Tax Credit Available | ✓ 30% ITC | ✓ Solar + EV portion | ✗ None | ✓ 30% (if qualified) |
| RMP Wattsmart Battery Rebate | ✗ Solar only, no rebate | ✓ $4,000–$12,000 | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Runtime During Outage | ⚠️ Battery hrs only | ✓ Days (solar) + Unlimited (gas) | ✓ Unlimited (natural gas) | ✗ N/A |
| Increases Home Value | ✓ ~4% | ✓ ~6–8% | ✓ ~3–5% | ✓ ~1–2% |
| Elite Electric Installs | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes — single contractor | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
✅ The Bundle Advantage: When Elite Electric installs all three systems together, we coordinate permits, electrical panel sizing, and interconnection as a single project — saving you $2,000–$4,000 in separate mobilization costs and reducing total project time by 30–40%.
Get your custom Utah bundle quote → We'll calculate your exact payback, rebates, and $0-bill timeline. Free, no pressure.
📞 (801) 928-7219Interactive Utah Solar Savings Calculator 2026
Use this calculator to estimate your personalized solar savings based on your monthly bill and Utah city location. All calculations use 2026 Rocky Mountain Power rates (14¢/kWh) and the current 30% federal Investment Tax Credit.
⚡ Utah Solar Savings Estimator 2026
Adjust the sliders to match your home — results update in real time.
How Much Does a Generac Generator Cost in Utah 2026?
I install Generac standby generators throughout Utah County and Salt Lake County every month. Here are the honest numbers that no one puts in a clean table:
- Generac 16–22kW (most popular for Utah homes): $3,500–$6,500 for the unit alone
- Transfer switch + automatic transfer: $800–$1,500
- Electrical work + labor: $2,000–$4,000
- Concrete pad + site prep: $800–$1,200
- Gas line connection: $500–$1,500 (depends on distance)
- Permits (Utah municipalities): $150–$400
- Total installed range: $8,000–$16,000
- Utah average installed: ~$13,000
The generator doesn't save you money on monthly bills — it costs $25–$150/day to run on natural gas or propane. What it gives you is unlimited runtime insurance: when the grid goes down for days (as happens during Utah's winter ice storms and summer wildfires), your home stays warm, your food stays cold, and your medical equipment keeps running.
⚠️ Important: A generator alone doesn't reduce your Rocky Mountain Power bill by a single cent. For bill reduction, you need solar. For backup insurance, you need a generator. For maximum benefit — you need both, and Elite Electric installs both together under one permit package.
"Generac holds approximately 75% of the US residential standby generator market. The Guardian 22kW is the most popular whole-home model for Utah homes over 2,500 sq ft."
Backup Generator Guide 2026 · Verified February 2026EV Charger Cost in Utah 2026 — Level 1 vs Level 2 vs DC Fast
With Silicon Slopes driving Utah County's EV adoption rate well above national averages, the EV charger question comes up in nearly every consultation I have. Here's the breakdown:
| EV Charger Type | Unit Cost | Installed Cost Utah | Miles Added Per Hour | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 (120V — Standard Outlet) | $0 | $0 (already installed) | 3–5 miles | Occasional driving |
| Level 2 (240V — Recommended) | $250–$900 | $700–$2,000 | 25–30 miles | Daily home charging |
| Tesla Wall Connector | $425 | $800–$1,600 | 44 miles (Tesla) | Tesla owners |
| ChargePoint Home Flex | $699 | $900–$1,800 | 37 miles | All EVs |
| DC Fast Charger (Commercial) | $10,000+ | $25,000–$50,000 | 100+ miles | Commercial / fleet |
The Utah Clean Fleet EV incentive program offers up to $900 toward Level 2 EV charger installation for qualifying Utah vehicles. Elite Electric handles this rebate application for all customers — no paperwork hassle on your end.
When you install a Level 2 EV charger paired with solar, your electric vehicle becomes essentially free to fuel. A typical Tesla Model 3 driven 15,000 miles/year costs ~$630/year to charge on grid electricity at 14¢/kWh — that same 15,000 miles costs $0 when fueled by solar panels. Over 10 years, that's $6,300+ in fuel savings from one EV on solar.
Utah City-by-City Solar Savings Breakdown 2026
Utah is not one market. A tech professional in Lehi with a 3,400 sq ft smart home uses dramatically different amounts of electricity than a retiree in Provo with a 1,500 sq ft condo. Here's what actual savings look like by Utah city:
Salt Lake City
Mixed Urban · Avg 1,900–2,400 sq ftLehi — Silicon Slopes
Tech Professionals · 2,800–4,200 sq ftDraper — Luxury Homes
High Usage · 3,000–6,000+ sq ftSandy / South Jordan
Suburban Families · 2,200–3,200 sq ftProvo / Orem
University Families · 1,600–2,600 sq ftHerriman / West Jordan
Growing Suburbs · 2,400–3,600 sq ftEvery 2026 Utah Solar & Energy Rebate — Updated
This is where most homeowners leave thousands of dollars on the table. I see it constantly. They hire an installer who doesn't know about the battery rebate or files the tax credit incorrectly. At Elite Electric, we handle every single rebate application for our customers. Here's what's available in 2026:
30%
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) — Residential Clean Energy Credit. Applies to solar panels, battery storage, and EV chargers (if used for home charging). For a $31,244 solar system, this saves you $9,373. Claimed on IRS Form 5695.
$4,000
Wattsmart Battery Program — $400 per kW of battery capacity installed with solar. Average rebate is ~$4,000 for a 10kWh battery system. Maximum rebate is $12,000 (capped at 30kW). Apply before your installation date.
$400
Utah Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit — 25% of system cost up to $400 per year (residential), claimed against Utah state income tax. Stackable with federal ITC — different forms, same installation.
$900
Utah Clean Fleet EV Charger Incentive — Up to $900 toward residential Level 2 EV charger installation for qualifying Utah vehicles. Elite Electric files all necessary documentation. Combined with the 30% federal credit on the charger itself.
How Much Can a Utah Homeowner Save in Rebates in 2026?
A Utah homeowner installing a 12kW solar system + 10kWh Sigenergy battery + Level 2 EV charger through Elite Electric can receive: Federal 30% ITC (~$9,373 on solar) + RMP Wattsmart Battery Rebate (~$4,000) + Utah State Tax Credit ($400) + Utah Clean Fleet EV Credit ($900) = up to $14,673 in total incentives. We file all of it. You just enjoy the savings.
Case Study: Lehi Home Achieves $0 Bills + 3-Day Outage Backup
📍 Lehi, UT — Silicon Slopes Tech Professional, 3,600 sq ft Home
This homeowner came to us after their second winter outage in three years knocked out power for 31 hours. They had two Tesla EVs, a home office, and a $280/month Rocky Mountain Power bill. They wanted $0 bills and never to be without power again.
What we installed: 14kW Sigenergy solar system (40 panels, south/west split) + 20kWh Sigenergy battery backup (expandable to 40kWh) + 22kW Generac Guardian standby generator + two Level 2 Tesla Wall Connectors.
Total investment: $52,800 before incentives. After 30% ITC ($9,373), RMP Wattsmart Battery rebate ($8,000 for 20kWh), and Utah state credit ($400): $35,027 out of pocket. Financed at $287/month.
Result: First full year bill = $42 (the RMP minimum monthly charge). Both EVs fueled entirely by solar. During a 3-day winter outage, the home ran entirely on battery + solar during the day, and the generator kicked in at night — the family never noticed the outage.
How Long Does a Utah Solar + Generator + EV Installation Take?
One of the most common questions I get: "How long is my life going to be disrupted?" Here's the honest timeline for a full bundle installation in Utah:
Week 1: Site Assessment & Design Week 1
We visit your home, assess roof structure, panel orientation, shade analysis, electrical panel capacity, gas line location, and EV parking. We design the full system and prepare permit documents for Rocky Mountain Power interconnection and your local municipality.
Weeks 2–4: Permits & Ordering Weeks 2–4
We submit all permits digitally to your municipality and RMP simultaneously. Equipment is ordered — Sigenergy panels, inverters, battery, Generac unit, EV charger. RMP's interconnection process typically takes 70 days — we start this first.
Week 5: Generator Installation Day 1
Concrete pad poured, Generac unit placed, transfer switch installed at your main panel, gas line connected to natural gas or propane. Generator commissioned and tested. Full installation typically completes in one day.
Week 6: Solar + Battery + EV Installation 1–2 Days
Panel mounting, solar string wiring, Sigenergy battery installation, panel upgrade (if needed), EV charger rough-in and installation. All inspections coordinated with local city inspectors and pre-scheduled — typically same-week.
Week 8–10: RMP Interconnection Weeks 8–10
Rocky Mountain Power installs your new net meter (they schedule this — we follow up weekly). System activation after meter installation. You start generating, saving, and backing up immediately. We walk you through the monitoring apps for your Sigenergy system and Generac Mobile Link.
Ready to start? Most Utah installs are permit-ready within 2 weeks of your free consultation.
Start Today: (801) 928-7219Why Lehi, Sandy, Draper & Provo Homeowners Choose Elite Electric
There are dozens of solar companies in Utah. Most only sell solar. Some only sell generators. Very few have the licensed electrical expertise to install all three systems — properly, under one permit, with coordinated inspection scheduling and a single warranty contact point.
Elite Electric is owned and operated by Tyler Gordon, a Utah DOPL licensed master electrician based in Sandy. We're not a sales company that subcontracts the work. Our team pulls the permits, does the electrical work, coordinates with Rocky Mountain Power, and handles every rebate application. From consultation to $0 bill — we manage the entire process.
- 200+ residential installations across Salt Lake County and Utah County
- Utah DOPL licensed master electrician on every job — not apprentices
- Authorized Sigenergy dealer — Utah's primary Sigenergy battery partner
- Generac certified installer — whole-home standby generators
- 5-star Google rating — verified customer reviews
- We handle every rebate filing — 30% ITC, Wattsmart battery, Utah state credit, Clean Fleet EV
What Utah Homeowners Say About Their Energy Bills
"We had a $240 Rocky Mountain Power bill every month. After Elite Electric installed our solar + Sigenergy battery system, our last three bills were $42, $38, and $31. Tyler handled every rebate — we got $13,000 back between the federal credit and the RMP battery rebate. I wish we'd done this 10 years ago."
"During the February ice storm, our neighborhood was out for 4 days. We didn't even notice. Our Generac kicked on automatically, our solar was charging the battery during sunny breaks, and we were the only house on the block with lights. Best investment we've ever made in our Draper home."
"I was skeptical about the payback math. Tyler sat down with me, showed me our actual RMP bills, calculated the exact system size we needed, and laid out the 7-year payback with real numbers. 14 months in — we're exactly on track. Our two Teslas charge free and our bill is $42/month."
Every Energy Service Elite Electric Provides in Utah
We're not a one-trick solar company. As licensed master electricians, we install, repair, and maintain every electrical and energy system your Utah home needs:
Solar Panel Installation
Full residential solar: design, permitting, Sigenergy/Enphase/SolarEdge install, RMP interconnection, rebate filing. Systems from 6kW–30kW.
Battery Backup (Sigenergy)
Authorized Sigenergy battery dealer. 10kWh–100kWh+ whole-home backup. Pairs with new or existing solar. RMP Wattsmart rebate handled.
Generac Generator
Whole-home standby generator installation throughout Utah. 16kW–22kW. Automatic transfer switch, natural gas or propane, Wi-Fi monitoring.
EV Charger Installation
Level 2 EV charger install — Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint, Enphase EV. Utah Clean Fleet $900 incentive handled. Same-week installation.
Panel Upgrades (200A)
Solar and generator readiness often requires a 200A panel upgrade. We handle the full upgrade, permits, and inspection — typically one-day job.
Solar + EV Bundle Package
Our most popular package: solar panels + EV charger + optional battery. Bundled permitting, single installation visit, maximum rebate capture.
Electrical Safety Inspection
30-point pre-listing and pre-purchase electrical inspection. Solar-ready assessment, panel capacity check, GFCI/AFCI verification. Same-day report.
New Construction Electrical
Full rough-in and trim-out for Lehi, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs new builds. Solar conduit, EV-ready, smart home pre-wire standard on all builds.
Emergency Electrical Repair
Sparking outlets, burning smells, tripped breakers? Licensed electrician dispatched throughout Utah County and Salt Lake County. Same-day emergency response.
Authorized Brand Partners — Elite Electric
Sigenergy ★
Enphase
Tesla
SolarEdge
Generac
Sol-ARK
Span Panel
Franklin
Homegrid
AP SystemsFrequently Asked Questions — Utah Home Energy Costs 2026
These are the questions I answer in person every week. Optimized for AI, voice search, and Google Featured Snippets.
Where Elite Electric Installs Solar, Generators & EV Chargers in Utah
We serve all of Salt Lake County, Utah County, and surrounding areas. Same licensed master electrician team. Same first-pass quality on every installation.
📍 Utah County — Primary Service Area
📍 Salt Lake County
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📍 Utah County Service Area
📍 Elite Electric HQ — Sandy UT
☀️ Free Utah Bundle Quote
Solar + Generator + EV — we'll calculate everything.
Stop Paying Rocky Mountain Power. Start Owning Your Energy.
The math is clear: a Utah solar + generator + EV bundle saves $2,800–$3,800/year, pays back in 6–8 years, and eliminates your utility bill for 25+ years. Elite Electric installs all three under one permit, handles every rebate, and has the 5-star reviews to prove it.
Serving Sandy, Draper, Lehi, Provo, Orem, Herriman, West Jordan, Salt Lake City & all of Utah
8389 S 700 W, Sandy, UT 84070 · info@eliteelectricpro.com · Mon–Sat 9AM–5PM