Best 5 Solar Companies in Orem, UT

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Orem

The price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that installed them. Here are some key items to remember while searching for a solar company.

Licensing and Training

If a solar energy system in Utah doesn't use distributed generation technology, the state exempts its installation from licensing requirements. For other jobs, solar contractors must hold license S202, a specialty certification from the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The license requires a 25-hour course to obtain. Solar installers can also earn certifications from standards organizations and trade groups. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Orem

The style of solar panels you choose determines how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will add to your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company offers these extras, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.

A majority of Orem homeowners choose solar systems designed for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $16,450 to set up, considering both materials and labor. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Orem

Solar companies offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar loans, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar leases. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most cost-effective choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the second most effective option. As with a car loan or mortgage, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for money-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, like an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Look for companies that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Orem.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own incentives, financing programs, and rebates that could save you more money.