Solar power in Utah

The U.S. state of Utah has the solar potential to provide all of the electricity used in the United States.^[1] Utah is one of the seven states with the best potential for solar power, along with California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas.^[2] Utah's only investor owned utility (PacifiCorp - doing business as Rocky Mountain Power (RMP)) currently allows partial net metering (net billing service - Schedule 137) for residential systems up to 25 kW and up to 2 MW for non-residential users. In the past RMP allowed full net metering (Schedule 135), and partial net metering (Schedule 136, providing approximately a 90% credit for each kWh exported to RMP). Neither of these Schedules allows for new customers to sign up any longer.^[3] Utah's municipal utilities and electric cooperatives set their own net metering policies.

Utah has a renewable portfolio standard in statue, but it is best described as a goal, not a binding standard. It calls for obtaining 20% of electricity from renewable sources by 2025 – but only if doing so is cost effective compared to other available alternatives.^[4]

Since 2011, with the 30% federal tax credit, prices have decreased to the point that they provide an attractive return on investment.^[5] Utah allows a tax credit for residential and commercial renewable energy systems. The tax credit is being phased out, it initially allowed for up to a $2,000 tax credit (35% of system cost) for residential systems and up to a $50,000 credit (10% of system cost) for commercial systems.^[6] St. George offers a $2000/kW (AC) rebate of up to $6,000 for residential systems, and up to $20,000 for commercial systems.^[7] A similar offer had been available from RMP ($1.10/watt (AC) through an auction process each year), but in March 2016 the program was terminated by the Utah Legislature Senate Bill SB0115.^[8]