How Incentives and Rebates Make Solar Affordable
Why Solar Incentives Matter and How They Benefit You
Solar incentives are financial tools designed to reward you for adopting clean energy. They help cover solar installation costs in Salt Lake City, UT, and make switching to solar far more accessible than most people think.
These incentives come in many forms:
- Federal and state tax credits
- Cash-back rebates
- Performance-based payments
- Property and sales tax exemptions
- Subsidized solar loans and grants
If you’re planning a solar project, you should know what’s available in Salt Lake City, Utah. Some programs are first-come, first-served and can run out quickly, so it’s smart to act while incentives are still strong.

State-Level Solar Incentives: Extra Savings at Home
States offer additional solar incentives; these vary widely, but may include:
State tax credits
Like the federal credit, this one reduces your state income taxes instead of your federal bill.

Solar rebates
Cash incentives directly tied to the size or energy output of your system.

Sales tax exemptions
You don't pay tax on solar equipment in many states.

Property tax exemptions
Solar can boost your property's value without raising your property taxes.
Performance-Based Incentives (PBIs): Get Paid for Power
Earn compensation for each kWh generated.
Payments can be monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Rates are usually locked in when you install.
PBIs can often be paired with net metering, helping you stack savings.
Net Metering and Buyback Programs: Save More Over Time
Through net metering, excess electricity generated by your panels is sent back to the grid. As a result, your utility grants you energy credits.
That means:
- You “store” energy credits during the day.
- You use them at night or when the sun isn’t shining.
- If you produce more than you use, your bill might drop to $0.
Some utilities offer buyback programs instead, paying you for the excess power. These plans vary by state; some pay at full retail rate, others at a slightly lower rate (called net billing).

Low-Interest Loans and Solar Grants: Making Solar Accessible
Many feel the upfront cost of solar is out of reach, and you’re not alone in that. That’s why several programs offer low-interest solar loans or even grants to qualifying households in Utah.
These benefits often include:
- No money down
- Low or zero interest rates
- Long repayment terms
- Special offers for low-to-moderate income homes
Programs like the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) or city-specific initiatives can make going solar doable without draining your savings.

Final Thoughts: Solar Incentives Turn Potential into Power
If you’ve been hesitating to go solar because of the cost, now is the time to act. With the right mix of rebates, credits, and incentives, your solar investment becomes much more affordable. In many cases, homeowners recover most of their costs within just a few years.

Request A Free Estimate Now
Contact us for cost-effective solar energy solutions for nonprofits – call (801) 255-2888 or email curt@suncatcherenergy.com for more info.