Utah Solar Laws

Understanding Utah solar laws is essential for homeowners and businesses planning to install solar energy systems in the state. While Utah offers abundant sunlight and favorable conditions for solar generation, the regulatory environment can vary widely between local jurisdictions and utility service territories. Being familiar with both federal and state solar energy laws (along with permitting rules, utility policies, and homeowners association (HOA) guidelines) helps ensure compliance, maximize incentives, and avoid installation delays caused by overlooked solar panel installation regulations or aesthetic restrictions.

Federal Regulations and Policies Affecting Solar Installation in Utah

Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) remains one of the most significant incentives influencing solar adoption in Utah. It allows eligible homeowners and businesses to deduct 30% of qualified installation costs from federal income taxes through 2032. The ITC applies to both solar photovoltaic (PV) and solar-plus-battery systems. While the credit does not replace local permitting or safety codes, it makes system ownership financially accessible and continues to shape Utah’s clean-energy growth.

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Solar installations in Utah must adhere to the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), which sets standards for electrical wiring, grounding, overcurrent protection, and rapid shutdown. The NEC ensures safety for both installers and utility workers and is enforced by local building and electrical inspectors during plan review and final inspection. Compliance is mandatory for system commissioning and utility interconnection.

International Fire Code (IFC) / State Fire Safety Standards

Utah building departments follow the International Fire Code (IFC) for rooftop solar access, spacing, and emergency pathways. Fire-safety inspectors review system layouts to verify sufficient clearances between panels and roof ridges, valleys, or eaves. Following these solar panel roof regulations ensures safety compliance and reduces project approval times.

Utah Solar Regulations and Policies

Utah Solar Rights Act

The Utah Solar Rights Act (Utah Code 10-9a-610 and 17-27a-610) limits the ability of cities, counties, and HOAs to unreasonably restrict solar energy systems. Local governments may regulate height, location, or aesthetic design for safety and neighborhood consistency, but they cannot prohibit or make solar installation economically impractical.

Similarly, HOAs cannot enforce covenants that prevent solar panels on residential properties, except under limited conditions that preserve community appearance without hindering performance. These Utah HOA solar laws protect the right to generate renewable power while balancing neighborhood interests.

Net Metering and the Transition to Net Billing

Utah’s net-metering framework has evolved significantly over the past decade. Originally established under Section 54-15-101 of the Utah Code, the state’s net-metering program required investor-owned utilities (most notably Rocky Mountain Power (RMP)) to credit customers for excess solar electricity exported to the grid at retail rates.

However, following regulatory changes approved by the Utah Public Service Commission (PSC), the program transitioned to a net-billing structure in 2020. Under net billing, new customers receive export credits based on the utility’s “Export Credit Rate,” which is typically lower than retail energy rates but still provides meaningful savings. Existing net metering customers remain grandfathered under earlier compensation rules until 2035.

This transition represents one of the most important Utah solar energy policy updates, influencing how residents size systems and estimate payback periods.

Utah’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) and Clean-Energy Targets

Unlike states with mandatory renewable-energy mandates, Utah’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (adopted under Utah Code § 54-17-602) is a voluntary goal, encouraging, rather than requiring, utilities to source a percentage of power from renewable energy. While the RPS is nonbinding, it has still driven investment in solar, particularly utility-scale projects, and has contributed to Utah’s reputation as a solar-friendly state.

Senate Bill 189 (2024 Solar Consumer Protection Act)

In 2025, Utah passed House Bill 0057, known as the Residential Solar Panel Consumer Protection Amendments, which strengthened consumer safeguards for residential solar contracts and third-party financing arrangements. Effective May 7, 2025, the law requires solar companies to provide clear disclosures on system pricing, estimated production, financing terms, warranty coverage, and cancellation rights. It also prohibits misleading claims about energy savings or government rebates.

This new solar law in Utah complements existing consumer protection statutes and ensures homeowners receive transparent information before entering a solar purchase, lease, or power purchase agreement (PPA).

Community Renewable Energy Program

Utah Community Renewable Energy Act allows participating municipalities and counties to collaborate with Rocky Mountain Power to achieve 100% net renewable electricity by 2030. This program enables cities like Salt Lake City, Moab, and Park City to pursue locally sourced renewable power for residents and businesses. While primarily a utility-level initiative, it indirectly supports residential and small-business solar by expanding grid capacity for distributed generation.

Does Utah Have Solar Access Laws?

Yes. Utah recognizes solar access rights and solar easements to help property owners protect access to sunlight.

  • Solar Access: Under state zoning law, local governments cannot create land-use restrictions that unreasonably limit a homeowner’s ability to capture sunlight for solar energy use. This ensures that residents can design solar systems without fear of local ordinances that restrict height or orientation solely to prevent solar installation.
  • Solar Easements: Utah law allows property owners to create solar easements through written, recorded agreements with neighboring landowners. These easements preserve sunlight exposure across property lines by preventing future construction or landscaping that could shade a solar array.

Together, Utah solar access laws and easement provisions give homeowners long-term protection for their energy production and property rights.

Do You Need Permits for Solar Installation in Utah?

Yes. Solar installations in Utah require building, electrical, and sometimes zoning permits. Specific requirements vary by county and city, but the process generally includes the following:

  • Electrical Permit: Required statewide for wiring, interconnection, and inverter installation. Only licensed electricians can perform this work.
  • Building Permit: Ensures the roof structure can support the weight of panels and racking equipment. Structural drawings or stamped engineering letters may be required.
  • Zoning or Historic Review: Needed for systems in historic districts, planned developments, or nonresidential areas with special setback rules.
  • Utility Interconnection Approval: Customers must apply to their utility (such as Rocky Mountain Power or municipal utilities) for grid connection approval. Utilities verify technical compliance and safety before granting Permission to Operate (PTO).
  • HOA Architectural Review: If your property is in an HOA, you may need to submit an architectural application. However, under state law, HOAs cannot prohibit compliant solar installations.

How to Obtain Permits for Solar Installation in Utah

Before installation, identify which agencies and utilities have jurisdiction over your property. Most homeowners will work with the local building department, fire marshal, and utility company. Utah’s home-rule structure allows each municipality to set its own procedures, but most follow similar steps:

  • Site Assessment and System Design
    A licensed solar installer evaluates your roof’s orientation, shading, and structural condition. The installer designs a system that complies with the NEC, IFC, and local construction standards.
  • HOA Pre-Approval (if applicable)
    Submit your system design, including panel layout and equipment specifications, to your HOA. Associations can regulate aesthetics, but cannot deny systems outright under Utah solar laws.
  • Apply for Permits
    Submit building and electrical permit applications to your local jurisdiction. Include line diagrams, load calculations, and structural drawings. Some cities, like Salt Lake City and Provo, offer expedited review for residential rooftop solar projects.
  • Installation and Inspections
    After permits are issued, licensed electricians and installers complete the work. Building and electrical inspectors then verify code compliance, grounding, and labeling before issuing final approval.
  • Utility Interconnection and PTO
    Your installer submits an interconnection application to your utility. The utility inspects metering and equipment, installs a net meter (if applicable), and grants Permission to Operate (PTO) once all standards are met.
  • Record a Solar Easement (Optional)
    If neighboring construction could impact sunlight access, consider recording a solar easement. This protects your system’s long-term performance and value.