Requirements & Considerations for Solar Power

The first step in installing a photovoltaic system is to review the Rocky Mountain Power Solar Incentive Program requirements for Utah customers. Then, review the considerations to ensure that your site meets minimum requirements to take full advantage of the benefits of photovoltaic.

Incentive funds are based on the number of kilowatts (kW) allotted for the year: 57 residential and 50 non-residential. We began accepting applications for the 2009 program year in January 2009 and the program runs through January 31, 2010 or until incentive funds last. At this time, all funds for 2009 have been subscribed. However, we encourage you to submit an application to secure your place on the 2009 program waiting list. If for any reason someone approved for the 2009 program decides not to participate, those kW become available and the next customer on the waiting list will be contacted for program participation.

Available kW - Updated November 2009
Residential 0
Non-residential 0

If you have any questions, please call us toll free at 1-866-344-9802.

The following is a list of eligibility requirements to participate in the Program:

  • Residential and business participants must be current Utah customers of Rocky Mountain Power Company, with accounts in good standing.
  • Photovoltaic system is limited to a maximum of 3 kilowatts for residential customers, and 15 kilowatts for non-residential customers of rated AC output per Program year.
  • Utility incentives for residential customers are limited as follows:
Beginning Date Ending Date Incentive Level
January, 2009 January 31, 2010 $2.00 per watt
  • The Rocky Mountain Power Solar Incentive Program is available for eligible projects installed, as defined by becoming active on the grid, after January, 2009 and before January 31, 2010.

  • A Utah licensed electrical contractor (S200, S201 or S202) must install the photovoltaic systems. A list of electrical contractors and suppliers of photovoltaic equipment can be found here.

  • Equipment must be purchased and installed after the application is approved. The purchase or installation of any equipment before application approval will result in disqualification from the program.
  • Program participants must sign and return the executed Net Metering Agreements to be eligible for Utility incentives. A Net Metering Agreement allows you to offset your purchase of electricity with your own generated electricity, essentially making your meter run backward. Your Utility will then only bill you the monthly customer charge and the net amount of electricity you use from its system. Net metering rules will not allow the Utility to pay you for more electricity than you consume, so proper sizing of your system is critical.

  • Photovoltaic systems must follow utility standards, including installation of an AC disconnect switch near the Utility service meter and a metering socket for measuring AC output of the system inverter.

  • Participant's acceptance of the incentive assigns a portion of Renewable Energy Credits derived from operation of the PV system to the Utility (Rocky Mountain Power Company). The portion of total RECs transferred to Rocky Mountain Power shall be in the same proportion as the total incentive payment to the Estimated PV System Installed Total Cost.

  • Program funds are very limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis. Some additional restrictions may apply.

  • Photovoltaic systems must meet the following warranty requirements:

    • Panels – 20 years
    • Inverters – 5 years
    • Installation (labor) – 1 year

The following is a list of considerations for installing a photovoltaic system:

Determine if your property is in a good location

  1. The property should have a south-facing exposure, such as the roof of a house, building, garage or shed. Alternatively, the property could have a suitable development site for a frame or pole mount that would provide a south-facing surface on which to mount the panels.

  2. Make sure that there is a location on the property for a system facing +/- 90° true solar south (compasses report magnetic south, +/-16° for Utah customers). Ideally, a system should be sited at +/-15° of true south.

  3. Make sure that there is minimal shading from surrounding obstructions, such as buildings, trees, poles, satellite dishes or chimneys.

  • Shading is an important consideration that decreases the output of a system. Photovoltaic panels should have their surfaces exposed to the sun’s rays for most or all of the day, with minimal or no shadows from trees, chimneys and cables between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. To determine actual shading effects, it is recommended to have a good understanding of the percent of shading throughout the year. A contractor may use a solar pathfinder (or equivalent) to determine how surrounding objects affect photovoltaic output. This calculation can provide a percent reduction in output as compared to an unobstructed system in the same latitude, angle of inclination and orientation.

Determine the size of system (kW).
  1. One of the key factors to consider in sizing a photovoltaic system is your annual electricity consumption. Photovoltaic systems should be sized to provide electricity to meet the home or business energy needs.

  2. Make sure the system output of the photovoltaic system does not exceed the energy consumption of your home or building.

Determine if there is enough space for a photovoltaic installation

  1. Once you know the desired size of the system (kW), determine the square footage needed. Some key questions to be addressed are as follows:

  • Can the roof structurally accommodate a photovoltaic installation?

  • Is there room on the roof?

  • Is there enough space without installing over roof vents or within areas of no or little shading?

  • Is there room on the ground without shading obstructions?

Consider the placement of the inverter.
  1. It is important to consider the location of inverter installation. Inverters are sensitive to the conditions in their environment.

  2. It is recommended to not install inverters in the attic or in direct sun/environment exposure (e.g., rain).

Electrical contractor selection

Make sure the electrical contractor is licensed in the state of Utah with a S200, S201 or S202 license.

Equipment selection

  1. Make sure the equipment (photovoltaic modules and inverter) is on the list of approved equipment.
  2. Make sure the inverter size matches or exceeds the rated photovoltaic output.