Ask Solar Mike

5 min read

Homeowners: Save Money and Secure Reliable Power

Utah County homeowners face a growing energy crisis: reliance on Rocky Mountain Power’s aging infrastructure, intentional power shutoffs during high winds or wildfire risks, and skyrocketing electricity rates. In August 2024, Rocky Mountain Power proposed an 18.1% rate hike for 2025, but their long-term projections assume a 10% year-over-year increase, far outpacing general inflation. With the U.S. power grid requiring $7 trillion in upgrades — an average cost of $130,000 per person passed through rates — homeowners need a shield against these costs. Utah County’s 230+ sunny days make solar energy, paired with backup batteries or generators, the perfect solution.

This guide, brought to you by Ask Solar Mike, shows how solar panels, batteries, and generators can save Utah County homeowners $250,000–$750,000 over 30 years while ensuring reliable power. Serving cities like Alpine, Lehi, Provo, and more, Ask Solar Mike offers battery systems 40.3% larger at 50% the cost of competitors in Rocky Mountain Power’s Wattsmart Battery Program. Ready to take control of your energy? Let’s explore the benefits.

Financial Benefits of Solar and Batteries in Utah County

Solar energy is a financial lifeline for Utah County homeowners facing Rocky Mountain Power’s 10% annual rate hikes. With average monthly electric bills of $87.57 for 771 kWh, a 4–30 kW solar system can save $1,084–$2,500 annually by offsetting most or all of your energy use. Over 30 years, as rates escalate, solar delivers staggering savings of $250,000–$750,000, depending on system size and battery integration.

The Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC), available through 2032, covers 30% of your system’s cost — panels, batteries, and installation — with no cap. For a $21,440 6 kW system, that’s a $6,432 tax break, plus another $8,576 tax breaks, reducing costs to $6,432. Add a battery for backup power, and the ITC applies to storage, too, if charged primarily by solar. Utah’s net metering policies boost savings further: Provo offers full retail credits (~10¢/kWh) for excess solar power, while Rocky Mountain Power’s net billing provides ~5.7¢/kWh in summer and 4.2¢/kWh in winter. With incentives covering up to 70% of system costs, your payback period is just 3–6 years — among the fastest in the nation.

Ask Solar Mike’s competitive edge lies in offering 40.3% larger battery systems at 50% the cost of Wattsmart Battery Program competitors like ES Solar, with 100% homeowner control. Unlike Wattsmart, where the utility can draw from your battery, Ask Solar Mike ensures you keep full autonomy. The grid’s $7 trillion upgrade, equating to $130,000 per person, will drive rates even higher. A Provo homeowner with a 10 kW system and EG4 battery could save $500,000 over 30 years, avoiding Rocky Mountain Power’s escalating pass through costs to Provo.

Backup Power: Solar Batteries vs. Generators

Rocky Mountain Power’s Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) policy, triggered by high winds or wildfire risks, threatens power reliability in Utah County, especially in cities like Eagle Mountain or Saratoga Springs. Recent outages along the Wasatch Front affected thousands, highlighting the need for backup power. Solar batteries and generators offer solutions — here’s how they compare.

Solar Batteries: Hassle-Free Reliability

Batteries like the Tesla Powerwall 3 or EG4, offered by Ask Solar Mike, are the gold standard for reliable, maintenance-free backup power. They store solar energy for use at night or during outages, integrating seamlessly with your panels. Batteries require no maintenance — no oil changes or winter battery checks — operate silently, and function even if natural gas is cut off, a key advantage during emergencies.

The EG4 battery’s expandability makes it ideal for growing households. A 10 kW battery costs $12,000–$20,000, reduced to $3,600–$6,000 after the 30% ITC and additional tax incentives. Ask Solar Mike’s batteries are 40.3% larger and 50% cheaper than Wattsmart competitors, with full homeowner control. Batteries also lower daily bills by storing cheap solar energy, offering year-round value.

Generators: Affordable but Maintenance-Heavy

Whole-home generators, powered by natural gas or propane, cost $10,000–$15,000 upfront, appealing to budget-conscious homeowners. They require regular maintenance, like oil changes and battery checks, to avoid winter failures. Generators depend on fuel, which can fail if natural gas lines are shut off, as seen in some Utah outages. They’re also noisier and produce emissions, a concern for eco-conscious residents in Orem or Highland.

Ask Solar Mike’s Recommendation

Choose solar batteries for hassle-free reliability and daily bill savings. The Tesla Powerwall 3 or EG4 ensures power during any outage, with no upkeep. If budget is a priority and you’re comfortable with maintenance, a generator offers solid backup — just plan for fuel availability. Ask Solar Mike tailors solutions for homes in Lehi, Provo, and beyond.

Utah County’s Solar Advantage

With 230 sunny days — 25% more than the U.S. average of 205 — Utah County is a solar paradise. Over 91% of rooftops are solar-ready, making cities like Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Eagle Mountain, Elk Ridge, Highland, Lehi, Lindon, Mapleton, Orem, Payson, Pleasant Grove, Provo, Salem, Santaquin, Saratoga Springs, Spanish Fork, Springville, Vineyard, and Woodland Hills ideal for solar adoption. Ask Solar Mike serves each community with dedicated website pages for each city (e.g., asksolarmike.com/solar-panels-provo) for tailored solutions.

Rocky Mountain Power’s grid, 46% coal-powered, faces pressure as half of U.S. coal capacity closes by 2026. The $7 trillion U.S. grid upgrade, averaging $130,000 per person, will drive rates higher, with Rocky Mountain Power projecting 10% annual increases. Provo’s full retail net metering credits (~10¢/kWh) maximize savings, while Rocky Mountain Power’s net billing offers ~5.7¢/kWh in summer. Community solar programs, like St. George’s SunSmart, hint at future Utah County opportunities.

Environmental and Lifestyle Benefits

Solar slashes your carbon footprint, offsetting Utah’s coal-heavy grid (46% of electricity). A 6 kW system cuts emissions equivalent to planting 100 trees yearly. You’ll gain energy independence, avoiding a grid prone to outages and $130,000 per-person upgrade costs. Solar boosts home value by ~4.1%, adding ~$20,608 to the average Utah County home.

Testimonial Spotlight

• John from Lehi (5-star Google review): “Ask Solar Mike’s 8 kW system and EG4 battery saved us $1,200 in year one. We had power during a windstorm outage — worth every penny!”

• Sarah from Orem (asksolarmike.com): “The Tesla Powerwall 3 from Ask Solar Mike powers our home 24/7. No maintenance, lower bills, and Mike’s price beat competitors.”

Why Choose Ask Solar Mike

Ask Solar Mike offers unmatched value: battery systems 40.3% larger and 50% cheaper than Wattsmart competitors, with 100% homeowner control. Choose trusted options like the Tesla Powerwall 3 or expandable EG4 batteries, customized for homes in Eagle Mountain, Orem, or any Utah County city. Explore city-specific solutions at asksolarmike.com.

How to Get Started in Utah County

1. Assess Energy Needs: Review bills to size a 4–30 kW system, covering partial to full energy use. Ask Solar Mike offers free consultations.

2. Get a Free Quote: Call (385) 312–0904 or visit asksolarmike.com to explore solar, battery, or generator options.

3. Apply for Incentives: Secure the 30% Federal ITC and net metering (Provo or Rocky Mountain Power). Up to 70% of costs may be covered.

4. Install with Ask Solar Mike: Our team ensures seamless installation for homes in Alpine, Lehi, or beyond.

Conclusion

Utah County’s 230 sunny days and Rocky Mountain Power’s 10% annual rate hikes make solar a must-have. With $130,000 per-person grid upgrade costs looming, solar panels and batteries from Ask Solar Mike save $250,000–$750,000 over 30 years while ensuring reliable power. Incentives cover up to 70% of costs, delivering a 3–6 year payback.

Take control today: Call Ask Solar Mike at (385) 312–0904 for a free quote or visit asksolarmike.com to see if solar fits your home in Provo, Orem, or any Utah County city. Share this guide to help neighbors save big!

Learn More:
📧 [email protected]
📞 385–312–0904
www.asksolarmike.com