Do Solar
right,
get Mike.
Ask Solar Mike is your trusted solar company in Utah County, Utah, specializing in
solar panel installation, whole home backup batteries, and whole home backup generators.
With years of expertise, we deliver reliable, sustainable energy solutions to power your home and protect against outages. Contact us today for a free quote and start saving with solar!
On or Off Grid Solutions
Solar gives you the freedom to generate your own power and to live independently from utility companies. You'll find the security of a reliable energy source that keeps your home powered even during emergencies.
Explore our solar installation services below.
ALPHA Stage 1
Solar Panels
Start with high-efficiency solar panels to help you reduce your energy bills and minimize your carbon footprint. You'll discover a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution for your home.
Learn about solar systems.
ALPHA Stage 2
Home Batteries
Add an advanced home battery system where you can store excess solar energy for use during peak times, the night, and power outages. You'll enjoy a reliable, uninterrupted energy supply.
Learn about whole home backup batteries.
ALPHA Stage 3
Backup Generators
Finish with a powerful home generator that offers dependable backup power during emergencies. You'll have peace of mind and continuous electricity when the grid goes down.
Learn about whole home backup generators.
Ask Solar Mike is proud to partner with the top solar industry leaders to provide the best systems.
*Tesla Certified Installer
*Solar Ark Certified Installer
*REC Pro Trust Certified Installer
Why Solar?
Installing solar panels on your home offers numerous advantages, from financial savings to environmental benefits. Here’s why you should consider switching to solar energy:
1. Cost Savings
Solar panels can significantly reduce your electricity bills. Many regions offer incentives and rebates that help offset installation costs and make solar energy an affordable investment with substantial long-term savings.
2. Energy Independence
By generating your own electricity, you become less reliant on the grid. This is especially beneficial during power outages or in remote areas with limited grid access. Solar power provides a reliable and continuous energy source.
3. Better Home Value
Homes with solar panels often see increased property values. Buyers recognize the long-term savings and environmental benefits, making solar-equipped homes more attractive in the real estate market.
4. Environmental Impact
Solar energy is a clean, renewable source that reduces your carbon footprint. Unlike fossil fuels, it doesn't emit greenhouse gases, contributing to a healthier planet and combating climate change.
Why Mike?
Meet Mike, your trusted guide to energy independence . With years of experience in helping families go off-grid, he's a solar expert dedicated to educating homeowners. Mike's tips help you avoid being ripped off by large or small solar companies.
Mike's Top Tip #1 Add Value To Your Home
Mike's Top Tip #2 Is Your Home A Good Candidate For Solar?
Mike's Top Tip #3 Solar, Battery, and Generator Guide
See Mike's Most Recent Tips Blog
Salem, Utah’s Solar Tax Hack: Make Your Panels a Business and Pay Back in 2-3 Years
Salem, Utah’s Solar Tax Hack: Make Your Panels a Business and Pay Back in 2-3 Years
A Solar Secret That Changes Everything for Salem Homeowners
Salem, Utah, homeowners, what if you could turn your solar panels into a profitable business and pay off your system in just 2-3 years? At Ask Solar Mike, we’ve uncovered a powerful tax strategy that lets you claim the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC), depreciate your solar system, and slash your payback period. The key? When you sell excess solar power back to the utility company, you’re running a business—unlocking massive tax savings. Here’s how Salem residents can make it happen.
How Your Solar System Becomes a Money-Making Business
Installing solar panels on your Salem home does more than lower your electric bill—it creates a revenue stream. Through net metering, you sell surplus energy back to the utility, earning compensation that qualifies your system as a business asset under a sole proprietorship. By filing a Schedule C with your taxes, you can:
Grab the 30% ITC: Deduct 30% of your system’s cost from your federal taxes. A $22,000 system saves you $6,600 upfront.
Depreciate Your Panels: Use the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) to depreciate 85% of your system’s cost over five years, reducing taxable income.
Tap Bonus Depreciation: In 2025, deduct 40% of the depreciable basis in the first year for instant tax relief.
This strategy can cut your solar payback period from 7-10 years to an astonishing 2-3 years, making solar a smart investment for Salem homeowners.
Why Salem, Utah, Is a Solar Sweet Spot
Salem’s sunny skies and Utah’s robust net metering policies create the perfect conditions for this tax hack. With ample sunlight, your panels can generate significant excess power to sell back to the grid, boosting your business revenue. Plus, Utah’s Renewable Energy Systems Tax Credit offers up to $400 or 25% of your system’s cost, stacking state savings on top of federal benefits. Salem is primed for solar success.
The Numbers: How Tax Benefits Add Up
Let’s look at a $22,000 solar system installed on your Salem home in 2025:
ITC Savings: The 30% ITC reduces your tax bill by $6,600, lowering your net cost to $15,400.
Depreciable Basis: After adjusting for half the ITC ($3,300), the depreciable basis is $18,700 (85% of $22,000).
Bonus Depreciation: Deduct 40% of $18,700 ($7,480) in year one.
MACRS Depreciation: Depreciate the remaining basis over five years, with about $2,244 (20% of the remaining basis) deductible in year one.
Tax Savings: At a 21% tax rate, first-year deductions ($7,480 + $2,244) save you $2,041. Combined with the $6,600 ITC, your total first-year tax benefit could top $8,641.
Add in reduced utility bills and net metering credits, and your system could pay for itself in just 2-3 years—far faster than standard solar setups.
Sole Proprietorship: Your Ticket to Tax Savings
Setting up a sole proprietorship is easy. Since you’re earning money from the utility for excess power, you’re already in business. File a Schedule C to:
Deduct business expenses, like a portion of your home used for solar production.
Depreciate your system under MACRS and bonus depreciation.
Claim the ITC as a business credit for maximum savings.
At Ask Solar Mike, we guide you through every step, from panel installation to tax documentation, ensuring you maximize your benefits.
Why You Need Expert Help
This tax strategy is powerful but complex. The IRS requires your solar system to be primarily business-focused (i.e., generating power for sale), and you need sufficient tax liability to use the ITC and depreciation. Proper paperwork is critical to avoid audits. That’s why Ask Solar Mike works with tax pros to set up your sole proprietorship correctly, handling IRS Forms 3468 (ITC) and 4562 (depreciation) for a seamless experience.
Don’t Wait—Incentives Are Fading
The 30% ITC is safe through 2032, but bonus depreciation drops to 40% in 2025, 20% in 2026, and ends in 2027. With Salem’s solar popularity growing, installation schedules are filling up. Act now to secure the biggest tax breaks and start your solar business.
Get Started with Ask Solar Mike
Ready to turn your Salem home’s solar system into a tax-saving powerhouse? Ask Solar Mike is here to help you claim the 30% ITC, depreciate your panels, and achieve a 2-3 year payback. Visit www.asksolarmike.com for a free consultation and take the first step toward smarter solar savings.
Take Action: Contact Ask Solar Mike today to learn how to make your solar panels a profitable business in Salem, Utah!
Note: This content is for informational purposes only and not tax or financial advice. Consult a tax professional to ensure IRS compliance.
Sources:
Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) on MACRS depreciation
EnergySage on bonus depreciation
Disclaimer: Ask Solar Mike is not a financial adviser; please consult one. Don’t share information that can identify you.
Learn More:
📧 [email protected]
📞 385–312–0904
www.asksolarmike.com
16+ Years
Expertise
Clear
Communications
40,000+
Happy Customers
Long Term
Warranties & Support
Super FAST Installations
Mike's installation teams are super fast, licensed, insured, and highly skilled. We're known for our trustworthiness, and pleasant customer service, Mike's Solar ensures your system is expertly installed, providing you with clean energy and peace of mind.
Planning & Permitting
Our team takes care of all the planning and permitting, ensuring that every detail is meticulously managed from the start. This guarantees your solar project begins smoothly and meets all local regulations.
Installation & Inspection
Expert technicians carry out the installation with precision and efficiency, making sure your system is set up correctly. Following installation, a thorough inspection is conducted to ensure everything is up to code and functioning optimally.
Solar Production & Smiles
Once your system is operational, you’ll start generating clean energy and enjoying significant savings on your energy bills. The result is not just reduced costs, but also the satisfaction of contributing to a greener planet, bringing smiles all around.
Available in 6 States
Mike's installs are currently available across these 6 states: Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Arizona, and Montana.
What Mike's Customers Say
Brandon Beck
We were happy to work with Mike to get solar installed on our house. He made the process easy and straightforward and made all of the numbers make sense.
– Thank you Brandon. It was awesome working with you! I think we are up to about 5 houses in your area that we’ve helped. That usually doesn’t happen unless you create a good experience. 🤙
Jason Nelson
Mike was great to work with and answered all of our questions. He was also responsive to calls and texts and I appreciated that quite a bit. And he was also the best price of the bids that I received. In the end, we got the solar panels that fit our needs and it worked with our budget. I highly recommend Mike for your solar needs.
– Thank you so much Jason! Really enjoyed working with you!
Matthew Durovich
Installers were the BOMB, even worked to get 6 more panels on south facing roof, which has helped. 32 panels, 12 kWh system, was extremely impressed with quality of parts, and install. All hooked up, and I am officially a solar nerd. The app is awesome to track, and I love checking my net meter multiple times a day.
– Thank you so much Matt. You’re guys’ house turned out great!
Kristy Warren
Mike is so awesome! Not only did he come to our house when it was convenient for us, he got us approved for solar in minutes $40 a month cheaper than every other company we had looked in to. As well as $20,000 cheaper for the whole thing. He is so friendly and personable. The only thing you will regret about getting solar is if you don’t go with Solar Mike!
– Ah Kristen, you're a sweetheart. Thank you for the kinds words. It's kind of funny when you see the
differences, right?! I always asks folks, "So did that other company's quote come with a Free Car or
something?
Delyse Downey
We were looking into getting solar for our new house and looked into multiple companies. When we posted online asking around, Mike's name came up multiple times. Once we found Mike things went so smooth! We ended up getting more panels for less money!! Amazing deal and a great guy to work with!! I would highly recommend him.
– Love it! Too fun. Thank you for that review. Saving you money is the easy part, getting you the “GOOD LIFE” so you can run that A/C at 68 degrees for way less than your power bill, that’s what it’s all about. 🤘🤘
Daniel Steel
Mike is freaking awesome to work with. He has taken care of every question I've had and saved me thousands in costs of solar and my savings on my power bill. If you want a great deal Mike is your guy hands down!!!
– Thanks Daniel! Your system turned out awesome. Once your neighbors discovered I'm an equipment distributor and wholesaler, 70% of all your neighbors got solar. There are a few folks over their that got DIY kits from me also. I guess you guys like saving money and the planet. :)
Most Frequent Questions
Ask Mike...
How long will my system last?
With a 25-year warranty, your solar system is designed for longevity and reliability. This extensive warranty ensures that your system will provide consistent, high-quality performance for at least a quarter of a century. Throughout this period, you can count on reliable energy production and peace of mind, knowing that any potential issues are covered.
How much can I save with solar?
Switching to solar energy can lead to substantial savings on your energy bills. By generating your own electricity, you'll significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly utility costs. Over time, these savings can add up to thousands of dollars, making solar a wise financial investment. Additionally, many regions offer incentives and tax credits for solar installations, further increasing your savings.
Are there incentives or rebates for solar?
Yes, there are numerous incentives and rebates available for those who choose to install solar energy systems. Many federal, state, and local programs offer financial incentives to reduce the initial cost of solar installations. For instance, the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct a significant percentage of the installation cost from your federal taxes.
Do I need a battery?
Whether you need a battery for your solar system depends on your energy goals and needs. Batteries can store excess energy generated by your solar panels, providing power during the night or during grid outages. If you live in an area with frequent power outages or want to maximize your energy independence, a battery could be a valuable addition.
How long does installation take?
The duration of a solar installation can vary depending on various factors, including the size of the system, complexity of the installation, and local permitting processes. Typically, a residential solar installation takes anywhere from one to two days to complete once all necessary permits are obtained. Local city and utility permits can take a few weeks. Our efficient processes and skilled technicians ensure that installations are completed as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality. From initial consultation to final commissioning, we work diligently to minimize downtime and get your solar system up and running in a timely manner.
How do I know how many panels I need?
The number of solar panels you need depends on several factors, including your energy consumption, available roof space, and the efficiency of the panels. A typical household in the United States may require anywhere from 20 to 30 solar panels to meet its energy needs. To determine the exact number for your home, we will conduct a thorough assessment, taking into account your energy usage patterns and the specific characteristics of your property. By analyzing your electricity bills and evaluating your roof's orientation and shading, we can recommend the optimal number of panels to maximize energy production and savings.