Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Nevada.
Nevada proudly occupies the sixth spot among states for solar energy production in the United States. While it may not hold the title of the sunniest state, it does host the largest solar plant in the U.S., the Copper Mountain Solar Facility. The monumental scale and efficiency of the Copper Mountain facility serve as an emblem of solar power's potential
The allure of decreased electricity expenses, appealing tax incentives, and a sustainable lifestyle are motivating a growing number of both residential and commercial property owners to embrace solar systems.
The burgeoning popularity of solar power and other renewable energy sources invites careful consideration. Whether your goal is to shrink your carbon footprint or minimize your utility bills, we are here to guide you through the crucial factors. Our aim is to equip you with the insights necessary to make the most beneficial energy decision.
The average price for a home solar panel system in Nevada is $15,240 for a 6kW system or about per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.
| Average Cost 6 kW System | Average Cost 10 kW System | Estimated Tax Credit (10 kW System) | Average Cost/Watt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Nevada | $15,240 | $25,400 | $7,620 | $2.54 |
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Most Costly State(Michigan) | $22,680 | $37,800 | $11,340 | $3.78 |
| Least Costly State(Arizona) | $14,640 | $24,400 | $7,320 | $2.44 |
For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.
I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.
| System Size | System Cost | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $12,700 | $8,785 |
| 6 kW | $15,240 | $10,542 |
| 7 kW | $17,780 | $12,299 |
| 8 kW | $20,320 | $14,056 |
| 10 kW | $25,400 | $17,570 |
Even in the sun-rich state of Nevada, solar installations come with their set of challenges. Before committing, it's vital for Nevadans to contemplate both the benefits and potential downsides of equipping their homes with solar systems. Evaluating these aspects can guide you in determining if solar is the right choice for your Silver State residence.
While everyone in Nevada might view these pros and cons differently, our aim is to outline the most prevalent considerations, empowering you to make a decision that best suits your individual needs.
For many homeowners in Nevada, the long-term benefits, both environmental and financial, make solar panels a worthwhile investment. However, the decision should be based on individual circumstances, such as energy consumption patterns, future plans for the home, and available finances. Before making a decision, it's advisable to get quotes from multiple solar providers and consider consulting with a solar energy expert.
There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Nevada. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.
The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.
This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."
Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.
Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.
Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:
Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.
For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.
Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.
Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.
In addition to the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit, you may be eligible for solar incentives that could significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation. Some incentives are statewide and others are more local. Your city, utility, or other local company could offer hundreds or thousands of dollars in incentives to install solar systems.
This table shows the available incentives in Nevada. But, just because you don't see it here doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Check with your local utility for other potential incentives.
| Name | State | Category | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NV Energy - Clean Energy Incentive Program | NV | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption | NV | Financial Incentive | Property Tax Incentive |
| Large Scale Renewable Energy Property Tax Abatement (Nevada State Office of Energy) | NV | Financial Incentive | Property Tax Incentive |
| Nevada Solar and Wind Easement Laws | NV | Regulatory Policy | Solar/Wind Access Policy |
| Nevada Power - PV Rebate Program | NV | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Net Metering | NV | Regulatory Policy | Net Metering |
| Energy Portfolio Standard | NV | Regulatory Policy | Renewables Portfolio Standard |
| Solar Contractor Licensing | NV | Regulatory Policy | Solar/Wind Contractor Licensing |
| Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure | NV | Regulatory Policy | Generation Disclosure |
| Boulder City Public Works - Energy Efficient Appliance Program | NV | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
There are hundreds of solar companies in Nevada. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.
To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.
The solar companies we partner with:
We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.
Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.
Leveraging the state's abundant sunshine, Nevada is leading the way in retraining workers for solar plant jobs, and people from other states are seeking training here as well. Workers are being trained in solar energy infrastructure construction at the Reno branch of the Laborers’ International Union of North America, a hotspot for job creation.
Francisco Valenzuela, a worker with previous experience in solar projects, is among those learning more about solar technology. He praises the good pay and the plentiful work available. All with good reason because Solar projects are expected to double Nevada's solar capacity by 2029. The Solar Energy Industries Association predicts about 800,000 new jobs will be needed within a decade to meet the target of 30% of the nation's electricity generation from solar by 2030.
We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.
Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Nevada decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.
We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.
The cost of solar panel installation in Nevada can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.
A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Arizona is $15,600 for a 6kW system or about or about $2.60 per watt, significantly lower than the US average.
The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:
To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.
The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.
Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.
Solar panels generally require very little maintenance. However, it's a good idea to have them inspected every few years to ensure they are working properly and to clean off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated on the panels. Most solar panel installers offer maintenance services for an additional fee.
What type of solar panels should I purchase?
There are two main types of solar panels: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. There are pros and cons to both. Either type can produce enough solar power for your home. We recommend getting a recommendation from a solar installer for your home. Depending on your budget, location, and other factors they can recommend the most efficient solar panels for your home.
Securing a residential permit for solar installation in Nevada is a crucial step. The process may vary by local jurisdiction, but generally involves submitting a permit application to the local building department. They will also ask for things like site plans and system specifications.
Many local governments in Nevada have streamlined this process to encourage solar adoption, and resources are available to assist homeowners. For specific guidelines, homeowners should consult their city or county building department, where staff can provide details on required documentation and fees. The Nevada Governor's Office of Energy also offers information on regulations and incentives, while solar installation companies often have experience navigating local permitting requirements and can provide guidance as well.
Check out the links below for resources for some of the major cities:
