Solar power in Nevada

As solar energy becomes more popular, states around the nation are investing more in solar production. Nevada is among the leading states, ranking sixth in the U.S. for solar energy generation, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). As a result, it’s easier than ever for Nevada residents to find affordable solar panel systems and save money on energy bills. 

Homeowners who decide to invest in solar panels can save thousands on electricity costs over the life of their system. Even though Nevada solar systems can require upfront costs of about $24,640, Nevada solar incentives and long-term energy savings can pay off big in the long run.

Is solar energy worth it in Nevada? Keep reading to learn more about the costs and benefits of solar panels in Nevada to decide if they’re right for your home.

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Nevada solar panel cost

According to data from Find Energy, the average cost of solar panel installation in Nevada is $3.08 per watt, with a typical system size of 8 kilowatts (kW). This leads to an average total solar system price of $24,640, but cost varies significantly based on your location, choice of equipment, and energy needs. Solar systems in Nevada tend to be cheaper than the nationwide average, which is $3.67 per watt for a total of $31,558, according to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The following table demonstrates this difference in average size, cost, and number of panels.

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

How does Nevada solar save you money?

The cost of your solar array depends on a variety of factors, including your system size, the type of solar panels you choose, your local labor and permitting costs, and more. In addition, solar panels can be customized to your home’s needs, energy usage, and the local landscape. 

When weighing the cost of solar panels in Nevada, it’s important to consider Nevada solar incentives and long-term energy savings. You can knock 30% off the cost of a $24,640 system with the federal tax credit, which we’ll explore more below. From there, you may also be able to cut out the cost of electricity, which runs Nevada residents $166.77 per month, on average.

Thanks to government incentives and your potential energy savings, you can expect to break even on your investment within about 8.6 years. After fully paying off your system, you can enjoy several decades of energy savings due to the long lifespan of solar panels.

Use the table below to get an idea of what different solar arrays might cost in Nevada before incentives and tax credits.

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

The best Nevada solar panel incentives or rebates

There’s no doubt that solar panels are a significant investment. However, the federal government and many state and local governments offer financial incentives to make solar energy in Nevada more affordable and accessible.

The federal solar tax credit allows homeowners to recover thousands of dollars from their solar panel purchases. The Residential Clean Energy Credit offers a 30% credit on solar systems purchased through 2032. The substantial credit can apply to systems on your primary or secondary home in the U.S. from the beginning of 2022. It will decrease to 26% in 2033, 22% in 2034, and expire in 2035 unless renewed. Learn more about how to apply for the solar tax credit.

Nevada also has several initiatives to help you to save, including:

Solar incentives in Las Vegas

In addition to taking advantage of Nevada’s net metering program and claiming the federal tax credit, Las Vegas residents may receive a rebate from their local energy provider — NV Energy or Southwest Gas Corporation.

• NV Energy’s storage incentive program applications closed on June 30, 2023, but you can check back on its website for when the program returns.
• Southwest Gas Corporation provides a residential rebate program for customers who purchase energy-efficient products for their homes. Programs vary, but you can learn more here.

The purpose of both rebates is to make solar and related energy-efficient equipment more affordable. A 2022 study showed that Las Vegas incentives are having an impact, with the city ranking second in the nation for solar power capacity per capita.

Why choose Nevada solar power?

Nevada residents have many attractive reasons to go solar, from lower electricity expenses to greater energy independence from the grid and environmental factors.

Lower energy costs

One of the major benefits of installing residential solar panels is the potential for reduced energy costs. When you rely on solar panels to power your home, you aren’t paying for electricity from the traditional grid. This allows you to avoid energy price hikes during high-demand times. Solar panels can also increase your home’s value, which will be money in your pocket if you sell your home.

Establish energy independence

Another benefit of installing solar panels on your home is the opportunity to establish energy independence. When you’re energy independent, you aren’t reliant on the traditional electricity grid and don’t have to worry about rising market prices. If you install a solar battery with your system, you can rely on stored energy during power outages and increase your energy independence even further.

Go green

Traditional electricity generation relies on fossil fuels and is harmful to the environment. It emits carbon dioxide that pollutes the air and water and contributes to climate change. Solar power is a renewable resource, and its production doesn’t have the same harmful effects as fossil fuels.

Should I buy or lease my solar panels?

Are you considering investing in Nevada solar power? You can choose various ways to access solar, such as a cash purchase, loan, lease, power purchase agreement (PPA), or community solar. While each option has plenty of benefits, buying your own solar panels is the most cost-effective choice. Purchasing solar panels will lead to the greatest potential energy savings and allow you to take advantage of the federal tax credit.

When deciding whether solar is right for you, choosing a financial plan is one of the most important aspects. The following table outlines the pros and cons of each solar payment option.

Nevada solar panel companies

Due to  the rising popularity of solar energy in Nevada, it has become easier than ever to find high-quality solar panel companies in your area. If you’re considering installing solar panels on your home, SaveOnEnergy can help. You can familiarize yourself with the solar industry and learn what to expect when working with a solar installer.

Solar installer	Year founded	Financing options	Warranty terms
	2011	Cash purchase or solar loan	25-year manufacturer warranty and production guarantee
	2009	Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease	25-year quality of work and 25-year product warranties
	2018	Cash purchase or solar loan	30-year performance warranty, 25-year panel warranty, and 25-year quality guarantee
	1985	Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease	25-year full system warranty

What to look for in a solar contractor

As you plan your solar panel installation in Nevada, it’s important to do your due diligence in selecting a solar contractor. Your choice of contractor will affect everything from the quality of installation to your total project cost and timeline, so it’s a critical decision. Be sure to look for licensed installers with reputable industry certifications, strong customer reviews, quality solar equipment, excellent warranty coverage, and a variety of financing options.

Beware of free solar panels in Nevada scam

If you see an offer for free solar panels in Nevada during your search, it’s best to avoid this enticing deal. There is no such thing as free solar panels. Some unethical sales companies may try to lure you into an agreement with this promise, but it is either false or misleading. Instead, you can use SaveOnEnergy’s resources to inform yourself about the average cost of solar panels in Nevada and determine if a quote or proposal seems legitimate. You can also fill out our solar estimator to start the solar process and connect with an installer near you.

Important solar installation factors to consider

Installing solar panels on your Nevada home can help you save money and reduce your environmental footprint, but there are a few keyfactors to consider before you make the leap.

• Roof angle and condition: According to the Department of Energy, solar panels are most effective on south-facing roofs with slopes between 15 and 40 degrees. You should also ensure your roof is in good condition and won’t need to be replaced soon.
• Amount of direct sunlight: It’s important that your solar panels receive enough direct sunlight each day to operate efficiently. Consider removing any trees or objects blocking sunlight from your solar panels prior to installation. Some solar installers may offer their own tree removal services.
• HOA rules: Some homeowners’ associations (HOAs) may restrict the size of solar panel systems, while others may require approval before installation. However, Nevada has solar access laws to protect homeowners’ rights to install and generate electricity with solar panels.