Nevada produces 5,366MW of solar energy an hour, enough to support over 900,000 homes. This makes the Silver State one of the top places for renewable power. With this in mind, homeowners have an incredible opportunity to save thousands with solar panels in Nevada.
You might wonder where to start budgeting. In this article, we break down average costs, essential factors, and possible savings. So let’s get started with clean energy in Nevada!
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nevada
If you’re thinking that solar panels in Nevada are a cost-effective decision, you’d be correct. The Silver State has average prices for equipment, ranging around $2.61 per watt. This equals about $15,660 for a 6kW solar panel system before incentives kick in.
Even though panels come relatively affordable in Nevada, some homeowners might not feel the need to switch. With some of the lowest rates for electricity across the United States, Nevada pays less than $110 a month. With utility bills this low, switching to solar becomes a serious consideration.
To help make this decision, homeowners in the Silver State can utilize a 30% federal tax credit. This program returns a considerable amount of solar installation costs, which include equipment, labor, and even sales tax. Nevada homeowners that use this credit could see the price of a 6kW array drop from $15,660 to $10,962.
How Much Solar Do Nevadans Need?
While the above numbers offer a helpful start for budgeting, they may not accurately reflect your household’s needs. To determine the amount of wattage your solar panel system should produce, we’ve got a simple math equation. Find your average daily power usage and divide it by the number of direct sun hours in your nearest city. Let’s show how that works using the averages in Nevada.
Homeowners in the Silver State use about 32.4kWh a day (973kWh a month). If you divide that by Nevada’s average peak sun of 6.41 hours, you’ll learn that a solar panel system needs to produce 5kW an hour to cover electricity needs. This size array would cost around $13,050, over 2,500 dollars less than the first example.
Now that we’ve broken down the steps to discover your wattage needs, it’s your turn. Because peak sun hours vary depending on location, use this Nevada sun chart to find the most accurate number for your nearest town.
Nevada Solar Cost Factors
As mentioned briefly above, sunlight can have a dramatic influence on the cost of solar panels in Nevada. Those living further south may experience more direct sun than those living further north near the Sierra Mountain Range. For example, Reno receives just 5.8 hours of peak sunlight, about 45 minutes less than the state average each day. To learn more about how peak sun and location can influence solar prices, compare Nevada to its surrounding states:
In addition to sunlight, equipment type can have a noticeable effect on the price of solar panels in Nevada. Because of the abundance of sunlight and open skies, homeowners in the Silver State can effectively utilize polycrystalline panels. These panels are less efficient than monocrystalline (the other main option) but much more affordable. However, if you have minimal roof space or live in a more cloudy region of the state, mono equipment is worth the investment.
When handling your delicate solar panels, you want to trust only the most quality solar installers. Some companies in the industry will offer low rates but may cut costs in equipment, installation, or warranties. Nevada has over 50 solar installers, meaning you’ve got plenty of options available.
Best Nevada Solar Installers
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When reviewing installers for solar panels in Nevada, we trust EnergySage’s pre-screening qualifications. The review company has endorsements from major power companies in the country, making their standards industry-leading. As you review installation companies, take time to consider their:
- Industry experience
- Equipment type
- Contractor transparency
- Warranty coverage
- Certifications
Here are a couple of our favorites for your consideration.
Not only an industry leader in Nevada but in the country, Solar Optimum surpasses all standards. Serving California, Nevada, and Arizona, this company has 15 years of experience and has earned top awards in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Their highly certified technicians work with only the best equipment, including Enphase, Panasonic, and Tesla. And to make sure this equipment lasts as long as possible, they offer 25-year warranties on equipment, workmanship, mounting, roofing, and performance. That’s about as covered as you get anywhere.
Solar Optimum has covered, but if you’re a Reno or Las Vegas resident Sol-Up is a great local option. With 14 years of industry experience, the technicians at Sol-Up know the ins and outs of solar in Nevada. While their warranties only cover equipment, their certified technicians have incredible customer service and work with the best equipment on the market.
Can Solar Energy Save Nevadans Money?
Now that we understand average costs and the factors that can make them fluctuate, you might want to know if solar panels in Nevada are worth investing in. With decent equipment rates and some of the best sunlight in the country, homeowners in the Silver State are in an excellent position to save thousands on utility fees. Let’s see how this net return is calculated.
Before you’ll find any money coming back, you’ll have to cover the cost of your solar panel system. If we use Nevada’s average annual electricity bill of $1,310.04 as an offset, residents could pay off a 6kW system in about 11.9 years. While this is slightly longer than normal, it’s worth remembering that Nevada needs significantly less wattage.
After paying off their solar panels, homeowners in the Silver State begin seeing net returns. With a lifespan of about 20-25 years, Nevada could earn back $10,611 to $17,162. And with a plethora of financial incentives, these savings could be even higher.
Solar Panels in Nevada: Rebates, Credits, and Incentives
Nevada is one of the leading states in the country for solar energy. With massive investment into renewable resources, homeowners in the Silver State can reduce installation costs and even earn money for their power production.
Even before breaking into state benefits, homeowners in Nevada can utilize the federal solar tax credit. With 30% coming back from solar purchases, Nevada can cut the cost of a 6kW system by over $4,500. And with opportunities such as net metering, municipal rebates, and government regulations, homeowners could save thousands more.
To learn more about Nevada’s solar benefits, check out this detailed list.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Millenious/Shutterstock.com.
