Cost of Solar Panels in Nevada: Solar Incentives, State Rebates, Tax Credits

Residential solar energy is here to stay, and there is no better time than now to take advantage of rebate programs and solar tax credits offered at both the state and federal level.

These incentives provide rebates and discounts so that you can go solar for less.

Thanks to Nevada solar incentives, the cost of solar panels in Nevada has plummeted at an astonishing rate.

Read on to find out how this has happened and what it means for you as a homeowner looking forward to switching to renewable energy.

Solar Nevada: Sunshine and Low Cost Solar Panels Combine

There are some fascinating statistics about the Silver State that help further explain why it is a hub for solar power production and consumption. For one, did you know that it is third in the list of the sunniest states, after Arizona and New Mexico respectively?

Did you also know that the cost of solar panels in Nevada dropped by a whopping 43%?⁴

These records are a clear indication that Nevada deserves to be at the top list of states harnessing solar energy. In fact, it comes in at number 6, which is pretty impressive.

Nevadans enjoy around 252 sunny days in a year and there is no better way to make use of the powerful sun’s rays than by harnessing its solar power.

Besides reducing the carbon footprint and making the world a cleaner and better place, there are several other reasons for going solar in Nevada. This is a big deal for the local government, as you can tell by its goals of going carbon-free by the year 2050.

And how are they making sure of this?

You can tell that they are serious by how they encourage residents to take up solar tax credits and local rebate facilities.

If the thing setting you back from going solar is the high upfront cost, these programs have your back, and you can easily end up parting with way less money.

How Much Are Solar Panels in Nevada: Cost of Solar Panels in Nevada

On average, going by the current pricing rates, a typical solar panel will set you back $2.60 per watt. The good news is that this price point is relatively lower than that of the national average, which currently stands at $3.00 a watt.

To put it more in perspective, it means that a typical small-scale 5kW system will cost anything between $11,050 – $14,950, and on average, many people in Nevada pay roughly $13 000 for theirs to be installed.⁹

However, before you deliberate further based on the price range, you should know that the amount can go lower than that depending on several factors. It can also go higher than the range if you put into consideration certain aspects.

How much you need to pay upfront relies on you, the solar company you hire for the job, and the kind of service you want.

What Are the Factors That Influence Solar Panels for Home in Nevada?

There is a lot more that goes on to determine how much you actually pay for your solar panels. It is not just about buying the panels and paying for them to be installed; there is more underneath the surface.

These factors below go a long way to determining how much the entire process will cost.

#1 The Size of the System

This is probably self-explanatory because the solar system requires panels and other equipment that you pay for individually. Therefore, obviously, the larger the setup, the deeper you will have to dig into your pockets.

#2 Your Energy Needs

If you previously battled with humongous energy bills at the end of each month, you may have to brace yourself because you will need a more intricate system that can cater to all your needs. If you will have to go for more panels and more equipment, it basically means that your installation will be more expensive.

#3 Type of Panels

You know that high-quality products come with a price tag to match, and solar panels are no different. You can either go for polycrystalline or monocrystalline panels, but the latter tends to be more high-performance and, as expected, more expensive.⁸

#4 Availability of Local, State, and Federal Incentives and Rebate Programs

The total amount of money that you end up spending on your energy conversion can significantly decrease, all thanks to incentives. Getting 30% off on the installation is a lot of money saved, and you can imagine how much less it will cost if you apply for local rebate programs.

How Does Solar Panel Cost Calculator Nevada Work?

There are several factors that come to play when choosing the perfect solar panel system for your home, one of them being the cost. The cost seems to be a common factor, and that is why it is crucial to know how much do solar panels cost in your state, Nevada, in this case.

Luckily, there exist various tools online that can provide you with a rough estimate.

They use the data you feed into the software to generate a rough figure that helps you budget better. The calculator will ask questions like your location, how much energy you normally use, and other specific details that are vital in the calculation.

Each online system that calculates energy output or panel cost is specially tailored to generate the estimates according to the details entered,¹⁰ and by the end of it all, you should get the cost estimate and know how much you need for the entire installation.

Solar Panels Las Vegas Cost

Las Vegas residents know the pain of high electric costs all too well, and they use quite a large amount of it. As a matter of fact, the city uses twice as much power as Los Angeles!

There is a high demand for energy and it is evident by the fact that the city has the third highest rate of solar capacity only rivaled by Los Angeles and San Diego.

For a typical 5kW system in Las Vegas, you will have to pay around $12,900, which translates to $2.58 a Watt, which is slightly lower than the statewide average of $2.60. Of course, you will have to pay more for bigger and more elaborate solar panel systems, especially in industrial settings.

In comparison to the rates in other cities, Las Vegas pays a bit more. The residents need more power for cooling down homes and other needs and will likely go for larger solar power models than the 5 kW, but the best part is that there are Nevada solar incentives that help reduce the cost.

How Much Can You Save By Going Solar in Las Vegas?

Now that you know exactly how much solar panels will cost you when you are living in Las Vegas, an obvious question is whether it will be worth it. It only makes sense if installation means a reduction in your energy bills and will save you a lot of money; otherwise, why do it?

The reason why the energy usage in Las Vegas is at a record high is because the people need a lot of it. This means that there is a high demand for power, and together with the high number of sunny days, it goes to show that investing in solar power will be a game-changer for your home.

The cost per kilowatt hour is about $15.27 in the state, and if there is an average use of electricity by the residents, it brings the total cost of power to roughly $1922 per year. The electricity cost is ever-increasing, and some homeowners use more energy than others, so, you could actually end up paying more money.

If you factor in things like inflation and other aspects, you could end up saving as much as $10,921 within a period of 5 years,² which is exciting for any homeowner. Your savings will, however, depend on your energy usage and how efficient the panels are, among many other factors.

Lowering Solar Las Vegas Costs

There are so many enticing reasons why your Las Vegas home should be solar-powered. Regardless of how there are no state-wide credits or rebate programs, you can enjoy several incentives, reducing the installation cost by a fortune.

You have the net metering and many other programs to thank for that.

As a Nevadan, you can expect more than a 75% advantage over your excessive electricity, being reverted to the grid every month. As if that is not enough, you can also enjoy an income annually from selling energy credits to utility companies.

This could see you receiving $450 or more per year until 2025 thanks to the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program.¹¹

How To Pay for Solar Installation in Nevada

The cost of solar panels in Nevada, and any other state for that matter, can be quite high and you should know all the ways that you can pay for it. What about the incentives?

Remember that programs like the Federal solar tax credit don’t give you the money upfront, and you apply for it once you have the system fully installed and operating. So, in short, you need to know how to pay for the panels.

Cash

Obviously, this should be the first on the list, but only assuming that the budget is not a problem.

If you have thousands of dollars, you can easily shop for a reputable company and make a direct purchase without the hassle of taking up loans.

Solar Loans

All solar companies know about financial institutions that can sponsor the installation.

There are special loans created for each homeowner, but before you sign anything, you want to weigh out your options to find the best rates or terms.

Individual Loans

This is a personal loan, unlike solar loans, where the company you hire connects you to the financier. For this one, you take it out on your own, and the best part is that you don’t have to risk your house in the process, only that the payment terms are more strict and the rates are higher.

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)

This is a common payment method that many homeowners go for. Power purchase agreements help you and the state.

Here, you lease the system, not necessarily own it, and it is quite a favorable deal, but there is only one problem, not owning the solar system locks you out of certain incentives, particularly tax credits.⁶

Nevada Solar Incentives List 2023

Nevada solar incentives come in handy when you are looking to install solar power, but the costs seem too overwhelming.

The solar rebates from the government and the state go a long way to making conversion a walk in the park, and it helps that it encourages more Nevadans to embrace the idea.

Federal Solar Tax Credit

Most people know about the federal energy credits from the government, which also goes by the name Residential Clean Energy Credits. This is one of the most lucrative credits because it means deducting a whole 30% off your installation cost.

However, it is crucial to note that this program is absolutely not a rebate or a cashback facility. Instead, it is a credit that is given to taxpayers, exempting them from paying a certain amount they owe in terms of taxes.

Therefore, you cannot apply for it unless you have a tax liability, or in other words, you must owe the government some money.

Nevada Net Metering

As with many other states, net metering is another Nevada solar incentive that you can sign up for after installing solar in your home.¹² This net metering, in simple terms, is a billing method where you, as a resident, can earn credits that are channeled to your standard electricity bill in exchange for the excess energy that your panels produce.

It means that you can earn credits whenever you supply energy to your local grid system. This is a sort of win-win for you and your neighbors because you get compensation for your service while you become an electricity supplier for the local community.

However, the net metering rules and regulations vary per state.

In Nevada, for instance, NV Energy utility company, which provides 93% of power, is mandated to provide 1-to-1 net metering every month. Simply put, the provider offers you credits at the exact rate that they would charge you for supplying power to your home.

NV Energy Storage

It is rare to find this program anywhere else in the country, and Nevada is one of the few states that compensates you for purchasing battery storage. The NV Energy company’s incentive involves batteries that have been connected to solar power, and they vary based on the terms, either time-of-use or standard rate.

To begin with, the utility for time-of-use can go up to $3,000. In this case, the electricity rates vary according to the time; in perspective, the price is lower on sunny days or times when the sun is strongest.

On the contrary, the price goes lower when there is low demand, like later in the night when the electricity is in low demand and not in use by many consumers.³

How Does NV Energy Work in Nevada To Reduce Solar Costs?

NV Energy is the largest utility provider in the entire state, supplying more than 90% of electricity to the people. As such, it is a big player when it comes to Nevada solar incentives and has a big role to play in matters of reduction of solar costs.

The great news is that it is on board with all the state’s renewable energy plans, and it has an impressive track record to prove.

For one, it is at the frontline of advocating for net metering. Instead of hoarding solar power and having the excess go to waste, there is a chance to trade in the surplus for credits.

You get to link to the local grid and supply power to the rest of your neighbors, which goes a long way in reducing your utility bills.

The fascinating part of it all is that NV Energy has a favorable rate for its solar power providers. It is mandated to compensate you at a 1-to-1 rate of net metering every single month, which is quite commendable.

This implies that the company doesn’t mind offering the same credits according to the amount of electricity you would pay for if it were coming from them.

Are NV Energy Net Metering Great Nevada Solar Incentives?

Net metering as a solar incentive may not seem as lucrative as other rebate programs and tax credits but there is more to it below the surface.¹³ For one, it helps you reduce your energy bills.

Look at it this way, you will save all the money that you would have otherwise used for your utility bills, and it all adds up at the end of the year.

Number 2, and not many know this, but it is a huge deal that you don’t have to invest in bulky and expensive batteries to store the surplus. When you supply power to the grid, you can use electricity at night, and when there are weather interferences, and you don’t have to invest in a battery.

This saves you a lot of money, and the best part is that you will also be of service to your neighbors. Net metering also has the advantage of encouraging the conversion to renewable energy because it is quite attractive to those who want to offset their utility bills.

The program eases the pressure off electricity grids, but how? You may ask.

Well, for starters, the utility providers will have direct power suppliers and they don’t have to rely on their own resources to create electricity. In addition to that, the grid doesn’t overwork itself, trying to keep up with the high demand from the consumers.

It can relax a bit, and on top of that, net metering also helps preserve natural resources because the utility companies don’t have to mine excessively to generate electricity

How Does ITC Work and How Does It Affect the Cost of Solar Panels in Nevada?

The federal solar tax credit is arguably one of the best economic incentives for the average American taxpayer. In a funny twist, you will want to owe government money in form of taxes at this point because it is the only way you can qualify to receive 30% off of your solar panel installation.

Using a Nevada tax calculator, you should be able to tell how much your tax liability is and what it means when applying for the tax credit. But first, how does the whole concept work?

The ITC (Investment Tax Credit) is a one-time (assuming you own one property) non-refundable credit that is rated at 30% of the total amount of money you spent on your solar panel installation.

All you need to do is take on a little more paperwork during the next tax season, and you should be on your way to recovering the 30% you used during your energy conversion. The best part, there is absolutely no maximum limit as long as your tax liability can cover it.

Even if it can’t, you can simply carry over the extra to the next tax year.

It helps to know what the federal tax credit really is before you start the installation.¹⁴ First, you should know beforehand that the credit is not a cashback.

There is no way that you will receive a cheque from the government for the 30% of the money you already used.

Basically, it is credit on your tax liability that either reduces how much you owe the government or increases the amount of your refund. If the idea seems rather complex and you don’t want to make a mistake, the best call is to bring in a tax expert to guide you and make the process easier.

What Are the Limitations of Solar Panel Tax Credit?

One of the most important things to note is that not everyone is eligible for federal tax credits. There is a list of requirements that you must first meet before the IRS clears to receive the credit.

Many first-timers ask, how does the solar tax credit work if I don’t owe taxes? The unfortunate answer is that it doesn’t.

Without a liability, there is no way you can receive the credit. How is that possible if there is no money in the first place?

It now becomes unusual because you will wish that you did owe the government some money because at least there will be a liability to get credit against.

Therefore, if you are unemployed and don’t pay taxes, you are automatically out of the program.⁵ Another criterion to meet is that you should be the rightful owner of the property that has solar power installed.

Renters and those who have taken PPAs are also out for this reason because you should fully own rights to the solar system.

In a similar light, remember that you can only apply for ITC if the solar system equipment is brand new. This means that the solar panels, cables, battery, and everything else must be new and in your name, not second-hand or borrowed, else it will defeat the purpose of the incentive.

Is Solar Worth It in Nevada? How To Know When the Cost of Solar Panels in Nevada Is Worth It

Nevada may be a hub for solar power production and consumption,¹⁵ but that doesn’t necessarily mean that every homeowner will benefit from it.

Even with incentive and rebate programs, sometimes it is not worth it, and you should know when.

These are some questions to ask yourself first.

How Much Energy Do You Usually Use?

To switch or not typically relies on this main question because you want to save on your utility bills and enjoy more savings. There is no specific line when it comes to determining this.

The rule of the thumb is that your home should use about 500 kilowatt hours per month so as to benefit more from solar power. Luckily, according to energy reports,¹⁶ a typical Nevadan household needs over 900 kWh, meaning that most will be saving a lot by adopting solar power.

What Is the Cost of Solar Panels in Nevada?

The total amount of money you need for the entire system depends on several crucial factors. For one, what is your system size?

What type of panels do you need? Among other concerns.

You will find the cost worth it if the energy bill is too high, such that the panels take a short time to pay for themselves, and you will start saving a fortune.

Are Solar Panels Worth It Considering the Cost of Solar Panels in Nevada?

Regardless of the high upfront cost of solar panels in Nevada, it doesn’t take away from the fact that it is a sound investment.

There are several benefits to enjoy, from reduced electricity bills to cleaning the environment.

Besides, the incentives and solar tax credits help reduce the total cost.

How Long Will It Take To Get My Money Back?

It is obvious that solar power is quite an investment, and like any other, you want a positive ROI, and you need it to pay for itself as soon as possible. The payback period in Nevada is usually 13 years, while the national average stands at 12 years, which is not bad.

But still, the time frame varies greatly according to the initial cost of the system and plenty of other factors.

How Does Solar NV Energy Work in Nevada To Reduce the Cost of Solar Power?

NV Energy is the key supplier of electricity in most of Nevada and, therefore, a major player in the reduction of solar power costs. It supports net metering from the locals with installed systems and compensates them handsomely for their service.

The company also pays for the NV Energy program and at a competitive rate, for that matter.

How Much Sun Do You Receive?

Another factor that often goes neglected is the sunlight hours. The solar panels will not be efficient if the sun is not strong or reliable enough to power them up.

Fortunately, Nevada boasts as the number 3 state in terms of most sunny days, meaning that buying panels will likely be a sound investment.

What Does the Solar Market in Nevada Look Like?

One mistake would be to invest in solar power when the solar market in the region is unfavorable. At least Nevada is number 6 in terms of solar conversions meaning that the state is making major strides to ensure that more residents are on board with the idea of conversion.

What Are the Benefits of Solar Energy in Nevada?

As you can tell by how much local governments are advocating for solar power, it all goes to show that it is worth considering.

If you make the switch to renewable energy, it will not be about you or your household anymore; there is a lot more at stake, even for the planet.

Below are the reasons why going solar in Nevada is gaining traction among the residents.

#1 Saving on Energy Bills

One of the main reasons why you would want to convert to an alternative energy source is because it helps you save a fortune on utility bills. Now that Nevada has a high energy usage, the only way to save money is by adopting a new system.

Solar power helps you save over a thousand a year, money that would have instead gone to utility providers.⁷

#2 Lucrative Tax Credits and Solar Incentives

Nevada wants its citizens to gravitate more towards solar power, and one way to convince them that it is a good idea is by creating attractive solar incentives. The most lucrative is the ITC, where you get a 30% tax credit on your total expenditure on solar panel installation, but there are still other attractive programs.

For instance, you get to use net metering, and NV Energy storage Incentives,¹⁷ among other local rebate facilities from companies.

#3 Increase in Home Resale Value

It may come as a big surprise to prospective solar panel owners that the move can actually increase their home’s value. You may ask how much does solar increase home value?

The rate is a staggering 4%, and it can go even higher depending on where your house is located. For example, solar-powered homes in Las Vegas are considerably more expensive than others.

#4 Access To Clean and Renewable Energy

Considering how low the carbon footprint solar panels is, it explains why groups are pushing for more residents in Nevada to take up solar power. You will no longer have to rely on your utility provider, and by extension, the demand for fossil fuels will reduce.

The air will be cleaner, and you will be doing your part in climate justice.

Nevada Solar Companies

There are over 85 Solar companies in Nevada and more than 10 Solar companies in Las Vegas.

This number will likely go up considering how solar power is gaining more popularity, and you will be spoiled for choice when deciding which one to go for.

A few have etched their names in the solar industry, but still, you should do your due diligence first before you agree to anything.

What To Consider Before Installing Solar Panels Nevada Using Nevada Solar Incentives

Nevada solar incentives are attractive, no doubt, but still investing in solar power is a big move that should be carefully decided on. Before you sign up for anything, you want to consider the following factors.

#1 What Are the Upfront Fees?

The main reason why many go for solar leases is because the upfront fees are affordable. As you now know, solar panels can be costly, and you need thousands of dollars to install them.

Therefore, it is crucial to find a company with great yet affordable services in case you need to make a down payment.¹⁸ This aspect is more vital, especially when applying for the 30% tax credit because you should pay for the entire process first before applying.

#2 What Are the Net Metering Policies of Nevada?

The net metering regulations vary based on the state you live in. However, the rate is more friendly in Nevada because you are eligible for at least 75% of the electricity’s retail rate.¹

Still, if the provider doesn’t have favorable terms, you may want to invest in a battery, after all, to help increase your ROI.

#3 What Are the Government’s Policies on Incentives?

The solar market is quite volatile, and it is common for the regulations to keep changing. The government’s rebate programs may become less favorable or disappear altogether and you don’t want to be caught in that.

That is why experts say that the best time to invest in solar power is now when you are sure that the incentives are fully operational.

#4 Does Your Solar Company Push for PPAs?

The last factor to consider that many prospective buyers tend to ignore is the choice of the solar company.

Whoever you choose to handle the project must be fully on board with the idea and put your interests first, not use you to further their agenda.

You want to be very wary of companies that strongly advocate for solar leases because such agreements shut you out of the solar tax credits while enriching the company in question.¹⁹

Are There Free Solar Panels Nevada?

Now that everything about solar panel costs is discussed, it is time to address an important concern probably lingering in your mind, how to get solar panels for free.

If it seems too good to be true, maybe trust that it is. There are a number of solar panel plants and farms in Nevada, but as you probably know, these high value items aren’t free.

Solar panel companies invest a lot of money in manufacturing, so why would they give them out for free?

Sounds fishy, right? The “free solar for a year” and “ free solar installation” you must have heard are from solar leasing company salespeople.

They entice you with the thought that you could get the conversion for free, but what they fail to say is that they are offering you a solar lease.

Although some homeowners swear by the PPAs, leases deny you ownership of the solar system. They are more likely to rent them, and the worst part is that you cannot make use of the federal tax credits because the panels don’t belong to you.

Are you worried about investing in solar power because the cost is too high? Don’t be.

This is the best time to dive into energy conversion when states have launched attractive incentives to make renewable energy more popular. The cost doesn’t seem as scary now.

Nevada has one of the best solar markets and you can be a part of that by installing solar panels in your home. To help reduce the cost, you can apply for the federal tax incentive for 30% off the total cost, which is quite a saving.

Other local programs are also good reasons why solar panels are worth it.

Understanding how Nevada solar incentives work can help you decided to move to a clean energy alternative because they have made things easier and will lower the cost of solar panels in Nevada.

Frequently Asked Question About Nevada Solar Incentives