2024 Solar Incentives Guide for Elko, NV - Tax Credits & Rebates

In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Elko.

You'll learn about:

  • Local & State Solar Incentives
  • Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
  • Ways to optimize your solar investment

Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Elko solar installers to see how much you can save.

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Elko?

NV Energy - Clean Energy Incentive Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Solar (As of 9/24/18):
Residential/Commercial/Industrial (25 kW or smaller): $0.20 / watt-AC
Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity (25 kW or smaller): $0.45 / watt-AC
Residential/Commercial/Industrial (greater than 25 kW): $0.0250 / kWh
Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity (greater than 25 kW): $0.0550 / kWh

Wind (As of 9/24/18):
Residential/Commercial/Industrial: $0.40 / watt-AC
Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity: $0.80 / watt-AC

Southwest Gas Corporation - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Water Heating: $225
Solar Water Heating: $13/therm

Southwest Gas Corporation - Smarter Greener Better Solar Water Heating Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Varies based on program "step" - see program website.

Portfolio Energy Credits

Incentive Type:
Performance-Based Incentive
Varies; higher value for solar PECs than other technologies

NV Energy - Solar Thermal Heating Program

Incentive Type:
Rebate Program
Northern Nevada electric customers: $3,000/project up to 50% of system cost

Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit

Incentive Type:
Personal Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.

Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/


Solar incentives are intended to encourage homeowners to make the switch to renewable energy by providing incentives meant to lower the financial burden of solar panel installation and use. You might qualify for several types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or monthly utility bill credits, depending on your situation. Certain incentives come from your specific utility company, county or municipality, some from the Nevada government and others from the federal government. Some solar incentives you might qualify for are:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions in the amount of income tax that you owe the government. (A tax credit is different from a tax deduction.)
  • Rebates: Your solar installer might help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar panels. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. If you receive a rebate, that amount will usually come off the total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: Net metering factors in once your solar system is up and running. If you've signed a net metering agreement with your Elko utility company, it will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your utility bill each month. In some areas, this is a dollar-for-dollar credit, while in others you may make back a percentage of the value.
  • Tax Exemptions: These can come in the form of property tax exemptions, which allow you to ignore the value added by your solar panels when calculating the taxes you pay on your house. They may also include exemptions on sales tax at the time of purchase.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Federal Solar Incentives

Federal incentives are the kind of incentives that you are most likely to have some familiarity with. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the most commonly known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a specific percentage of your solar system's cost.

The ITC can be credited towards the value of solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels must have been installed after January 1, 2006, on a property you own for you to claim the credit. Initially, the ITC applied to 30% of all system costs (panels, labor, equipment and accessories), although the amount has fluctuated over the last few years between 26-30%. The installation date of your solar system will determine what percentage you are eligible for. There is no cap on the claim amount.

Have questions about how the ITC applies to your specific situation? Get in touch with your local Elko solar panel installation expert to get more information.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, expanded and extended the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). The Clean Energy Credit lasts until 2035. Your solar installation project undertaken between 2022 and 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. The amount will be decreased slightly on a yearly basis until the end of the current program. Starting in 2023, the expansion to the program will also make it easier to get credit for energy storage systems.

Click here to learn more about the new Inflation Reduction Act. The best way to understand how the new Clean Energy Credit will apply to you is to reach out to your local Elko solar panel installation expert with your questions.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Some solar incentives may be provided at the state and local level. Similar to federal incentives, these might include tax credits, rebates and more. These incentives may be provided by your county or municipality, or by the Nevada government. Some incentives may be ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Elko

The expanding number of available solar incentives has enormously increased the use of solar power nationwide over the last 15 years. You might qualify for solar incentives from your local utility company, the Nevada government or the federal government. Speak with your local solar panel installer today to find out more information and to save the most money possible on a solar system for your Elko home.

EcoWatch's Elko, NV Solar Incentives FAQs

How much will a solar system save me annually on my electric bill in Elko?

Typically, homeowners in Elko who install solar panels save approximately $753.64 per year, or around $14,319.22 over 20 years after making the switch.

Who installs solar panels near me?

To discover the best solar panel installers near you, take a look at our article on the top solar companies in Elko.

What are some environmental benefits of installing solar panels on my house?

Solar energy is renewable — by switching where you get your energy, you can help reduce the strain on our planet's resources. Solar panels can also reduce the CO2 emissions from your home by 300 pounds annually, or around 6,000 pounds in 20 years.

When does the federal solar tax credit end?

The Clean Energy Credit (formerly named the federal solar tax credit, or the ITC), currently ends on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

I want to trade in my old appliances for ones that are more energy-efficient. Are there any credits I can apply for?

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for several incentives meant to reward homeowners for making eco-friendly upgrades. Some incentives include tax credits and rebates for installing new electric appliances. You can find more details about these incentives here.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Solar incentive research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

Follow us