2025 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

Updated January 24, 2025

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?

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.

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

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 designed to mitigate the cost of installing a solar panel system on your home. Financial incentives like these are in place to encourage more people to convert their home partially or fully to renewable energy. You may 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. You might qualify for any of the following types of solar incentives:

  • Tax Credits: Tax credits lower, dollar-for-dollar, the total amount of tax you owe the federal government. These are different from tax deductions.
  • Rebates: Some solar companies will help you claim a rebate, or partial refund after purchase, for your solar system. Counties or states will also sometimes offer limited-time rebates. The value of a rebate will usually come off the total price before tax credits are calculated.
  • Net Metering: You may be able to sign a net metering contract with your Elko utility company. This agreement may apply to all or a percentage of the excess electricity that is generated by your solar panels. They will then deduct this value from your monthly utility bill.
  • Tax Exemptions: These could come in the form of property tax exemptions, which let you exclude the value of your solar system when calculating the taxes you pay on your house. You may also qualify for an exemption on sales tax at the time of purchase.
Advertisement

Federal Solar Incentives

When you hear the term "solar incentives," federal incentives are likely the first thing that comes to mind. You may have heard of the Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC. This is a tax credit that reduces your taxes by a specified percentage of the money you spend installing solar panels.

The ITC can be applied to solar systems installed after January 1, 2006, on a primary or secondary residence in the United States that you own. The credit initially covered 30% of the total cost – for panels, labor, equipment and accessories – although the percentage may range from 26-30%, depending on when your solar project was undertaken. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.

To more fully understand how the ITC could apply to your situation, speak to your local Elko solar panel installation expert and ask for more information.

The Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, made some changes to the ITC (as well as retitling it the Clean Energy Credit). Homeowners can now receive a credit equal to 30% of the total solar system installation costs for projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed before the end of 2032. The percentage will then decrease yearly until the Clean Energy Credit ends in 2035. The expansion also makes claiming credit for energy storage systems easier than ever before, starting in 2023.

More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The easiest way to fully understand how the new Clean Energy Credit applies to you is to talk with your local Elko solar panel company.

State & Local Solar Incentives

Not all solar incentives are federal; rebates, tax credits and more might also be offered at the state and local level. Some incentives are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time. They may be offered by the Nevada government, or by your county or municipality.

Next Steps for Installing Solar in Elko

Solar incentives can be offered by your local utility company, the Nevada government or the federal government. The large number of incentives available has facilitated the nationwide growth of solar energy use in the last 15 years. Contact your local solar panel installation expert today to find out more information and to save the most money possible on solar panels for your Elko home.

EcoWatch's Elko, NV Solar Incentives FAQs

How much can I save on my electric bill annually if I add solar panels to my house in Elko?

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

What are the top solar panel installation companies near me?

To learn about the best solar panel installation companies near you, read our article on Elko's top solar panel companies.

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

You can decrease your carbon footprint by 300 pounds of CO2 a year by installing solar panels. This adds up to roughly 6,000 pounds over 20 years. Solar is also a renewable energy source, meaning that making the switch reduces the drain on our planet's resources.

How long until the federal solar tax credit ends?

The Clean Energy Credit (previously referred to as the federal solar tax credit, or ITC), is slated to end on January 1, 2035. Currently set at 30%, the credit will drop to 26% in 2033 and to 22% in 2034.

If I change out my appliances for ones that can utilize solar energy, are there any benefits I can claim?

With the passage of the new Inflation Reduction Act, there are a number of new financial incentives that are available when you make eco-friendly improvements to your home. More details about these incentives, including information about incentives for purchasing new appliances, can be found 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.

Follow us