Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nevada, IA (2023 Update)
- Nevada Solar Installation Cost: $18,576
- 25-Year Savings: $32,271
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nevada
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Nevada.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Nevada it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Nevada is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,576 for a solar installation, or $26,564 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Nevada homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Nevada, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Nevada
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,542 |
| 3 years | $-12,474 |
| 5 years | $-8,406 |
| 7 years | $-4,339 |
| 9 years | $-271 |
| 11 years | $3,797 |
| 13 years | $7,864 |
| 15 years | $11,932 |
| 17 years | $16,000 |
| 19 years | $20,068 |
| 21 years | $24,135 |
| 23 years | $28,203 |
| 25 years | $32,271 |
Top Solar Installers in Nevada
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Nevada
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nevada
While the average cost of a solar system in Nevada is $18,576, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Nevada, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Nevada, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Nevada to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Nevada homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $19,753 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $26,648 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $33,698 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $40,903 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $48,263 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $55,778 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $63,448 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $71,273 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Nevada, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Nevada, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Nevada?
The average cost of solar panels in Nevada is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Nevada is currently $149,300, which means you can expect a value of about $6,121 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Nevada is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Nevada?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.
Company 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.