Solar Panel Cost Guide in Reno, KS (2023 Update)
- Reno Solar Installation Cost: $13,289
- 25-Year Savings: $30,861
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Reno
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Reno.
In Reno, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average Reno homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,289 with the federal tax credit, or $19,003 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Reno can save about $23,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Reno
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,523 |
| 3 years | $-7,991 |
| 5 years | $-4,459 |
| 7 years | $-927 |
| 9 years | $2,605 |
| 11 years | $6,137 |
| 13 years | $9,669 |
| 15 years | $13,201 |
| 17 years | $16,733 |
| 19 years | $20,265 |
| 21 years | $23,797 |
| 23 years | $27,329 |
| 25 years | $30,861 |
Top Solar Installers in Reno
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Reno
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Reno
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Reno: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,590 per kilowatt in Reno. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Reno have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Reno, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $24,834 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $33,402 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $42,116 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $50,974 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $59,977 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $69,125 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $78,419 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $87,857 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Reno, 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:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Reno, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Reno?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Reno?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Reno?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.