Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fernley, NV (Mar 2023)
- Fernley Solar Installation Cost: $10,743
- 25-Year Savings: $19,251
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fernley
We go over average solar pricing in Fernley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fernley, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.52 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fernley is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,743 for a solar installation, or $15,362 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fernley homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Fernley can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Fernley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fernley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,543 |
| 3 years | $-7,144 |
| 5 years | $-4,744 |
| 7 years | $-2,345 |
| 9 years | $55 |
| 11 years | $2,454 |
| 13 years | $4,854 |
| 15 years | $7,253 |
| 17 years | $9,653 |
| 19 years | $12,052 |
| 21 years | $14,452 |
| 23 years | $16,851 |
| 25 years | $19,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Fernley
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Fernley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fernley
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Fernley: 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 installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,520 per kilowatt in Fernley. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fernley average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Fernley homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fernley homeowners, they can also increase 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 company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fernley, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.62 | $11,007 | $18,528 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.57 | $14,394 | $24,986 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.52 | $17,640 | $31,586 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.47 | $20,745 | $38,326 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.42 | $23,708 | $45,208 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.37 | $26,531 | $52,231 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.32 | $29,212 | $59,395 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.27 | $31,752 | $66,700 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Fernley, NV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fernley?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,600 for a 5-kW system and $25,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fernley?
Solar panels aren't free in Fernley, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.