Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fernley, NV (2023 Update)

  • Fernley Solar Installation Cost: $10,748
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,246
  • Payback Period: 9.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fernley

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fernley.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fernley, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.52 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fernley, most homeowners require a 6.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,743, or $15,362 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fernley find going solar can be quite rewarding.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fernley

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,648
3 years $-10,448
5 years $-10,248
7 years $-10,048
9 years $-9,848
11 years $-9,648
13 years $-9,448
15 years $-9,248
17 years $-9,048
19 years $-8,848
21 years $-8,648
23 years $-8,449
25 years $-8,249

Top Solar Installers in Fernley

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most 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 right for your home.

Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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

See all of the solar companies in Fernley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fernley

Though the average cost of a solar system in Fernley is $10,743, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,520. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power 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 going solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Fernley, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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

The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

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

EcoWatch's Fernley, NV Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fernley?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Fernley?

You can't get solar panels for free in Fernley. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Does Fernley have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 keep using 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.

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