Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardnerville, NV (Mar 2023)
- Gardnerville Solar Installation Cost: $10,707
- 25-Year Savings: $19,286
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardnerville
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Gardnerville.
The average cost of solar panels in Gardnerville is 2.52 per watt. The average Gardnerville homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,707 with the federal tax credit, or $15,311 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gardnerville homeowner. 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. Even with the large initial cost, the average Gardnerville homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Gardnerville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gardnerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,508 |
| 3 years | $-7,108 |
| 5 years | $-4,709 |
| 7 years | $-2,309 |
| 9 years | $90 |
| 11 years | $2,490 |
| 13 years | $4,889 |
| 15 years | $7,289 |
| 17 years | $9,688 |
| 19 years | $12,088 |
| 21 years | $14,487 |
| 23 years | $16,887 |
| 25 years | $19,286 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardnerville
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Gardnerville, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Gardnerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardnerville
The cost of installing a solar system in Gardnerville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Gardnerville, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,520 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Gardnerville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Gardnerville provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Gardnerville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $18,631 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.57 | $14,394 | $25,123 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.52 | $17,640 | $31,756 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.47 | $20,745 | $38,531 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.42 | $23,708 | $45,447 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.37 | $26,531 | $52,504 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.32 | $29,212 | $59,702 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.27 | $31,752 | $67,041 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
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 Gardnerville, NV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gardnerville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gardnerville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gardnerville?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Gardnerville?
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 amount 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.