Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardnerville, NV (2023 Update)
- Gardnerville Solar Installation Cost: $10,711
- 25-Year Savings: $19,283
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardnerville
We go over average solar pricing in Gardnerville.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gardnerville generally cost around 2.52. 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.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gardnerville homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Gardnerville can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Gardnerville for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Gardnerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,611 |
| 3 years | $-10,411 |
| 5 years | $-10,211 |
| 7 years | $-10,011 |
| 9 years | $-9,811 |
| 11 years | $-9,611 |
| 13 years | $-9,411 |
| 15 years | $-9,211 |
| 17 years | $-9,011 |
| 19 years | $-8,811 |
| 21 years | $-8,611 |
| 23 years | $-8,411 |
| 25 years | $-8,211 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardnerville
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Gardnerville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 $2,520 per kilowatt in Gardnerville. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gardnerville homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Gardnerville, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better 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 | $18,631 | 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 system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gardnerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Gardnerville is about $12,600 for a 5-kW system and $25,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gardnerville?
A solar panel system isn't free in Gardnerville, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 goes down 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.