Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sparks, NV (Aug 2022)
- Sparks Solar Installation Cost: $11,674
- 25-Year Savings: $18,320
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!

Updated 7/19/2022
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sparks
We go over average solar pricing in Sparks.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sparks typically cost about $3. The average solar panel system size in Sparks is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,674 for a solar installation, or $8,639 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Sparks can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Sparks
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-10,474 |
3 years | $-8,074 |
5 years | $-5,675 |
7 years | $-3,275 |
9 years | $-876 |
11 years | $1,523 |
13 years | $3,923 |
15 years | $6,322 |
17 years | $8,722 |
19 years | $11,121 |
21 years | $13,521 |
23 years | $15,920 |
25 years | $18,320 |
Top Solar Installers in Sparks
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Sparks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sparks
For many Sparks homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sparks, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment Size
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size. Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production 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 brand and kind of equipment you get 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 come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Sparks provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Sparks homeowners, they can also raise 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 remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Sparks, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $11,636 | $17,124 | 10.1 years |
8 kW | $2.57 | $15,217 | $23,130 | 9.9 years |
10 kW | $2.52 | $18,648 | $29,286 | 9.7 years |
12 kW | $2.47 | $21,930 | $35,590 | 9.5 years |
14 kW | $2.42 | $25,063 | $42,044 | 9.3 years |
16 kW | $2.37 | $28,047 | $48,647 | 9.1 years |
18 kW | $2.32 | $30,881 | $55,399 | 8.9 years |
20 kW | $2.27 | $33,566 | $62,301 | 8.8 years |
Solar Incentives in Sparks
Name | ITC |
Type | Tax Incentive |
Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
Website | Visit here |
Name | NV Energy - Clean Energy Incentive Program |
Incentive Amount | Solar (As of 9/24/18): Residential/Commercial/Industrial (25 kW or smaller): $0.20 / watt-AC Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity (25 kW or smaller): $0.45 / watt-AC Residential/Commercial/Industrial (greater than 25 kW): $0.0250 / kWh Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity (greater than 25 kW): $0.0550 / kWh Wind (As of 9/24/18): Residential/Commercial/Industrial: $0.40 / watt-AC Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity: $0.80 / watt-AC |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
Name | Portfolio Energy Credits |
Incentive Amount | Varies; higher value for solar PECs than other technologies |
Website | Visit here |
More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 past customers.
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 Sparks, NV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sparks?
The average cost of solar panels in Sparks 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Sparks?
You can't get solar panels for free in Sparks. 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.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $958.67 per year.
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 stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.