Solar Panel Cost Guide in Reno, TX (2023 Update)
- Reno Solar Installation Cost: $14,316
- 25-Year Savings: $22,135
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Reno
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Reno.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Reno, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Reno is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,311 for a solar installation, or $20,465 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Reno can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Reno, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Reno
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,023 |
| 3 years | $-10,437 |
| 5 years | $-7,851 |
| 7 years | $-5,265 |
| 9 years | $-2,679 |
| 11 years | $-93 |
| 13 years | $2,492 |
| 15 years | $5,078 |
| 17 years | $7,664 |
| 19 years | $10,250 |
| 21 years | $12,836 |
| 23 years | $15,422 |
| 25 years | $18,008 |
Top Solar Installers in Reno
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Reno
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Reno
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Reno: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Reno, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Reno homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Reno, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,017 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $22,991 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,115 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,390 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $41,815 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,391 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,118 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $61,996 | 8.8 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. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Reno, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Reno?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Reno?
You can't get solar panels for free in Reno. However, you may still be able to install 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Reno, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.