Portfolio energy credits in Nevada
Nevada homeowners with eligible solar systems can earn portfolio energy credits, or PECs. Utilities use these credits to meet the state’s requirement to get 50% of electricity from renewable sources by 2030. One PEC generally represents 1 kilowatt-hour of renewable electricity generated.
To participate, you must register your system with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada and use Nevada Tracks Renewable Energy Credits (NVTREC) to track or transfer your credits. Systems that received a rebate through a Nevada renewable energy incentive program generally aren’t eligible because the program retains the associated credits.
What this means for homeowners
PEC trading is separate from net metering and requires additional registration and account management. Selling credits also isn’t automatic. For most homeowners, net metering provides a more direct benefit by applying credits for excess electricity to their utility bills.
Before signing a solar contract, check who will own the PECs generated by your system. Nevada requires solar agreements to disclose who retains these credits.
More solar incentives in Nevada
Southwest Gas has a rebate for solar water heaters, and NV Energy’s Save with PowerShift offers additional financial incentives for residents who invest in energy-saving products.
| Program | Incentive type | Amount | Eligible solar equipment | Eligible sectors | Administrator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program | Rebate Program | Up to $225 | Solar water heat | Residential | Southwest Gas Corporation |
| Solar Thermal Heating Rebate Program | Rebate program | Varies | Solar water heat, space heat, pool heating | Residential | NV Energy |
| Commercial Energy Efficient Equipment Rebate Program | Rebate program | Varies | Solar water heat | Commercial, industrial, local government, nonprofit, schools, state government, federal government | Southwest Gas Corporation |
| Local Option - Special Improvement Districts | PACE Financing | Varies | Solar panels, water heat, space heat, thermal electric, thermal process heat, pool heating | Commercial, industrial | Programs administered locally |
| Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Abatement | Sales Tax Incentive | Lowers sales and use taxes to 2.6% | Solar panels, Thermal Electric, Thermal Process Heat | Commercial, industrial, investor-owned utility, municipal utilities, cooperative utilities, agricultural | Nevada State Office of Energy |
| Large Scale Renewable Energy Property Tax Abatement | Property Tax Incentive | 55% abatement for 20 years. | Solar panels, solar thermal electric, solar thermal process heat | Commercial, industrial, investor-owned utility, municipal utilities, cooperative utilities | Nevada State Office of Energy |
| Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption | Property Tax Incentive | 100% | Solar panels, passive, water heat, space heat, geothermal electric | Commercial, industrial, agricultural | NV Department of Taxation |
What to know about net metering in Nevada
Solar panels sometimes produce more electricity than a home uses. Net metering lets homeowners send that excess power to the grid in exchange for credits on their electric bills.
New Nevada net metering customers with systems of 25 kilowatts or less generally receive credits worth 75% of the applicable retail electricity rate. Larger qualifying systems may be covered by different rates and rules.
Homeowners can also add a battery to store solar energy for use at night or during an outage. Batteries are optional and can be used alongside net metering. A solar storage battery can cost almost as much as the panels — $7,000 to $18,000.
Nationally available solar programs
Even though the 30% residential federal solar tax credit expired at the end of 2025, a few standing federal programs can still make solar and other home energy upgrades more affordable for Nevadans:
- FHA financing: Eligible borrowers may be able to include the cost of qualifying solar panels or other energy improvements in an FHA-insured purchase or refinance mortgage.
- Financing for multifamily properties: Fannie Mae offers certain financing incentives for qualifying apartment buildings and other multifamily properties that invest in solar or energy-efficiency improvements. These programs generally aren’t available to individual homeowners.
How much are solar panels in Nevada?
Solar panel costs in Nevada typically range from $11,707 to $23,414. On the high end, Joshua in North Las Vegas spent $50,000 going solar.
Average solar panel installation cost by system size in Nevada
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | $11,707 | $14,049 | $16,390 | $18,731 | $21,073 | $23,414 |
| Las Vegas | $11,130 | $13,356 | $15,582 | $17,808 | $20,034 | $22,260 |
| Henderson | $11,306 | $13,567 | $15,828 | $18,089 | $20,350 | $22,611 |
Find solar companies in Nevada
A good solar company helps you navigate local incentives, permitting and net metering policies. Compare our choices for the top solar companies in Nevada to learn more.
| Company | Customer rating | Professional installation | Payment options | Warranty | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Project Solar | Learn More | 3.9 |  | Cash, loan | 25 years | 2020 |
 Blue Raven Solar | Learn More | 3.2 | | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | 25 years | 2014 |
 Sunrun | Learn More | 4.3 | | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | 25 years | 2007 |
 Elevation | Learn More | 4.2 | | Not disclosed | 10 to 25 years | 2014 |
FAQ
How much can I save with solar panels in Nevada?
Over 25 years, Nevada homeowners with solar panels avoid $36,225 in utility costs on average. Your current electric bill is the starting point for assessing the financial benefits of transitioning to solar energy. Knowing your average energy consumption helps determine the size and capacity of the solar system you need. Once you know this, you can figure out potential savings and how long it should take for your solar installation to pay for itself.
Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?
No, state solar rights laws say that homeowners associations (HOAs) can’t stop you from getting solar panels on your house.
Will my property taxes go up if I get solar panels?
Solar panels can increase a home’s value, but Nevada law exempts that added value from your property tax bill. Under NRS 701A.200, qualified solar, wind, geothermal and certain other renewable energy systems installed on a home are excluded from the property valuation used to calculate your taxes, so your property taxes shouldn’t rise because of your solar panels.
How can I pay for solar panels?
Paying upfront is the most obvious way to pay for solar panels, but many don’t have that kind of money saved up. Alternatively, you can finance solar panels with a solar loan. It works a lot like any other type of loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest). You could also go with a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA).
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?
For optimal sun exposure, you want a good amount of unshaded roof space that faces south or west. Your roof’s condition matters, too. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup. So, you might consider replacing it before going solar.
It’s also wise to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.
What is LEED?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design is a globally recognized certification program that provides a framework for healthy, efficient, carbon and cost-saving green buildings. LEED certification is a symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.
What has Nevada’s investment in solar been so far?
Total solar investments in the state equal $13.8 billion.
Bottom line
Buying solar panels is a big upfront investment, but Nevada’s portfolio energy credits can help make going solar more affordable. Plus, statewide net metering credits mean that the panels can pay for themselves relatively quickly.
The ConsumerAffairs Research Team conducted an in-depth analysis to determine how much it costs to go solar in Nevada and the average solar costs in other states.
Solar costs: Nevada vs. nearby states
| 6 kW system cost (before incentives) | 10 kW system cost (before incentives) | Typical system size needed* | Average cost per watt | Total utility power cost savings** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $12,823 | $21,372 | 7 kW | $2.14 | $42,844 |
| California | $14,669 | $24,449 | 7.2 kW | $2.44 | $136,109 |
| Idaho | $16,992 | $28,320 | 6.3 kW | $2.83 | $7,664 |
| Nevada | $14,049 | $23,414 | 7.2 kW | $2.34 | $36,225 |
| Oregon | $16,480 | $27,466 | 5.9 kW | $2.75 | $50,441 |
| Utah | $18,120 | $30,200 | 5.8 kW | $3.02 | $31,768 |
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- DSIRE, "Nevada Programs." Accessed July 27, 2026.
- DSIRE, "Nevada Portfolio Energy Credits." Accessed July 27, 2026.
- EnergySage, "The cost of solar panels in Nevada." Accessed July 27, 2026.
- Solar Energy Industries Association, "Nevada Solar." Accessed July 27, 2026.
- State of Nevada Public Utilities Commission, "PEC Trading Program." Accessed July 27, 2026.
- Public Utilities Commission of Nevada, "Net Metering in Nevada." Accessed July 27, 2026.
