Nevada solar incentives, tax credits & rebates
Financial resources for going solar in 2023
After the full federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), the average system is $17,640 in Nevada, which is a little more expensive than average. The national average is $16,715.
Nevada has relatively few solar incentives. Aside from net metering, Nevada doesn’t have many statewide incentives for residential solar panels. NV Energy does offer a rebate on new solar water heaters, solar space heating and solar pool heating systems. Homeowners can receive 50% of a new system installation, up to $3,000.
Key insights
- The average federal solar investment tax credit value is $7,560 in Nevada.
- You also can take advantage of solar rebates on eligible equipment.
- Nevada residents who go solar receive an estimated average net savings of $18,319 over 25 years.
Solar incentives in Nevada
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the biggest factor in reducing the cost of going solar in Nevada. If you install a residential solar panel system by the end of 2032, you will receive a federal income tax credit equal to 30% of the system's total cost, including equipment, labor and permits.
The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034.
For example, the average system in Nevada costs $25,200. With the ITC, you can get a $7,560 federal income tax credit when you file your taxes. To get the ITC, you must claim it when you file federal taxes in the same year your solar panel system becomes operational. To do this, you have to complete Form 5695.
The federal solar ITC is a nonrefundable credit. If your credit is more than your tax liability, you aren’t issued a refund for what’s left. Instead, it rolls over into the next tax year.
What to know about net metering in Nevada
When your solar system makes more energy than you can use and you don’t store it in a battery, it's sent to the power grid. The power company then compensates you for the energy. This is called net metering.
Nevada power companies are required to purchase a portion of their energy from customers with solar panels. The payment comes in the form of credits on your electric bill. To qualify for net metering in Nevada, your system must be 25 kilowatts (kW) or less.
» GREENEST STATES: Nevada ranks No. 17
Solar resources in Nevada
Below are some additional resources to guide you through transitioning to solar in Nevada.
- Net Metering in Nevada
- U.S. Energy Information Administration Nevada state profile
- Center for Biological Diversity renewable energy projects in Nevada
» GUIDE: Solar panel installation
Find solar companies in Nevada
Compare popular solar companies available in Nevada below. Read our guide to the best solar companies for more.
| SunPower | Elevation | Tesla Energy | Palmetto Solar | Sunrun | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary |  | SunPower | Read reviews | Customer Rating 4.3 | Free quote | Payment options
Cash, loan, lease
| Warranty
25 years
|
| Primary |  | Elevation | Read reviews | Customer Rating 3.0 | Free quote | Payment options
Cash, loan
| Warranty
10 to 25 years
|
| Primary |  | Tesla Energy | Read reviews | Customer Rating 2.2 | Free quote | Payment options
Cash, lease, loan
| Warranty
25 years (system)
|
| Primary |  | Palmetto Solar | Read reviews | Customer Rating 3.7 | Free quote | Payment options
Cash, lease, loan or PPA
| Warranty
25 years (product and performance)
|
| Primary |  | Sunrun | Read reviews | Customer Rating 4.1 | Free quote | Payment options
Cash, loan, lease, PPA
| Warranty
25 years
|
FAQ
Can I get solar panels for free in Nevada?
There are no programs for free solar in Nevada. You can lease or enter a PPA with little to no upfront costs, though.
» FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?
How much can I save with solar panels in Nevada?
In Nevada, the average savings is $18,319 over 25 years. Even if you don’t generate 100% of your energy needs, you can still save a lot of money versus paying traditional utility bills.
Are there any commercial solar incentives in Nevada?
Yes, there are commercial tax incentives, green building incentives, rebate programs and loans.
» MORE: Commercial solar panels
What are portfolio energy credits?
Nevada's Energy Portfolio Standard requires NV Energy to use renewable energy sources or energy efficiency to meet a minimum percentage of the electricity it sells. It has a credit trading system called Portfolio Energy Credits (PCs).
To participate, renewable energy system owners need to register their systems with the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada. The value of a PC depends on the market. Systems installed through NV Energy's rebate program don't keep the PCs, but others can unless agreed otherwise in writing with the utility.
Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels in Nevada?
According to Nevada law, HOAs cannot prevent you from installing 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. If you’re one of those people, 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
Bottom line: How much are solar panels in Nevada?
In Nevada, you’ll typically pay around $25,200 for solar panels, though the federal solar investment tax credit can drop the price substantially. Though this is more expensive than in other states, over 25 years you could save around $18,319.
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
| Upfront cost* | ITC value (30%) | Typical system size | Average cost per watt | Payback period** | Estimated net savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | $25,200 | $7,560 | 10 kW | $2.52 | 12 years | $18,319 |
| Utah | $21,440 | $6,432 | 8 kW | $2.68 | 14 years | $10,202 |
| California | $16,380 | $4,914 | 4.5 kW | $2.73 | 8 years | $30,000 |
| Arizona | $30,015 | $9,004 | 11.5 kW | $2.61 | 12 years | $23,891 |
| Oregon | $24,700 | $7,410 | 9.5 kW | $2.60 | 14 years | $23,058 |
| Idaho | $26,000 | $7,800 | 10 kW | $2.60 | 14 years | $11,478 |
Article sources
- DSIRE, “Nevada Programs.” Accessed Oct. 11, 2023.
- EcoWatch, “Solar Panel Cost in Nevada.” Accessed Oct. 11, 2023.
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, “Summary of Inflation Reduction Act provisions related to renewable energy.” Accessed Oct. 11, 2023.
- Solar Energy Industries Association, “Nevada Solar.” Accessed Oct. 11, 2023.
- Nevada Governor's Office of Energy, “Renewable Energy System Determinations.” Accessed Oct. 11, 2023.
- NV Energy. “Solar Thermal Heating.” Accessed Oct. 11, 2023.
- EnergySage, “Nevada solar panels: local pricing and installation data.” Accessed Oct. 11, 2023.
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