Cost of Solar Panels in Nevada (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Nevada?

With professional installation, a typical 6-kilowatt residential solar panel system in Nevada costs $13,090 before considering any financial incentives. The size of your system is a big factor in your total solar costs. On the high end, we’ve talked to solar customers in the Las Vegas area who paid $42,000 to $50,000 for a system.

The average Nevada household needs a system with 7.2 kW to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system. Please note, the table below does not include the cost of a solar storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Nevada

Are solar panels worth it in Nevada?

We’ve talked to hundreds of people who have already gone solar in Nevada. The consensus: Solar is generally worth it if you like the idea of lowering your monthly utility bills, helping the environment and gaining more energy independence. Take Melissa in North Las Vegas, for example.

She told us she likes knowing what her electric bill will be each month, plus “the feeling of doing my part to help the environment by investing into cleaner energy sources.” For others, it’s more about reducing their reliance on local power companies.

Why solar makes financial sense in Nevada

Residential electricity rates in Nevada are close to the national average, but households here typically use more energy than in other states, especially during hot summers. That means higher utility bills overall, which gives solar panels more room to generate long-term savings. Nevada homeowners who go solar save an average of $51,532 in utility costs over 25 years.

Understanding payback periods and savings

It’s a common misconception that solar panels completely eliminate your monthly power bill — this is not always the case. Still, you’ll likely pay much less than you would for traditional utility bills.

Ann in Pahrump, for example, saw her monthly bill drop from $300 to $100. William in Las Vegas told us, “My bill is only 10 to 15 bucks, and I'm gladly taking that.”

Not everyone says they’re saving enough to justify the investment, though. “I paid $20,000 and it's not worth it to install solar panels when they're gonna save me $30 a month,” Manuel in West Wendover told us. “And it’s going to be another $20,000 for the batteries.”

Financing options

If you finance, it’s worth it as long as your loan payment is less than what you would pay for traditional utilities. For Ronald in Las Vegas, the long-term cost benefit makes solar worth it in Nevada. “The amount I'm paying now will stay the same over the next 20 years,” he said. “If I was continuing with the energy company, it would continue to be more expensive over time.”

Investing in solar protects you against future electricity rate increases and contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Nevada

Equipment — solar panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall total costs (approximately 25% to 50%). Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30%. Permits and other soft costs generally make up the rest of the total price tag.

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Nevada, the average cost per watt is $2.18 (one of the cheapest in the United States).

Solar equipment costs

Systems contain solar panels, mounting equipment, wiring and other equipment, such as inverters ($1,000 to $3,000), solar batteries ($7,000 to $18,000), and solar monitoring systems ($80 to $400).

Like most things, high-quality panels come with a more expensive price tag, but they often pay off in the long run with better performance and durability. The more efficient your solar panels are, the more electricity they produce and the less space they take up on your roof.

Size of your system

The cost difference between a 5-kilowatt system and a 10-kilowatt system is thousands of dollars. You can easily determine what size system you need for your home. First, find out the amount of electricity you used last year in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You can find this information through your electric account dashboard online. Then divide your annual kWh by 1,200 to calculate the system size. For example, if your home used 20,000 kWh last year, you would need approximately a 16.7-kW system.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? Kilowatt vs. kilowatt-hour

Condition of your roof

Your roof's condition is important, so make sure to get an inspection. Quality solar panels can last 25 to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. If not, you'll end up paying extra to remove the panels, fix the roof and reinstall everything. That’s why it’s smart to fix or replace your roof before going solar.

Other cost factors

• Upfront costs: Good solar installation companies will make sure your system is set up for optimal performance, but this expertise comes at a price. You also might have to pay an upfront deposit. For instance, Dan in Reno had to pay $1,000 just to get started.
• Pigeon barriers: Multiple Nevada residents have told us about problems with pigeons roosting in their panels and causing damage. Blake in Las Vegas paid $800 for someone to clean the panels and set up a barrier. Rick in Henderson was quoted $1,500 to install critter guards on solar panels.
• Local permits: Local permits and fees should be considered, especially if you're installing a larger system that might require additional permits or inspections. The permitting process depends on your city. For example, Boulder City is different from Las Vegas.
• Ongoing costs: Solar panels require minimal maintenance, but there’s still an associated cost there. Think about potential repairs and cleaning your panels periodically, too. These all add to the lifetime cost of your solar panel system.

How can I pay for solar panels in Nevada?

You have options when it comes to paying for your solar system. You can pay cash upfront, take out a solar loan, lease your system or get a power purchase agreement (PPA). With leasing or a PPA, you get the benefits of solar, but you don’t own the system. Each option has pros and cons, and your choice affects your overall cost to go solar.

Solar loans

A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan — there’s an application and approval process, and you pay it back over time (with interest) each month. In an ideal financing scenario, your system generates enough extra power to pay off the loan. Solar loan interest rates are relatively low, and terms typically last eight to 20 years.

Solar leases and power purchase agreements

Leasing solar panels is a great way to set up a solar system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same tax incentives.

A solar power purchase agreement (PPA) is similar to leasing. A solar developer buys, installs and maintains solar panels on your property. You buy the power generated by the system on a per kilowatt-hour (kWh) basis. The cents/kWh is usually cheaper than the utility’s rate for the same amount of electricity.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Nevada

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the best financial incentive for a lot of homeowners going solar. For now. It’s set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled.

The credit was expected to drop gradually, but the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed in July of 2025, leaves until Dec. 31, 2025, for people to get a system that qualifies for the 30% credit.

On the bright side, residents can take advantage of local solar incentives in Nevada, like portfolio energy credits and a property tax abatement. There’s also statewide net metering, which compensates eligible residents at 75% of the retail rate for electricity they send to their local power grid.

Compare solar installation companies in Nevada

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Nevada.

Bottom line

Nevada's climate makes it a great location for going solar. The main drawback is the high cost of purchasing and installing the panels and equipment. Many residents we've talked to say the long-term savings outweigh the upfront expense.

The total cost of a residential solar PV system includes hardware costs (panels, inverters, racking, etc.) and soft costs (installation labor, permitting, marketing/sales, overhead). How much you actually pay depends on the size of your system, what incentives you’re eligible for and other factors.

Solar panel costs: Nevada vs. nearby states