Best Solar Companies in Nevada

We compared 4 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Project Solar
      4.7(78)
    • Blue Raven Solar
      4.6(264)
    • Sunrun
      4.1(3,093)
    Author picture
    Written by Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Nevada

    If you’re ready to go solar in Nevada but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. ConsumerAffairs is here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

    Our research team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our recommendations or evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read our full methodology for all the details on how we make recommendations.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
    • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
    • 4,610,071 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

    The 4 best solar companies, reviewed

    1. Project Solar: Transparent pricing
    2. Blue Raven Solar: Flexible payments
    3. Sunrun: Great leasing option
    4. Elevation: Useful monitoring app
    Project Solar
    Max. panel efficiency
    20.9%
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Warranty
    25 years
    Year founded
    2016

    Project Solar appeals to budget-conscious homeowners who want a less sales-heavy approach. Its salespeople don’t work on commissions. Instead, they can focus on a simple, streamlined customer experience. The company’s solar systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Q-Cell, Jinko and Enphase.

    We also appreciate the price transparency. As of publishing, full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt. Anything over 13 kilowatts is flat rate.

    “The quality of the product from Project Solar is great,” William in Mesquite told us. Others like that there are no high-pressure sales tactics, but there is helpful customer service and affordable prices.

    Dion in North Las Vegas appreciated that Project Solar allowed him to do the installation himself while they handled the paperwork, giving him more control. He also said he paid around $14,000 for over a 10-kW system after tax credits, which he said was a great price.

    Customers in other states have told us about installation delays and inconsistent communication. The focus on streamlining might mean fewer customization options or handling complex roof situations. There might also be some room for improvement when it comes to quality control.

    Project Solar specializes in residential solar panel installations. It operates in multiple states across the U.S. As part of the full-service installation, it offers Enphase IQ 5P batteries or Tesla Powerwall. DIY projects only have the Enphase IQ 5P option. The website provides clear information on pricing models and potential savings.

    • System design
    • Equipment procurement
    • Pro and DIY installations
    • Financing solutions

    Project Solar provides two main warranties: a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. The manufacturer's warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship of the solar panels, inverters and other equipment. The workmanship warranty covers installation issues (like faulty wiring or improper mounting) if you get full-service installation. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.

    It also has an 84% production level guarantee for 25 years, and will provide reimbursements if production levels are not met during this time.

    For DIY projects, customers can pay cash or finance through a third party. They can also pay with a home equity loan or line of credit. Project Solar partners with solar loan lenders to offer two financing options for professional installation:

    • Option A: Loans have higher interest rates but shorter terms. Option A is best if you can pay the loan off quickly, which saves on interest in the long run.
    • Option B: Loans have lower interest rates with longer terms. Option B is ideal for homeowners who want predictable monthly expenses and plan to stay in their current house for at least 20 more years.

    Pros

    • Potential cost savings
    • Transparent pricing
    • Roof-leak warranty
    • Transparent pricing
    • No prepayment penalties

    Cons

    • Less equipment options
    • Subcontracted installers
    2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
    Blue Raven Solar
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease, PPA
    Warranty
    25 years
    Year founded
    2014

    Blue Raven Solar is a smaller company with excellent reviews and transparent pricing. It takes a technology-focused approach tailored to the Nevada climate. We like that its solar advisors use proprietary software to design custom systems that maximize annual energy output.

    Installers employ low-profile panel mounting and sleek cabling for visual appeal. Blue Raven also stands out for affordable financing programs that can minimize out-of-pocket costs.

    Happy customers in the Reno area tell us about helpful sales reps and trusty installation crews. William in Reno said his installation was even completed a bit early. “The crew was very nice and competent. They explained what they were doing and worked very efficiently. They completely explained all of the next steps, including the City of Reno building department inspections,” he said.

    Ed in Reno particularly liked that they were punctual and hardworking. “The crew did a fantastic job,” Ed told us. “And all had good sense of humor. And Jack even liked them all. (He is our chocolate lab of 11 years old.)”

    Some Blue Raven Solar customers have issues getting help with problems after their solar energy system is installed. You also might not find as wide of a range of brand partners as with some of our other top picks.

    Blue Raven Solar offers homeowners a simple and affordable way to go solar. It has zero-down financing with fixed interest rates and predictable payments. All systems come with a 25-year panel guarantee and a two-year production guarantee. Its solar services are currently available in 21 states.

    • Consulting and design
    • Professional installations
    • Financing solutions
    • System monitoring

    Blue Raven Solar solar panel installations come with a standard 25-year manufacturer and 10-year workmanship warranty plus a roof penetration warranty. Power production is guaranteed for two years. Within that time, Blue Raven will reimburse you for the amount of lost energy.

    Storage battery warranties vary by manufacturer. The company offers the FranklinWH aPower Battery (12-year warranty), SunPower SunVault (10-year warranty), Enphase IQ Battery 5P (15-year warranty) and Tesla Powerwall 2 (10-year warranty).

    You can pay upfront and get immediate ownership of the solar panel system. Blue Raven also has some unique in-house payment options:

    • BluePower: This fixed monthly payment option lets you go solar without a significant upfront cost. There’s no prepayment penalty, and the plan is transferable to a new homeowner if you ever sell your house.
    • BluePower Plus+: Eligible customers can pay $0 upfront, get 18 months of free solar power and make fixed monthly payments after that. You own the system and are responsible for maintenance.

    Pros

    • Sleek, durable systems
    • Zero-down financing
    • Fixed interest rates and payments
    • Production guarantee
    • Referral cash bonus

    Cons

    • Some installation delays
    • Some complaints about miscommunication
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best for Installation
    Solar leases
    Sunrun
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Payment options
    Cash, loan, lease
    Warranty
    25 years
    Year founded
    2007

    Sunrun is a leading full-service installer with battery storage options. It offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout Nevada. Reps start by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs. Then they use a specialized computer tool to create the optimal solar system design for your roof.

    We really like that Sunrun’s solar lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Sunrun also stands out by offering roof leak warranties.

    “Sunrun is excellent and I loved every minute of working with them,” Carey in Las Vegas told us. “When they came over to install the system, they got right to work and took care of everything. It was turnkey.” After installation, Carey said, “I noticed savings right off the get-go. As long as I live here, my bill is gonna be $13.34.”

    Others agree the installation process was smooth and the representatives were helpful.

    “Setting up was fairly painless,” Calvin in Las Vegas said. “They reviewed my electrical cost for the last year and then asked if I intended to add anything about the build. We went over that, and everything else was pretty much a DocuSign. I really liked that they have the app that allows you to monitor the amount of electricity that you're generating.”

    Sunrun customers are generally satisfied, but some Nevada residents have issues getting promised rebates and incentives. For example, Steven in Las Vegas said he got less than half the promotional Costco cards he expected. More recently, Mark in Las Vegas told us it's hard to get in touch with customer service if there's a problem after the installation is complete.

    Sunrun is a leading residential solar, battery storage and energy services provider in the United States. The company makes clean energy adoption accessible to homeowners through flexible purchase, leasing and payment plans without large upfront costs. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with both Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.

    • Accessible financing
    • Battery storage solutions
    • Monitoring and maintenance
    • EV charging solutions

    Sunrun has warranty coverage, system maintenance and a performance guarantee. The warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs. It also has a 95% system performance guarantee.

    You can also pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun’s leasing plans are what really sets it apart from other solar options in Nevada: 

    • Monthly plan: You can lease Sunrun panels for $0 or little down. Then, you pay a fixed monthly payment for the term of your leasing contract, typically 25 years.
    • Full amount lease: You can prepay for up to 25 years of solar energy.

    Pros

    • Long time in business
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring

    Cons

    • Some communication issues
    • Limited price transparency
    All-in-one energy solutions
    Elevation
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Warranty
    10 to 25 years
    Year founded
    2014

    Elevation is a regionally based company known for custom solar solutions and quality workmanship. We like that Elevation's in-house team completes the installation and provides ongoing support if you run into any issues. So far, it has helped more than 2,400 Nevada homeowners change how they use energy in their homes.

    Installers specialize in low-profile panels and solar panel roofing tiles. The company also emphasizes pairing solar installations with energy efficiency upgrades to maximize savings and energy optimization.

    You can monitor your energy usage with the Curb monitoring app. Curb connects to your home's electrical system to give you real-time data about your system. The app lets you remotely turn your smart devices on and off to stop waste and maximize efficiency.

    “Elevation had the best price and they got back to me in a good amount of time,” one customer, Patricia in Las Vegas, told us. “Everyone was really right on top of things. I would send an email and I would get an email back. Working with the people there was really easy, and they answered all my questions,” she said.

    Others in Nevada appreciate the company’s competitive pricing, low interest rates for financing and straightforward communication. The installation process is described as simple and fast, with minimal disruption.

    Mildred in Las Vegas liked that “Elevation did the job on time, no surprises” and that “the workers were polite, cleaned up and careful of our property.” Mildred has had solar power for about two years, and her electricity bill is down 85%.

    Even though Robert in Las Vegas said the system works great and he’s saving lots of money, he had issues with the installation timeline. Another customer, Blake in Las Vegas, said the installation crew did a “very good job,” but he recommends others shop around for a better deal. “In hindsight, I think I overpaid and it really bothers me,” Blake told us. “I paid $32,000 for the complete installed with 23 panels.”

    Elevation specializes in the design, procurement and installation of rooftop solar panel systems for residential customers. The company’s systems incorporate high-quality solar panels and either Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell batteries. Services to reduce your home's overall energy consumption, like air sealing, insulation and duct sealing, are also available.

    • Battery storage options
    • Energy efficiency upgrades
    • Smart home energy solutions
    • Energy monitoring services

    Elevation has a lifetime workmanship warranty on solar systems and a 10-year workmanship warranty for roof penetrations. Solar equipment comes with individual manufacturers' warranties for panels and batteries.

    Its product warranties go beyond the industry standard. This includes Solar Insure Component Monitoring and Warranty, which covers defects to the system, roof penetration within three inches of the solar roof attachment and related labor costs.

    You can pay cash or finance. Elevation’s solar loans let you make fixed monthly payments over a period of time. Specific terms and conditions vary by individual contract.

    Pros

    • Free consultation
    • Several trusted brand names
    • Good warranty program

    Cons

    • Some communication issues
    • Limited price transparency

    Solar Companies in Nevada Buyers guide

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      Nevada solar panel buyers guide

      Our team has talked to thousands of solar customers across the country — here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in Nevada.

      Key insights

      • In Nevada, a typical 6-kilowatt residential solar panel system is $13,200 before any financial incentives. That price drops to $9,240 after the full federal solar investment tax credit.
      • The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for buying solar panels in Nevada. You can also lease a system with little upfront cost, but you aren't eligible for the ITC.
      • Many solar customers are happy with the service, installation and cost savings. Others felt misled by pushy sales tactics and ended up with monthly bills higher than expected. The state is taking steps to protect solar customers against unscrupulous sales pitches in the residential rooftop solar industry.

      Going solar in Nevada

      Solar installations are typically grid-connected systems, and NV Energy has to do an inspection. A resident in North Las Vegas told us this takes 20 to 30 days. Another in Winnemucca said it took months for NV Energy to approve an application before connecting the system. The actual solar panel installation labor usually takes less than a week.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Nevada ranks 2nd

      What to look for in a solar company in Nevada

      Solar panels last a long time — you want to hire a well-established company that will still be around for system support for at least 25 years. In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common:

      • A good reputation: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags: Recurring complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Local experience: Companies with extensive experience installing solar panels in Nevada are better at navigating regional incentive programs, permit processes, utility policies and designing systems to maximize energy production given Nevada’s weather patterns.
      • Free consultation: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Complete services: The best solar companies provide end-to-end services, from system design and engineering to permitting, installation, inspection, monitoring and maintenance. Also consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guard.
      • Transparent terms: The contract should be easy to understand. If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification. Warranties and productivity guarantees provide peace of mind once your system is up and running.
      • Industry credentials: Legitimate solar companies have proper licensing, insurance and NABCEP certification for installers. Bonding is also important as it protects you if the contractor fails to meet certain financial obligations, like paying for permits or subcontractors.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      Best solar companies by city

      How much does it cost to go solar in Nevada?

      Nevada solar panel costs typically range between $7,700 to $22,000. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets. 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.

      A typical Nevada household needs a system with a capacity of 9.44 kW to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

      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 $2.20, which is one of the cheapest in the United States.

      Average solar panel cost by system size in Nevada

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. If you have enough savings to pay upfront, the biggest advantage of paying upfront is you don’t have to worry about interest.

      Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option to people like Charles in Pahrump, who didn’t want to borrow $40,000 or $50,000 to go solar, or the responsibility of maintaining it. “If a panel goes out, they know exactly which one and they come out and replace it or fix it,” Charles told us.

      Solar panels are designed to last 25-30 years.

      Nevada also has legalized power purchase agreements (unlike many other states). PPAs work very similarly to leases. The biggest downside to both is that you’ll be disqualified from many of the best financial incentives, like the 30% federal solar tax credit. It also might make your house harder to sell, since a new buyer will have to take over the lease agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in Nevada

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is the biggest factor in reducing the cost of going solar in Nevada. The ITC gives you a federal income tax credit worth 30% of the system’s total cost — including equipment, labor and permits.

      Don’t get confused: The ITC is not a rebate or a refund. It is a credit that goes toward what you owe on federal income taxes. It can only offset the taxes you owe. No one is going to automatically mail you a check for 30% of what your system costs immediately after you purchase it.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then to 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, then the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes for the year your system becomes operational, then the credit reduces what you owe to $12,000. It only offsets your tax liability; you can't take advantage of the ITC if you don’t owe taxes in the first place.

      Residents may take advantage of more solar incentives in Nevada, like the Nevada Energy Portfolio Standard’s energy credit trading program. This lets people with solar panels and other renewable energy systems earn credits, which can be sold to utility companies. 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.

      Are solar panels worth it in Nevada?

      Nevada averages 6 to 7.5 peak sun hours daily (Arizona is the only state that gets more). This is bad for traditional electricity costs but good for solar panel production.

      For a lot of homeowners, solar panels are worth it for the long-term savings on energy bills. One solar reviewer, Dorothy in North Las Vegas, told us, “I hear a lot of people complain about their electric bill, and I'm very thankful I don't have to worry about it.” She’s on a fixed income, so it’s nice having more predictable payments each month.

      But not everyone thinks the investment makes sense from a purely financial perspective. For instance, Manuel in West Wendover said his savings don’t justify his costs: “I paid $20,000, and it's not worth it to install solar panels when they're gonna save me $30 a month,” he told us. “And it’s going to be another $20,000 for the batteries.”

      On the other hand, William in Las Vegas and Ann in Pahrump both told us they are saving around $200 each month.

      I hear a lot of people complain about their electric bill, and I'm very thankful I don't have to worry about it.”
      — Dorothy in North Las Vegas

      Your current electric bill is the starting point for assessing the financial benefits of transitioning to solar energy. Getting a loan to pay for solar panel installation makes sense as long as your loan payment is cheaper than what you’d be paying for electricity anyway. Then, once the loan is paid off, you essentially get “free” electricity.

      The general consensus is solar panels make sense in Nevada. Homeowners can avoid $41,459 in total utility costs over 25 years. 

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      The condition of your roof matters too — if it needs replacement soon, do that before going solar. 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.

      NREL’s PVWatts Calculator estimates how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. You can also use Project Sunroof, a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      No. Homeowners associations (HOAs) in Nevada are not permitted to unduly restrict solar panels. There might be some hoops to jump through, though. “As far as the process for getting the solar panels, I was pretty annoyed with the paperwork I had to do with the HOA, but it was all worth it in the end,” William in Las Vegas told us.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels on my house?

      Yes. You will need to get permits from the municipality where you are installing — Boulder City has a different process from Las Vegas. You also need to coordinate with the utility company if you are installing a grid-tied system.

      Do I really need a solar battery?

      A solar battery system protects against fluctuating energy costs and policy changes while maximizing the benefits of your solar panels. As regulations change, batteries can insulate you from unfavorable policies and offer opportunities for future financial benefits, like participating in demand response programs or selling stored energy to the local grid. Solar batteries are also a must if you want real energy independence and are essential if you go off-grid.

      Is it cheaper if I install solar panels myself?

      It’s potentially cheaper to install solar panels yourself. It’s also tricky and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, especially for a large residential project.

      » DIY solar panels: Pros and cons

      What is the difference between a solar installer and a solar broker?

      A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it's best to work directly with a solar installer.

      • Broker: A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. It typically has relationships with various installers and can help you compare options. Often, people selling solar panels door-to-door work for solar brokers.
      • Installer: A solar installer specializes in the design, procurement and installation of solar panels and related components. It typically has its own team of trained technicians who handle the installation process.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners' needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with a list of popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Nevada. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with the most positive recent ratings left by local reviewers on our site were given preference.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its product and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranties terms. All of our top picks have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Financing and payment options: 10%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Overall reputation: 10%

      We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

      To recap, our top picks for the best solar companies in Nevada are:


      Guide 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:

      1. DSIRE, "Nevada Programs." Accessed March 2, 2024.
      2. DSIRE, “Nevada Portfolio Energy Credits.” Accessed March 3, 2024.
      3. City of Boulder City, “Residential and Small Commercial Photovoltaic Permit Process.” Accessed March 8, 2024.
      4. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in Nevada.” Accessed March 2, 2024.
      5. Nevada Lawyer, “Changes to Nevada’s Residential Rooftop Solar Law Aims to Protect Consumers.” Accessed March 8, 2024.
      6. Nevada Tracks Renewable Energy Credits, “Summary of the Nevada Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.” Accessed March 8, 2024.
      7. Solar Energy Industries Association, "Nevada Solar." Accessed March 2, 2024.
      8. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in Nevada, 2024?” Accessed March 2, 2024.

      Not sure how to choose?

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