Aug 14, 2024

Here's what you need to know before putting solar panels on your roof. Palmetto Solar Bilanol/Getty Images Sin City receives around 300 days of sunshine per year. All that sunshine helps create an excellent environment for solar panel efficiency . Nevada itself is mostly desert, and solar systems are common given the climate and geography. In fact, the state has some of the highest solar potential in the nation, according to the US Energy Information Administration . A combination of utility-scale and small-scale solar systems generated 39% of the state's electricity during 2023. And while there are no specific state or city-specific solar tax incentives that residents can take advantage of, local experts say that solar systems can, over time, save homeowners astronomical amounts of money. "If it's done right, priced right, and competitive, solar can be fantastic," Janice Vaughan , owner of Janice Vaughan Solar Consulting, told CNET. "I've never come across a scenario in Las Vegas where there were no savings." Can solar panels save you money? Interested in understanding the impact solar can have on your home? Enter some basic information below, and we’ll instantly provide a free estimate of your energy savings. Best national solar panel companies in Las Vegas Given that Las Vegas is an ideal location for a solar panel system, there are tons of national solar companies with a presence in the area. We've ranked and reviewed some of the best. Here are some of the best national solar panel companies that operate in Las Vegas. Palmetto Solar Solar panels are typically low maintenance equipment, but they're also unfamiliar. If you want to reap the benefits of solar but will have a bit more peace of mind if someone else is making sure it's working, Palmetto might be a good fit for you. Just remember to add the cost of Palmetto's monitoring service in to your payback period calculations. Equipment 9.3 / 10 Also installs batteries: California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Texas Product details Momentum Solar puts Qcells solar panels on roofs in 11 states, and installs Enphase batteries alongside them in five of those. Momentum is one of a few companies that will price match quotes from other companies. It also receives an A-plus from the Better Business Bureau. The company also uses only in-house, Momentum-trained installation teams and backs that work up with a workmanship warranty that lasts 25 years, matching the longest warranty terms in the industry. Show more details Local solar panel installers in Las Vegas You don't need to go through a large solar company to get solar panels on your roof. Sometimes it's better to consider smaller, local companies that know the area a bit better. It's also worth noting that solar panel companies and solar panel installers aren't exactly the same thing -- you might buy your solar equipment from one company but need a local contractor or installer to get everything installed. Here are a couple of highly rated local solar panel installers in Las Vegas. How to determine which solar company is best for you If you're interested in going solar, the first step is making sure you have the right solar installer for the job . However, this can get a little tricky in Las Vegas, as the area is rife with solar scammers and hustlers, Vaughan said. Over the years, it's made potential solar customers in Las Vegas wary of door-knocking salespeople. "There isn't a solar problem, there's a scammer problem," she said. It's best to do some research before making a final decision. Looking at online reviews, getting quotes from multiple solar companies and comparing pricing and consultation notes can go a long way in helping you find the right company. There's a lot to consider, and a lot to be skeptical about, too. Take your time and don't feel like you need to sign a contract with the first solar company you find. A reputable solar company should: Explain the project and work deadlines. Be transparent about pricing and how system financing works. Define technical terms in an easy-to-understand manner. Have an understanding of the local permit requirements and the process for system interconnection with the local electric utility. Have an understanding of any national or local solar financial incentives you might qualify for. Understand any homeowners association restrictions you might run into, and help you navigate the process. Answer all of your questions, even the difficult ones. Cost of solar panels in Las Vegas Naturally, the most pressing concern you might have regarding solar panels is the price tag. It should come as no surprise that going solar can get expensive. The cost of solar panels has decreased significantly over the past decade, but in most cases, you're still likely going to be paying tens of thousands of dollars to get solar on your roof. Because solar panel systems are such a site-dependent purchase, it's difficult to get an accurate estimate on solar costs without an installer visiting your property. There are tons of variables that will ultimately determine the overall price, including the size of the system you need, any tax credits or rebates you may be eligible for and engineering and permitting considerations. Solar panels tend to be a bit cheaper per watt in Nevada, but again, these estimates should be taken with a grain of salt. Here's a look at the average cost of solar panels in Nevada compared to the US average, according to data from FindEnergy. Average cost of solar panels in Las Vegas vs. the US Typical system size (kW) Las Vegas solar panel incentives and rebates Nevada doesn't offer much in the way of financial solar incentives, and there aren't any city-specific solar incentives or rebates offered for Las Vegas residents. However, Nevada does have a state-governed net metering policy, allowing you to sell any excess electricity you generate to the local utility. The amount you'll be compensated depends on your system's excess generation. You can also take advantage of the Federal solar tax credit, which allows you to claim up to 30% of the total cost of your solar panel system on your federal taxes. Las Vegas residential solar incentives Program Installation factors to keep in mind There are several factors that you need to keep in mind before settling on a solar system. Most are out of your control, such as the regional climate, the specifics of your roof and so on. But despite that, it's important to remember that Las Vegas's climate makes the city "an ideal location for solar," according to Vaughan. Here are some things to keep in mind when planning out your solar system: The condition of you roof : Check if your roof needs repairs or updates before installing a solar system. You should also discuss the pitch and positioning of your roof with your installer. You'll want to make sure your panels are in a position that captures as much sunlight as possible. Las Vegas peak sun hours :As discussed, Nevada is extremely sunny, receiving around 300 days of sunshine per year. The area also receives between 4 and 6 peak sun hours per day, which should help a solar system at a higher efficiency. HOA regulations : Nevada has solar access laws, which prevent homeowners associations from barring solar installations. However, it's still recommended that you check with your HOA before installing solar panels. Homeowners insurance : Be sure to check with your homeowner's insurance company to see if you can add your solar system to your existing policy. How to pay for solar panels in Las Vegas There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar panel system. Here are some of the most common methods. Cash Paying cash is the simplest and most cost-effective way to pay for a solar panel system, assuming you have the cash on hand to pay for an entire system. You won't have to worry about any down payments or high interest rates. But considering an average solar panel system costs tens of thousands of dollars, financing is the route most people take. Solar loan Solar loans are a specific type of financing offered by solar companies. Naturally, there are fees and interest rates to contend with, but it may be worth it to shop around for the most attractive offer, or interest rate, from solar companies. HELOC or home equity loan Homeowners may be able to tap into their home's equity to pay for a solar system through a home equity loan, often called a HELOC . This is a line of credit that is secured against your home's equity and opens up available credit. But HELOCs can be risky. If you can't pay back what you owe, you could lose your home. Personal loan Personal loans are an option available at most financial institutions. Interest rates and fees may vary, and like solar loans, you may need to search around for the best terms. RE-UP financing The Nevada Residential Energy Upgrade Program  may be another financing option for you, as it connects homeowners in the state with financial assistance for clean energy upgrades. This includes unsecured loans for solar products. Solar lease If you're not interested in owning a solar system, you don't have to. Rather than purchasing panels, some companies will offer you the option to lease them. This works similarly to most other kinds of leases -- you make monthly payments for the use of a solar panel system from a third-party company. Power purchase agreement Power purchase agreements  are available in Nevada, too, and under such an agreement, solar companies install but retain ownership of a solar system. They then sell the homeowner the energy that the system produces -- it may be an attractive set-up for some homeowners, especially those who lack the upfront cash to buy a system outright. Frequently asked questions What are the advantages of solar panels? Solar panels give you the ability to generate your own electricity from the sun (of which there is a lot in Las Vegas). This can help reduce your energy bills. How long does it take to pay off solar panels? The amount of time it takes to pay off solar panels depends completely on the type of financing a homeowner chooses to get the panels, the terms in their contract and how much they're paying back at a time. Are solar panels worth it in Las Vegas? Given the climate and amount of annual sunshine the Las Vegas region receives, it's likely worth it for homeowners to at least explore their options. Does Las Vegas offer a solar tax credit? No, there is no Las Vegas-specific solar tax credit, but homeowners in Las Vegas can take advantage of federal tax credits and incentives. Sam Becker Contributor Sam Becker is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in and on CNBC, Fortune, USA Today, Business Insider, and more. Sam is also the author of the growing finance and strategy-focused newsletter, "Not Pretty, Not Rich."