Complete Guide to Solar Energy in Nevada

Your complete resource for solar energy. Everything you need to know about solar laws, solar costs, solar financing, and solar installation in Nevada.

$2.85
Cost per Watt (2025)
7-10 years
Average Payback Period
252
Sunny Days Per Year
30%
Federal Tax Credit (expires Dec 31, 2025)

Why Nevada is Perfect for Solar Energy

Exceptional Solar Resource

Nevada ranks #3 nationally for solar radiation with over 252 sunny days per year and 6.7 peak sun hours daily in Las Vegas. The state’s desert climate provides ideal conditions for year-round solar energy production.

Competitive Electricity Rates

With NV Energy rates averaging 13-14¢/kWh and recent rate increases approved for 2025-2026, solar provides price protection and long-term savings. Nevada’s 3rd-lowest residential rates still benefit from solar offset.

Net Metering at 75% Retail

Nevada offers net metering credits at 75% of retail rates for excess solar generation. While reduced from full retail, this still provides significant value combined with federal incentives and property tax exemptions.

Strong Solar Rights Protection

Nevada law (NRS 278.0208 and SB 440) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations. Associations must respond to solar requests within 15-35 days and cannot ban systems in areas exclusive to owner use.

Quick Solar Facts

Average System Size: 7-8 kW
Annual Generation: 11,000-13,000 kWh
Federal Tax Credit: 30% (expires Dec 31, 2025)
Typical Payback: 7-10 years
System Lifespan: 25-30 years

Explore Solar Topics

Laws & Regulations

Federal ITC, Nevada net metering at 75% retail rates, renewable energy property tax exemption, HOA solar rights (NRS 278.0208, SB 440), NV Energy interconnection requirements, and permitting processes.

Residential Solar

Complete guide for homeowners covering system sizing for Nevada’s climate, panel selection for extreme heat, net metering enrollment with NV Energy, battery storage benefits, and maximizing self-consumption to reduce grid dependence.

Costs & Savings

2025 pricing breakdown, cost per watt analysis, savings calculations with NV Energy rates, net metering credit values (75% retail), payback period estimations, and 25-year ROI projections.

Financing Options

Solar loans, lease agreements, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), strategies to maximize 30% federal tax credit before December 31, 2025 deadline, and property tax exemption benefits.

Installation Guide

Choosing Nevada-licensed contractors, understanding permits and inspections, HOA compliance under Nevada solar rights laws (SB 440), NV Energy interconnection process, and net metering application.

Solar 101

Fundamentals of photovoltaic technology, panel durability for extreme heat, inverter selection for desert conditions, system monitoring, maintenance in arid climates, and dust management strategies.

Community Solar

NV Energy community solar programs, shared solar options for renters and multi-family residents, and virtual net metering opportunities throughout Nevada.

Solar Calculator

Estimate your solar savings and system requirements.

Quick Solar Savings Calculator

Important 2026 Updates

Federal ITC Final Opportunity

The 30% federal Investment Tax Credit expires December 31, 2025. This is your last chance to claim the full 30% credit on solar installations. After 2025, the residential solar tax credit ends permanently. Act now to secure maximum savings.

Learn about federal incentives →

Net Metering Rate Changes (October 2025)

NV Energy implemented new net metering rate NMR-2025 for applications approved after October 1, 2025. Credits remain at 75% of retail rates. Recent PUC approvals allow demand charges and rate structure changes that may impact solar economics—battery storage increasingly recommended.

NV Energy net metering details →

Nevada Solar Laws & Regulations

Federal Incentives

30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) available only through December 31, 2025. Applies to complete system cost including equipment, installation, and battery storage. This is the final year for residential solar tax credits—systems must be operational by year-end.

Learn More →

Nevada Solar Rights Laws

Nevada statutes (NRS 278.0208, SB 440) protect homeowners’ solar installation rights. HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict solar and must respond to requests within 15-35 days. Systems in areas exclusive to owner use cannot be prohibited by associations.

Learn More →

Property Tax Exemption

Nevada offers renewable energy property tax exemption for residential solar systems. Solar installations don’t increase your property’s assessed value for tax purposes, saving money annually throughout the system’s lifetime.

Learn More →