Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy comes with multiple benefits. Here are some highlights.
- Reduced energy costs: Generating some or all of your own electricity will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that enable you to sell your unused energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery backup.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can reduce or eliminate your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Carson City Homeowners?
Nevada homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for rebates, special financing, reimbursements and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: swgas.comIncentive Amount:
Water Heating: $225
Solar Water Heating: $13/therm
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: swgas.comIncentive Amount:
Varies based on program "step" - see program website.
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: Nvenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Solar (As of 9/24/18):
Residential/Commercial/Industrial (25 kW or smaller): $0.20 / watt-AC
Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity (25 kW or smaller): $0.45 / watt-AC
Residential/Commercial/Industrial (greater than 25 kW): $0.0250 / kWh
Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity (greater than 25 kW): $0.0550 / kWh
Wind (As of 9/24/18):
Residential/Commercial/Industrial: $0.40 / watt-AC
Low Income/Nonprofit/Public Entity: $0.80 / watt-AC
Incentive Type: Performance-Based Incentive
Website: nvtrec.comIncentive Amount:
Varies; higher value for solar PECs than other technologies
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: nvenergy.comIncentive Amount:
Northern Nevada electric customers: $3,000/project up to 50% of system cost
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Carson City
The purchase price and efficacy of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while searching for a solar specialist.
Licensing and Training
Nevada requires a contractor installing a solar PV system to acquire a C-37 license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. Solar thermal system installers should carry either a C-1 (plumbing and heating) license or the appropriate C-37 endorsement for their work. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most reputed trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Carson City
Your solar modules' type will impact how much energy you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar company includes these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $15,400 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Carson City. This table lists more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,146 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $894 |
| Thin-Film | $523 |
| Solar Battery | $733 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,751 |
Financing Solar Energy in Carson City
Solar providers offer multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and solar loans. Though it involves a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it qualifies you for solar incentives and doesn't accrue interest. Solar loans are the next best option. As with a car or home loan, you'll pay a monthly rate towards system ownership, including interest. You can still apply for cost-saving solar incentives, and depending on your lender, you could put as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for providers that offer two or more payment plans to find the right fit for your wallet.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Carson City.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.0 years |
| 2 kW | 4.1 years |
| 5 kW | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | 20.3 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Carson City
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How popular is solar energy in Carson City?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
What can I do to predict my home's solar viability?
What's a Carson City solar panel's average lifespan?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Carson City?
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might consider a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintaining your panels and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other payment options above.
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