Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Lowered energy bills: With solar panels, you create power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-tied power. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant number of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Utilizing solar is a surefire way to minimize your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to North Las Vegas Homeowners?
Nevada homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for special financing, tax credits, reimbursements and rebates. 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: 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 North Las Vegas
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind while shopping for a solar provider.
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 hold either a C-1 (plumbing and heating) license or the appropriate C-37 subclassification for their work. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in North Las Vegas
Your solar modules' model will impact how much electricity you can produce. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.
You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can boost your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers provide these additional features, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.
A majority of North Las Vegas homeowners opt for solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $15,400 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,168 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $911 |
Thin-Film | $532 |
Solar Battery | $747 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,802 |
Financing Solar Energy in North Las Vegas
Solar contractors use multiple different financing options to lower your costs and increase your savings. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar leases, solar loans and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Much like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. We advise working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in North Las Vegas.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on total system costs, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, rebates, and incentives that could save you more money.
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 North Las Vegas
How much money could I save by going solar in North Las Vegas?
Is solar energy easily accessible in North Las Vegas?
Will a solar PV system improve my North Las Vegas home value?
What can I do to estimate my home's solar viability?
What upkeep do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
What size should my new North Las Vegas solar system be?
How can I boost my solar array's performance?
- optimize the panels' position with your solar installer
- regularly clean your solar panels
- upgrade to a more efficient inverter trim or cut down trees in the way of your panels
- use energy-efficient appliances
Should I get quotes from multiple North Las Vegas solar companies?
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