Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, minimizing your regular electricity costs. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
- Better energy independence: Adding a solar battery storage system lets you have reliable energy during grid outages and storms.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Pahrump Homeowners?
Nevada homeowners who choose solar could qualify for reimbursements, special financing, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.
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 Pahrump
Choosing a company is the first step toward an effective and valuable solar energy system. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.
Licensing and Training
Nevada requires a contractor installing a solar PV system to carry a C-37 license from the Nevada State Contractors Board. Solar pool or water heating installers should have either a C-1 (plumbing and heating) license or the appropriate C-37 specialization for their work. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of 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 Pahrump
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
Additional accessories, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise 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 contractor that installs them if it's a priority for you.
Most Pahrump homeowners choose solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $15,400 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,178 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $919 |
| Thin-Film | $537 |
| Solar Battery | $754 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,827 |
Financing Solar Energy in Pahrump
Choosing the ideal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require 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. Similar to a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases let you use your panels for a set monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to 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. Ask each provider you're vetting about the payment plans it offers. A staff member can help you determine the best option for your pocketbook.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Pahrump.
The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal solar tax credit on the full cost of the solar system, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Local governments and utilities might also offer their own financing programs, incentives, and rebates 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 Pahrump
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
Is solar energy readily available in Pahrump?
Will solar energy systems raise my Pahrump home value?
What if I live in a dark or gloomy
What can I do to calculate my home's solar viability?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Pahrump?
How does "net metering" work, and do I need to participate?
Some states or power companies mandate you to join net metering when purchasing your solar system, while others give you a choice. Either way, once you sign up, you'll receive a check or bill credit for your excess generation at a wholesale or retail rate.
Should I get quotes from multiple Pahrump solar companies?
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