Best 5 Solar Companies in Reno, NV

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Reno

The price and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on which company installed them. Consider each of these aspects in your company search.

Licensing and Training

Nevada requires a contractor installing a solar photovoltaic system to obtain 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 subclassification for their work. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most prestigious are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Reno

The kind of solar panels you choose determines how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but they're worth it if you want a traditional panel style without the high cost. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's performance. Not every solar provider offers these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

You can plan to spend about $15,400 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Reno. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Reno solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Reno

Solar providers use multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are solar leases, solar loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs) and cash payments. Though it requires a large up-front payment, cash is the most affordable choice because it doesn't accrue interest and qualifies you for incentives. Solar loans are the runner-up option. As with a car loan or mortgage, 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each representative about what's available, and acquire 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 Reno.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar power systems until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.