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Best 5 Solar Companies in Sparks, NV

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Written By Max Peterson|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

Sparks homeowners are intentional about safeguarding the planet and living greener lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the best solar companies for their homes. Local homeowners might opt for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like natural gas. A knowledgeable solar installer can help you set up and adjust a system that matches your energy needs without costing a fortune. On this page, we'll highlight Sparks' premier solar providers and share expert advice for your solar journey.

Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
  • Extensive coverage area throughout the country
  • Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons
Most Reputable
4.4
  • Offers high-efficiency panels and storage options
  • Provides unique in-house financing options
  • Recognized as one of the most reputable solar companies
Best Solar Panel Leasing
4.4
  • Provides system monitoring
  • Offers diverse financing options for various budgets
  • Provides EV and solar battery solutions

Top Sparks Solar Companies

Aspen Electric Logo

Aspen Electric

4.5/5
Based on 41 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Solar Panel UpgradesCleaning And MaintenanceSkilled RepairsConsultationOff-Grid Solar SystemsBattery StorageFinancing AssistanceGrid-Tied Solar SystemPanel Installation

Highlights

  • Prompt service delivery
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Reliable customer support
8755 Technology Way Suite J, Reno, NV 775-870-1064 aspenelectric.biz
Reno Solar Logo

Reno Solar

4.5/5
Based on 90 customer reviews.

Services Offered

ConsultationPermit AssistanceGrid-Tied Solar SystemPanel InstallationCleaning And Maintenance

Highlights

  • Informative resources
  • Reliable customer support
  • Free quotes
240 S Rock Blvd #101, Reno, NV 775-305-3777 reno.solar
Sol-Up Reno Logo

Sol-Up Reno

4.5/5
Based on 42 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Tesla PowerwallBattery StoragePanel InstallationCleaning And Maintenance

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
  • Free quotes
902 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 775-210-5500 solup.com
Briggs Electric Logo

Briggs Electric

4.4/5
Based on 41 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Battery StoragePanel Installation

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Informative resources
  • Free quotes
5111 Convair Dr, Carson City, NV 775-887-9901 briggselectricnv.com

Ranking Methodology

Our team has meticulously studied dozens of solar installers near Sparks, focusing on the following criteria:

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Facts about Sparks
Average Max Temp:58°F
Solar Payback Period:10.2 years
Average Daily Sunlight:64%
Homes Powered by Solar:17,894
Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,171
Solar Power per Capita Percentile:48.0%

Expert Tips By

This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

  • 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: Solar panel systems with battery storage systems operate through blackouts and emergencies, and you won't have to depend on the power grid for your safety and comfort.
  • Reduced carbon footprint: Embracing solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Sparks Homeowners?

The state of Nevada offers several solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of relevant solar programs where you live.

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: swgas.com

Incentive Amount:

Water Heating: $225
Solar Water Heating: $13/therm

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: swgas.com

Incentive Amount:

Varies based on program "step" - see program website.

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: Nvenergy.com

Incentive 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.com

Incentive Amount:

Varies; higher value for solar PECs than other technologies

Incentive Type: Rebate Program

Website: nvenergy.com

Incentive Amount:

Northern Nevada electric customers: $3,000/project up to 50% of system cost

Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit

Website: ecowatch.com

Incentive 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 Sparks

The more informed your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

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 obtain either a C-1 (plumbing and heating) license or the appropriate C-37 subclassification for their work. Solar providers can also earn accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most recognized ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Sparks

Your photovoltaic panels' 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.

Additional system add-ons, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these add-ons, 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 Sparks. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Solar Panel CostAverage Cost
Solar Monocrystalline$1,243
Solar Polycrystalline$970
Thin-Film$567
Solar Battery$796
Solar Home EV Charger$2,984

Financing Solar Energy in Sparks

Choosing the right financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, power purchase agreements, loans, and leases. We recommend paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) allows you to pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Look for installers that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Sparks.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through city and state governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Solar System CapacityEstimated Payback period
1 kW2.0 years
2 kW4.1 years
5 kW10.2 years
10 kW20.3 years

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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Sparks

How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?

On average, Sparks homeowners pay approximately $1,171 per year on power bills. Once you repay your solar array, you could reduce your costs by $958.67 for every kilowatt you produce.

How prevalent is solar energy in Sparks?

Yes, solar energy is readily available in Sparks. A growing number of local homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and Nevada has about 7000 jobs forming its solar economy.

Will solar panels increase my Sparks home value?

Yes, a solar PV system will increase your property value. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), for every dollar you save on energy bills, your home value increases by $20. So, if your panels save you $600 per year on energy costs, your property could appreciate $12,000.

How can I determine my property's solar suitability?

One common way to calculate your home's solar viability is by using PVWatts. This free, powerful tool considers system size, panel efficiency, local weather and topography, and tree cover to determine how much energy your array could generate. However, it's not a substitute for consulting with a solar energy professional, who can build a full estimate with the most updated data.

How many years does a standard solar system last?

Modern solar systems are built to last. The average panel provides 25 years of reliable power. Budget panels tend to last shorter than higher-quality models.

What is the average payback period for Sparks solar panels?

Most Sparks homeowners pay back a solar loan in 11.2 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.

How are a solar lease and PPA different?

Choosing a lease means your solar installer will handle panel maintenance while you make fixed monthly payments. PPAs differ slightly because you only pay for the electricity you produce.

You don't own the panels with either option, though you can choose to "buy out" of the contract for a fee.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

Sources