Solar Panel Cost Guide in Reno, NV (2024 Update)
- Reno Solar Installation Cost: $13,491
- 25-Year Savings: $22,503
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Reno
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Reno.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Reno, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Reno is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,491 for a solar installation, or $19,292 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Reno can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Reno, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Reno
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,302 |
| 3 years | $-9,926 |
| 5 years | $-7,549 |
| 7 years | $-5,173 |
| 9 years | $-2,796 |
| 11 years | $-420 |
| 13 years | $1,957 |
| 15 years | $4,333 |
| 17 years | $6,710 |
| 19 years | $9,086 |
| 21 years | $11,463 |
| 23 years | $13,840 |
| 25 years | $16,216 |
Top Solar Installers in Reno
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Reno:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Reno
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Reno
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Reno: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,080 per kilowatt in Reno.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Reno, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Reno to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.20 | $13,453 | $18,708 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.14 | $17,593 | $25,290 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.08 | $21,560 | $32,043 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.02 | $25,355 | $38,969 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.96 | $28,977 | $46,068 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,426 | $53,339 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.83 | $35,703 | $60,782 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.77 | $38,808 | $68,398 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Reno, NV Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Reno?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $15,400 for a 5-kW system and $30,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Reno?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Reno?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.