Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sparks, NV (2024 Update)

  • Sparks Solar Installation Cost: $13,491
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,956
  • Payback Period: 11.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sparks

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Sparks.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Sparks typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Sparks 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.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sparks homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Sparks

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-12,319
3 years $-9,977
5 years $-7,634
7 years $-5,291
9 years $-2,949
11 years $-606
13 years $1,737
15 years $4,080
17 years $6,422
19 years $8,765
21 years $11,108
23 years $13,450
25 years $15,793

Top Solar Installers in Sparks

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Sparks

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sparks

There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Sparks average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sparks, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Sparks’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

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 $15,307 11.7 years
8 kW $3.14 $17,593 $20,754 11.5 years
10 kW $3.08 $21,560 $26,374 11.2 years
12 kW $3.02 $25,355 $32,166 11.0 years
14 kW $2.96 $28,977 $38,130 10.8 years
16 kW $2.90 $32,426 $44,268 10.6 years
18 kW $2.83 $35,703 $50,577 10.3 years
20 kW $2.77 $38,808 $57,059 10.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Sparks, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • 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 go with.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

EcoWatch's Sparks, NV Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sparks?

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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sparks, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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