Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Reno, Nevada. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
** A well-established, veteran-owned local company that has been serving Northern Nevada for years. They are known for their reliability, expert maintenance and repair services, and deep knowledge of the local climate and utility requirements. They excel in both new installations and system servicing.
** The home solar market in Reno is mature and highly competitive, featuring a mix of strong local installers and larger national companies. The overall quality of providers is high, as the demanding environment and strict building codes necessitate expertise and quality equipment. Competition helps keep pricing relatively competitive, though Reno is not considered a "budget" market. **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Reno typically ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before the 30% federal tax credit. This means a standard 6 kW system would have a gross cost between $15,000 and $21,000. Final pricing is highly dependent on system size, panel and inverter quality, and roof complexity. **Key Market Drivers:** The combination of NV Energy's net metering programs, the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and Nevada's property tax abatement for renewable energy systems make solar a financially attractive investment for Reno homeowners. Providers in this market are generally very knowledgeable about these incentives and can guide homeowners through the process.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Reno regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Reno, Nevada.
Reno's climate is excellent for solar, with over 250 sunny days per year providing high energy yields, especially in summer. However, winter snow can temporarily reduce production, though panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. Seasonal production variance means you'll generate significantly more power in summer, which can be banked as credits with NV Energy's net metering program to offset winter usage.
A typical Reno home solar system costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Nevada homeowners benefit from the 30% federal tax credit and **no state sales tax on solar installations**. NV Energy's net metering program provides full retail credit for excess energy sent to the grid, and local lenders often offer competitive solar loans. The combination makes solar in Reno one of the most financially attractive investments in the country.
Nevada has a "Solar Rights Act" that prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations, though they can have reasonable aesthetic guidelines. In Reno and Washoe County, you will need a building permit and an electrical permit, which your reputable installer will typically handle. The process is straightforward, but it's essential to choose a provider experienced with local inspectors and utility interconnection requirements with NV Energy.
Select a provider with a strong local presence, Nevada contractor's license (C-2 or C-1), and extensive experience with NV Energy's interconnection process. Look for companies with strong warranties (25-year on panels, 10+ years on workmanship) and plenty of local references. Be wary of out-of-state companies that may not understand local snow loads, wind requirements, or provide timely service. The Nevada State Contractors Board website is a good resource to verify licenses.
NV Energy's net metering program credits you at the full retail rate for any excess solar energy you send to the grid, building a kilowatt-hour credit bank. You draw from these credits at night or in winter, with an annual "true-up" settlement. Standard grid-tied systems will shut off during a power outage for safety unless you have a dedicated battery backup system. Given Reno's occasional extreme weather, many homeowners are now adding batteries for backup power and to maximize self-consumption.