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
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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.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $13,491 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Sparks can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Sparks for a quote for your home.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Sparks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sparks
While the average cost of a solar system in Sparks is $13,491, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,080 per kilowatt in Sparks.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Sparks, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sparks is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Sparks, NV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sparks?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $958.67 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.