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Embrace the Potential of Solar Energy in Nevada!

Welcome to Nevada, a state renowned for its desert landscapes and vibrant energy, and now a frontrunner in the solar power movement. With abundant sunshine throughout the year, Nevada offers an ideal environment for solar energy generation. This untapped resource presents an exciting opportunity for residents and businesses to transition to clean, renewable energy sources. With incentives available to offset initial costs and a growing interest in sustainability, Nevada is poised for a solar revolution. Discover how harnessing solar energy can brighten your property, reduce energy expenses, and contribute to a cleaner environment right here in the Silver State. Join us in harnessing the power of the sun and take a step towards a brighter, more sustainable future in Nevada.

Solar State Incentives

Nevada State Solar Incentives

Nevada Appliance and Equipment Energy Efficiency Standards
Nevada Assembly passes AB54, establishing new energy and water efficiency standards for appliances, effective January 1, 2021.
Energy Storage Procurement Target
Nevada's Senate Bill 204 sets targets for energy storage to enhance grid reliability and renewable energy integration, aiming for 1,000 MW by 2030.
NV Energy - Energy Storage Incentive Program
NV Energy launches an incentive program for customers to integrate energy storage systems with their renewable energy setups, with declining rebate structure.
Revolving Loan Program
The Governor's Office of Energy offers renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conservation project loans. Applications open till December 31, 2016.
NV Energy (Northern Nevada) - Business Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
NV Energy Incentive Program provides diverse incentives to encourage energy-efficient measures in new construction and retrofitting projects.
NV Energy - Solar Thermal Heating Program
NV Energy encourages residential customers and public entities to adopt solar technologies, offering limited incentives on a first-come, first-served basis.
NV Energy -Energy Smart Schools Program
Energy Smart Schools program in Nevada aids in reducing energy use and costs in schools, providing financial incentives for efficient upgrades.
Southwest Gas Corporation - Solar Water Heating Program
Southwest Gas Corp offers a tiered rebate program for Nevada customers installing solar water heating systems, with rebate amounts based on thermal energy generated.
Southwest Gas Corporation - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Southwest Gas Corporation launches a rebate program for Nevada residents, encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient measures in their homes.
Southwest Gas Corporation - Commercial Energy Efficient Equipment Rebate Program
Southwest Gas offers rebates for Nevada commercial customers purchasing energy-efficient gas equipment. Compliance with program requirements and proper equipment installation are essential.
Local Option - Special Improvement Districts
In 2010, FHFA directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac against purchasing mortgages with a PACE lien, stalling residential PACE programs. Some now operate with protections to address FHFA's concerns.
Valley Electric Association - Net Billing
Valley Electric Association revamped its net billing program in 2020, offering a more equitable process for solar energy producers, with surplus energy credited at 75% of retail rates.
Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Abatement
Nevada provides a sales and use tax abatement for new or expanded businesses using renewable energy technologies, with certain job creation and quality requirements to be met.
NV Energy (Northern Nevada) - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
NV Energy's PowerShift program offers Northern Nevada homeowners incentives, including a free energy assessment, smart thermostat, and discounted A/C units, to enhance energy efficiency.
Luminous Efficacy Standards for General Purpose Lights
Nevada's Assembly Bill 178 sets energy efficiency standards for general lights, requiring a minimum of 25 lumens per watt from 2012-2015, and over 45 lumens per watt by 2020.
NV Energy (Southern Nevada) - Business Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
NV Energy offers diverse incentives for commercial and industrial customers, promoting solar adoption and sustainable practices in new and existing buildings.
Nevada State Energy Reduction Plan
Nevada Energy Office's plan aims for 20% reduction in grid-based energy purchases by 2015, prioritizing Energy Star products and sustainable construction.
Nevada Energy Code for Buildings
Nevada's 2009 legislation altered the adoption process of building codes, allowing local governments to adopt more rigorous codes. The state also mandates regular updates to reflect advancements in energy efficiency.
Property Tax Abatement for Green Buildings
Nevada offers property tax abatement for green buildings, based on LEED certification. Tax relief also applies to renovated structures for use by manufacturers, subject to conditions.
Portfolio Energy Credits
Nevada's Energy Portfolio Standard mandates NV Energy to utilize renewable energy or energy efficiency measures. This includes a Portfolio Energy Credit system for renewable energy producers.
Interconnection Standards
Nevada PUC adopted interconnection standards for NV Energy customers with on-site generation up to 20 MW, in line with IEEE 1547 standards and California Rule 21.
Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure
Nevada's 2001 law mandates electric utilities to disclose their fuel mix and emissions, promoting transparency and informing consumer energy choices.
Solar Contractor Licensing
Nevada mandates licensing for solar energy system installers, with different classifications for various solar work. Photovoltaic system installers must hold a specific license and pass an exam.
Energy Portfolio Standard
Nevada's renewable portfolio standard mandates NV Energy to use renewable energy resources for a minimum percentage of the total electricity it sells, aiming for 50% by 2030.
Net Metering
Nevada's net metering law encourages renewable energy use, allowing customers to offset electricity needs with systems up to one megawatt capacity.
Nevada Solar and Wind Easement Laws
Nevada's laws protect property owners' rights to install and use solar and wind energy systems, preventing restrictions by homeowners' associations and local governments.
Large Scale Renewable Energy Property Tax Abatement (Nevada State Office of Energy)
Nevada's S.B. 448 of 2021 extends property tax abatements up to 55% for 20 years to businesses using renewable energy storage systems. Job creation and quality requirements apply.
Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption
Nevada's Renewable Energy Systems Property Tax Exemption encourages commercial and industrial use of renewable energy by exempting its value from property taxes.

Federal Solar Incentives

USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Grants
REAP, administered by USDA, provides financial aid to small rural businesses and agricultural producers for sustainable energy projects. Grants cover 25% of the project cost, up to $25 million.
Interconnection Standards for Small Generators
New FERC order mandates small generators under 20 MW to maintain operation during abnormal frequency and voltage events, enhancing interconnection efficiency.
USDA - Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Loan Guarantees
The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) supports agricultural producers and rural businesses in the US by providing financial aid for renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements.
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs)
Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBs) were used by public entities to fund renewable energy projects. They were repealed in 2017.
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)
Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs) financed energy projects by local governments. Discontinued in 2018, they offered tax credits as interest to bondholders.
Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs - Funding Opportunities
The DOE's Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs aids tribes in attaining energy self-sufficiency and economic growth through renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies.
Fannie Mae Green Financing – Loan Program
Fannie Mae's Green Financing offers loans for multifamily properties aiming for energy and water efficiency improvements. Eligible properties can access favorable rates and additional loan proceeds.
Energy-Efficient Mortgages
Energy efficient mortgages (EEM) allow homeowners to finance energy-saving renovations or purchase new energy-efficient homes. These loans, insured by the U.S. government, aim to promote energy efficiency.
Green Power Purchasing Goal for Federal Government
The Energy Policy Act of 2005 set a goal for federal buildings to use 7.5% renewable energy by 2013. This target was increased to 30% by 2025 but later rescinded in 2018.
USDA - High Energy Cost Grant Program
USDA's grant program, enhancing energy generation in rural areas, concluded its latest application period on July 6, 2021. Updates can be found on the program website.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Personal)
US law exempts energy conservation subsidies provided by utilities from taxation but requires adjustments for federal tax credits. IRS guidance on solar rebates is unclear.
Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
H.R. 5376 extends tax credit for energy storage systems and excludes biomass heaters, with credit amounts varying by technology type and installation date.
U.S. Department of Energy - Loan Guarantee Program
The Inflation Reduction Act has allocated $11.7 billion to the LPO for new loans, boosting loan authority by $100 billion, and setting up the Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment Program.
Business Energy Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 updates the federal Business Energy Investment Tax Credit, introducing new eligibility criteria, bonus credits, and transitions the tax credit to a new section.
Renewable Electricity Production Tax Credit (PTC)
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduces changes to the federal renewable electricity production tax credit, introducing new bonus credits and eligibility criteria.
Residential Energy Conservation Subsidy Exclusion (Corporate)
U.S. energy conservation subsidies provided by public utilities are tax-exempt, but this does not extend to certain electricity-generating systems. Tax credits can't be claimed for unsubsidized expenses.
Modified Accelerated Cost-Recovery System (MACRS)
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 allows 100% depreciation for qualified assets, impacting renewable energy technologies. MACRS classifies these technologies for depreciation purposes.
Energy and Emissions Goals and Standards for Federal Government
President Biden's Executive Order 14057 sets ambitious sustainability goals for the US, including 100% carbon-free electricity by 2030 and a fully zero-emission federal fleet by 2035.