Homeowners in Las Vegas are enjoying a significant advantage when it comes to solar energy, as the region’s unique geographic characteristics make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
According to Frank Rieger, CEO of Sol-Up, nearly 95% of single-family homes in Las Vegas can install solar panels that can cover their entire power bill.
“We’re lucky to live here in Vegas,” Rieger states. “We have very few shading issues. We don’t have a lot of trees or tall buildings in residential neighborhoods.”
This favorable environment has enabled Las Vegas to emerge as a leading solar powerhouse in the United States, boasting the highest concentration of residential rooftop solar systems in the continental U.S., as reported by the New York Times.
For homeowners contemplating the installation of solar panels, Rieger encourages them to take action promptly, especially as new legislation signed by President Donald Trump on July 4 rolls back solar tax credits that offer up to 30% savings on eligible costs, set to expire by the end of 2025.
Homeowners should first assess their energy needs before proceeding with a solar installation.
Understanding the current electricity consumption is essential to effectively size the solar system. Many homeowners mistakenly believe that solar panels will completely eliminate their power bills, which may not hold true without proper planning.
“To provide a system capable of covering their entire power bill, we need to know their consumption,” explains Rieger.
Potential customers should ideally provide a year’s worth of electricity usage data prior to requesting a quote. Utility companies often provide monthly usage reports measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
It’s also important to consider future energy needs, as lifestyle changes can lead to increased consumption. For instance, adding an electric vehicle or expanding the home will raise energy needs beyond what was originally planned for the solar panel system.
While solar panels can be added later, homeowners will need to navigate the permitting and approval processes again, making it crucial to have future energy needs in mind from the outset.
The entire timeline for installation can be complicated and lengthy.
Rieger outlines that the solar panel system includes key components such as solar panels, inverters, and mounting attachments. However, this installation process requires navigating through various steps, including obtaining permits, HOA approvals, and utility company reviews.
“We have to pull permits—that sometimes takes more than four weeks. We need to go through HOA meetings, as most homes are part of HOAs, and they need to approve the solar project,” Rieger details.
After installation is complete, homeowners typically face an additional month-long wait for the utility company’s final approval before activating the system.
Selecting a qualified contractor is another pivotal step in the solar installation process, especially considering Las Vegas’ extreme weather conditions.
With the right equipment and solar panels, systems can perform well under intense heat.
Rieger points out that many of his clients come from unfavorable experiences with other contractors.
“You really need to know what you’re doing as a solar company,” he stresses.
Potential customers should take the time to research local contractors by checking reviews, discussing with neighbors about their experiences, and consulting the Nevada Solar Association, which provides a vetted list of industry professionals. This careful selection process can prevent future problems and ensure the solar system performs as expected.
For residents in Las Vegas grappling with high summer energy costs, solar panels can provide substantial savings opportunities.
Rieger estimates that between 80% and 90% of Sol-Up’s solar panel customers no longer pay a power bill for consumption.
However, some costs remain, as Rieger explains that even with solar energy substantially reducing usage, homeowners will still incur standard monthly service charges ranging from $15 to $20.
To assist potential clients in understanding the financial implications of solar energy, Sol-Up offers return-on-investment calculations tailored to individual usage patterns.
“We show them what the solar system is capable of offsetting. Then, we can make a payback calculation,” Rieger says.
Most customers choose to finance their solar systems rather than pay upfront.
“At least 50% of our customers finance their systems,” Rieger observes. “Instead of paying the utility, they pay their loan company, and those payments are generally much lower than previous utility bills.”
Maximizing savings through solar energy relies heavily on accurately sizing the system based on actual consumption patterns, ensuring that the panels efficiently meet the specific energy needs of each household.
image source from：lasvegasweekly
