NV Energy opens rebate program for solar systems

Solar energy is helping homeowners save thousands on their energy bills and decrease their carbon footprints. NV Energy opened its SolarGenerations program that can provide homeowners with a rebate of 40 cents per watt on approved new installations.

American Patriot Solar, and its installation company U.S. Renewable Energy Development, is helping thousands of Southern Nevada residents maximize their savings through local and national incentive programs.

“Solar energy is easier to install and more affordable than it has ever been for homeowners,” said Andrea Vigil, chief operating officer of American Patriot Solar, a locally owned and operated company that has been in business since 2009.

NV Energy’s rebate program will be available until its funds have been distributed. AP Solar can work with homeowners to identify the solar system they want to install and apply for the rebate before installation.

“The program is only open to new installations, and you must apply prior to putting the solar system on your home,” Vigil said. “At 40 cents per kilowatt, the average Las Vegas homeowner will receive around $2,000. The size of the system depends on the size of the home, but an average system is about 5 kilowatts, or 5,000 watts.”

NV Energy’s solar rebate program is offered on top of the federal incentive of 30 percent in tax credits for new solar system purchases.

“Our customers report an average tax credit of $5,000 to $10,000 that they can take over the course of two years,” Vigil said.

Longtime Las Vegas resident Gerald McNulty, an AP Solar customer, received a $2,300 rebate from NV Energy for his home’s solar system. He said his monthly power bill averages $10.50.

“That is the flat fee for the service and a 50-cent city tax,” McNulty said. “I’m also giving a little more than 20 percent of my power back to the power company every month. It’s a win-win.”

“If your system costs $20,000, you’ll get $6,000 back from the federal government,” he said. “And the power company gave me a rebate of $2,300 in addition to the tax credit. So if you buy a $20,000 system, it could end up costing you only $12,000. And the cost of the system is relative in value because it increases the value of your home and decreases the cost of your utility payments. Any way you look at it, it’s a good investment.”

AP Solar’s installation company, US Renewable Energy Development, handles permitting and installation for all AP Solar systems.

For more information on AP Solar’s referral program, call 702-227-9205.