Is Solar Really WORTH it for Your Home in Las Vegas?

Is Solar Really WORTH it for Your Home in Las Vegas?

If you’re a Las Vegas homeowner contemplating solar panels, you’re likely considering both the immediate energy savings and the potential impact on your home’s resale value. With over 310 sunny days annually, Las Vegas offers an ideal environment for solar energy. But is the investment worthwhile, especially when it comes time to sell your home?

Solar in Las Vegas: Is it Worth it?

Las Vegas’s abundant sunshine makes it one of the top U.S. cities for solar energy production. Homeowners can expect significant reductions in electricity bills, with average annual savings around $1,909. Over a 25-year period, this can amount to savings exceeding $39,000.

The average cost for a 7.2 kW solar system in Las Vegas is approximately $20,520 before incentives. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, the net cost drops to about $14,364.

We bought our solar system with Sol Up and the total cost was $48,409.04. We got 40 Meyer Burger Solar Panels, a Tesla Powerwall 3, a Span Panel & the Tesla EV Universal Car Charger.

Our total yearly energy cost was $3,100, if you divide that by the total cost of the solar system of $48,409.04, it would take 15.6 years to recoup our initial investment.

Now with the 30% tax credit of $14,522.71, that brings our total solar system cost to $33,886.33. Then if you now divide that by our yearly energy cost of $3,100, it would take us 10.9 years to recoup our initial investment at current rates.

The point is if you plan on getting solar, consider the length of time you will stay in your home to justify the costs. Is it worth it? Yes, if you plan on not selling your home for 11 years.

Important Note: While this is the average cost of a system, it may not be enough to completely eliminate your electric bill. Many homes, especially larger ones or those with pools or high energy consumption, may require a bigger system to fully offset power usage. Always request a custom analysis based on your actual usage history before committing to a system size.

Pro Tip

If you’re planning to install solar and live in an older home, it’s highly recommended to get your roof inspected first. The underlayment and tiles need to be in good condition before solar panels are installed. If repairs or replacements are needed later, it can be costly to remove and reinstall the solar panels. Addressing this upfront will save you time, money, and stress.

Impact on Home Resale Value

Installing solar panels can enhance your home’s market appeal—but only under the right conditions.

If the system is owned outright and paid off, your home will likely sell faster and for more money. Energy efficiency and lower utility costs are highly attractive features for today’s home buyers. Studies show that homes with owned solar systems can sell for around 4.1% more than comparable non-solar homes. For a median-priced home in Las Vegas, this could mean $9,000+ in added value.

However, if the solar system is financed, leased, or under a power purchase agreement (PPA), resale can become tricky. Many buyers are hesitant to assume:

• Monthly loan payments
• Long-term lease agreements
• PPA contracts with fixed rates

These obligations can complicate escrow, reduce buyer interest, and potentially delay the sale. Always consider how your method of solar installation might impact your exit strategy if you plan to sell in the near future.

Considerations Before Installing Solar Panels

While the benefits of solar in Las Vegas are substantial, there are a few key details to weigh carefully:

• Duration of Stay:
  If you plan to live in the home for at least 5 to 7 years, you’re more likely to recoup your investment through energy savings and appreciation in home value
• Ownership vs. Leasing:
  Owning your solar system—typically adds more resale value than leasing. Leased systems can be a turnoff for buyers who don’t want to assume an existing lease agreement.
• Ownership vs. Power Purchase Agreement (PPA):
  With a PPA, you don’t own the system—you simply buy the electricity it produces at a fixed rate. This often results in lower monthly bills, but it doesn’t increase your home’s value since you don’t actually own the panels. Additionally, PPAs can complicate resale, as the agreement may need to be transferred to the new homeowner.
• Ownership vs. Financing:
  Financing allows you to make monthly payments toward owning the system outright. Over time, this can result in substantial long-term savings and boosts resale value, provided the loan terms are favorable and the system is in good condition. But buyers are still turned off because they don’t want to assume an existing solar loan.

Desirable Solar Upgrades Buyers Love

These days, solar isn’t just about panels on the roof—it’s about smart energy solutions. Many homeowners in Las Vegas are adding premium features that not only boost convenience but can also help their home stand out when selling:

🔋 Tesla Powerwall – A sleek home battery that stores excess solar energy for use at night or during outages. Buyers love the energy independence and peace of mind.

🚗 Tesla Universal EV Wall Charger – A high-speed electric vehicle charger that works with any EV, not just Teslas. With more buyers driving electric, this feature is a huge plus.

📱 Span Smart Panel – A modern electrical panel that gives homeowners real-time control over their energy usage, including smart automation and backup prioritization.

Adding these extras makes your solar setup more attractive, tech-forward, and future-proof. Homes with energy storage, EV readiness, and smart panels can often sell faster and for more—especially to younger or eco-conscious buyers looking for turnkey sustainability.

Final Thoughts: Is Solar Worth It in Las Vegas?

With endless sunshine, rising energy costs, and growing buyer demand for energy-efficient homes, solar can be a smart investment in Las Vegas—but only if done right.

If you own the system outright and consider adding smart features like a Tesla Powerwall, universal EV charger, or Span Smart Panel, your home becomes more attractive, future-ready, and potentially more valuable.

However, if your solar system is leased, financed, or under a PPA, it could complicate the selling process and limit your buyer pool.

Bottom line:
Solar is worth it in Las Vegas when it’s aligned with your long-term goals and set up to enhance resale value, not hinder it

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the Las Vegas Valley, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’ll get back to you personally and promptly. Thanks for visiting!

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Angela O’Hare
Favorite Las Vegas Realtor
REAL Broker LLC at Urban Nest
Lic. #180246
702-370-5112
[email protected]
www.neighborhoodsinlasvegas.com