News > Bringing solar power and energy rights to Nevada 

Bringing solar power and energy rights to Nevada 

• Solar United Neighbors

February 13, 2025

• Krupa Bharodiya

Solar United Neighbors (SUN) began with a simple idea: neighbors helping neighbors go solar. That grassroots movement has since grown into a national nonprofit, and now, SUN is thrilled to announce our expansion into Nevada with Julia Hubbard serving as the Nevada Program Director. With over a decade of experience building partnerships with faith-based nonprofits both domestically and internationally, Julia brings proven leadership in driving community change to our work in the Silver State.

Why Nevada? Why now?

Nevada should be a prime mover in solar energy use, with its long history of resource innovation, abundant sunshine and strong public support for solar power. Yet, instead of embracing solar for households, Nevada’s monopoly utilities continue to build expensive methane gas plants that increase costs for consumers. Studies show that one in five Nevada families struggle to pay their energy bills.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Solar is the most affordable power source available, and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made it even more accessible. The law restores and extends federal solar tax credits. Currently the IRA allows homeowners who install solar between the start of 2022 through the end of 2032 to deduct 30% of the cost from their federal income taxes. If a solar owner owes less than that amount in federal taxes for the year they install their system, they can carry over any unused credit to the next year.

Beyond the panels: How solar benefits Nevada families

As former Nevada Lieutenant Governor Kate Marshall recently highlighted, clean energy investments in the state have created more than 21,000 skilled local jobs (paying well above median wages) and have attracted $15 billion in economic investment to the state. An average rooftop solar panel system saves families approximately $1,500 in the first year alone on electricity bills, with a typical system paying for itself in less than 10 years.*

These benefits extend beyond individual solar owners. Rooftop solar reduces strain on our power grid and decreases reliance on distant power plants, which means fewer expensive long-distance transmission lines. During peak demand periods – like the record-breaking 120-degree day Las Vegas experienced on July 7, 2024 – local solar generation helps avoid firing up costly backup power plants. This not only improves air quality but also preserves water resources, as traditional power plants consume massive amounts of water for cooling.

2025 goals

Nevada shows tremendous potential for solar energy. As Solar United Neighbors establishes its presence in the Silver State, three key priorities will guide our work in 2025 to help more residents access solar’s benefits:

1. Represent our growing list of 25,000 Nevada solar owners and supporters in the Legislature. We’ll track key bills, keep you informed, and help you take action by contacting your legislator, indicating your support of a bill, or even helping you write a Letter to the Editor. We’ll be offering a number of training sessions so that you can use your voice effectively.
2. Prepare to launch our first group-buy program. SUN’s group-buy programs are a community-driven approach where local residents join together to collectively purchase solar panels, negotiate better prices, and simplify the process of going solar. Participants leverage their bulk-purchasing power to get discounted pricing and a quality installation while still signing individual contracts that ensure the right system for their home. It’s essentially a neighborhood-led solar purchasing group that empowers communities to take control of their energy future. SUN has run successful group-buys nationwide, including in Arizona and Texas. 
3. Engage at the Public Utility Commission to advocate for and defend solar rights. The Nevada Public Utility Commission regulates utilities in Nevada. We’ll advocate for fair solar policies and alert you to public hearings where you can push for affordable rates and clean energy. There will be General Consumer Sessions early this fall in both Reno and Las Vegas where you can make your voice heard.
4. Support people and institutions in Nevada in going solar. We will help government agencies and non-profits, including places of worship, access federal incentives. We also are here to support the Nevada Clean Energy Fund’s Solar For All programming, which is intended to benefit 20,000 low- to moderate-income households in Nevada. SUN’s Solar Help Desk can help you navigate the process of going solar wherever you are on your journey. Reach out if you have questions! 

We want to hear from you! What’s on your mind when it comes to solar these days? Join fellow solar supporters, stay up to date on Nevada’s solar news, and share your experiences in our SUN Nevada Facebook Group. And stay informed about our work and learn about ways to get involved by signing up for our email list.

*Individual results depend on several key factors, including your home’s energy usage patterns, roof orientation and shading, local utility rates and policies, available solar incentives, and current electricity consumption. Your specific savings may vary.