Resources > Consumer protection in Nevada

Consumer protection in Nevada

• Factsheet

Nevada ranks sixth in the country for solar. As the industry grows to meet the demand, Solar United Neighbors (SUN) is here for consumers every step of the way.

The solar industry in Nevada has many reputable providers. Still, every state has a few bad actors. It’s important that customers do their research and beware of false claims and solar scams.

What to look out for

Be cautious of unsolicited door-to-door solar sales. 

Nefarious salespeople can use door-to-door sales to pressure homeowners. Never sign a solar contract or financing agreement you don’t fully understand. 

If a claim sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

One common false claim about solar is that you can get a solar system for free. Another is that after going solar you won’t have to pay an electric bill again. Saving money with solar is typical, but solar won’t eliminate your electric bill completely. You might still pay for fixed monthly fees or for the cost of using utility electricity when solar production is lower.

It’s a big red flag if a contractor can’t or won’t share their license number. ​​

Any person or company advertising or offering to install a solar system on your home or business must have a Nevada contractor’s license or be properly authorized under state law. 

Bottom line: If you feel uncomfortable about signing a contract, don’t.

Your solar rights in Nevada

Nevada state law protects solar customers from bad actors and solar scams. You have the following rights when buying solar:

It’s your right to ask for a contractor’s name and license number before discussing solar with them. 

In fact, Nevada law requires that contractors display their license numbers on advertisements, contracts, and other documentation.

You have the right to receive a written contract with all pertinent information.

The contract you receive from your installer must include the following information:

• The contractor’s name, address, license number, and monetary limit
• Your information, including name and mailing address
• The contract date and estimated date of completed installation
• A description of the work
• Finance information such as contract value including taxes, amount of down payment (not to exceed $1,000 or 10% of the aggregate contract value, whichever is less), and schedule of payments (which must not be in excess of 100% of the value of the work performed on the project at any time, excluding financing charges, except for the initial down payment)
• Disclosures required under NRS 624.600, as well as the full retail price of a kilowatt-hour, any offsetting tariff, and the utility that provides electric service when the contract is executed.
• A statement that any change orders must be agreed to in writing by both parties and incorporated into the original contract.
• A plan and scale drawing of new residential solar projects, showing the shape, size, and dimensions/specifications for the construction and equipment.

View a full, updated list of Contract Requirements on the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) website.

It is your right to contact a regulatory body for assistance.

If you need help understanding your contract, you have the right to contact the NSCB or the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN).

The NSCB promotes quality construction in Nevada, including solar installation. The PUCN regulates investor-owned utilities in the state, including NV Energy.

Resources for Nevada solar customers

• How to read your solar contract
• Verify a contractor’s license
• Check for unlicensed violators in Nevada
• File a fraud complaint with the NSCB