Property owners nationwide can benefit from installing solar panels, but each state offers a unique array of advantages. In Nevada, homeowners and commercial building owners stand to benefit immensely from the state’s long, sunny days and clear skies that promise efficiency for every well-positioned panel.
In this guide, discover the number of solar panels you need to power your property, how to pick the right panels for the job, and why Nevada offers so much promise for solar panels.
How Much Solar Energy Can You Generate in Nevada?
When you think of solar energy, you might picture wide open skies, bright sunlight, and long daylight hours—and nothing fits that image better than Nevada. Here, homeowners and business property owners can install solar panels and access hours of sunlight all year long. Specifically, Nevada offers lots of potential during its peak sun hours, when there is direct sunlight and you can get approximately 1,000 watts of photovoltaic power potential for every square meter of the panel.
Nevada has a high level of solar irradiance, or the amount of sunlight across the calendar. If you live in or around Las Vegas, expect 300 sunny days every year. Even on days that have some cloud coverage, you can still generate a lot of solar energy.
Other Factors Impacting the Amount of Solar Energy You Generate
While it’s important to be in a location with a lot of sunlight, that’s not the only factor that determines how much solar energy you can capture and use. Some of the other factors include:
Your Solar Panels’ Efficiency
Different constructions have differing levels of ability to convert sunlight. When shopping for solar panels, look for ones made with high-quality materials and a high efficiency rating.
Number of Panels You Have
Another key component impacting the amount of solar energy you get is the amount of panels or the total square footage of photovoltaic cells across your roof. Expect to need between 18 and 26 panels depending on the size of your property and the amount of energy it needs to fulfill your solar goals.
Where You Position Your Panels
A general best practice is to put your panels on the southern side of a pitched roof, but the angle also needs to align with the sun’s movement across the sky. Professionals can install the panels at the right angle and in the right direction for maximum direct exposure.
Ways To Increase Your Solar Energy Potential
Even when you have Nevada’s sunny skies, it pays to try and maximize your solar energy potential. Follow these helpful tips to make your solar energy generation as efficient (and as high-capacity) as possible:
- Select high-efficiency panels: As you search for panels, look for reputable brands that use the best materials and have high-efficiency capabilities.
- Keep your solar panels clean over time: When solar panels get dirty, they are less able to convert sunlight into energy.
- Protect your panels from birds: Consider installing spikes to prevent birds from landing on your roof and making nests.
- Remove sources of shade: For optimal efficiency, install the panels away from trees and other buildings to ensure they get the most sunlight.
Explore the Possibilities of Solar Energy in Nevada
Nevada is a sunny state, and solar panels have a bright future here. Not only can you access reliable, cheap energy, but you can also benefit from tax credits, net metering opportunities, and a growing pro-solar momentum across the state.
To start creating a plan, download our Ultimate Guide to Going Solar or reach out to our team of solar panel experts serving Clark County and the Greater Las Vegas area. We can assess how much energy you need, what panels can do the job best, and your timeline for energy independence.
