Nevada Solar Industry Pushes Back Against PUC's Proposal to Increase Rooftop Solar Costs

Nevada Solar Industry Opposes PUC's Draft Order

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) is calling on the Nevada Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to change course on a draft order that would make rooftop solar more expensive for homeowners in the state. The draft order, if implemented, would increase costs for Nevadans who want to install solar panels on their homes, making it harder for them to save money on their energy bills and reduce their carbon footprint.

Wil Gehl, Intermountain West Regional senior manager for SEIA, released a statement in response to the draft order, saying, “The draft order issued by the Nevada PUC is a step in the wrong direction for the state’s energy policy. Increasing costs for rooftop solar will only serve to discourage Nevadans from adopting this clean, renewable technology.”

The draft order comes at a time when the solar industry is already facing headwinds. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, making it more difficult for solar companies to meet demand. Additionally, the solar industry is facing uncertainty as the Trump administration considers imposing tariffs on imported solar panels.

Benefits of Rooftop Solar

Despite these challenges, the solar industry remains optimistic about the future of rooftop solar in Nevada. Rooftop solar has many benefits for homeowners, including lower energy bills, increased property values, and reduced carbon emissions. According to a report from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, homes with solar panels sell for an average of 4.1% more than non-solar homes.

Moreover, rooftop solar helps to reduce strain on the electrical grid during peak demand periods, reducing the need for costly infrastructure upgrades and improving overall grid reliability. As Nevada continues to grow, the importance of rooftop solar as a component of the state’s energy mix will only increase.

SEIA's Call to Action

SEIA is urging the Nevada PUC to reconsider the draft order and work with the solar industry to find a solution that promotes the adoption of rooftop solar while ensuring fair compensation for utilities. Gehl added, “We urge the Nevada PUC to work with the solar industry to find a solution that ensures fair compensation for utilities while also making rooftop solar accessible and affordable for Nevadans.”

SEIA is not alone in its opposition to the draft order. The Nevada Governor’s Office of Energy, as well as several environmental and consumer advocacy groups, have also expressed concern over the proposal. The PUC is expected to issue a final order in the coming months, and SEIA and its allies will continue to push for a policy that supports the growth of rooftop solar in Nevada.