Nevada Renters: How Solar Power Credits Can Lower Your Utility Bills

Are you a Nevada renter curious about reducing your electricity costs? With rising utility expenses, understanding solar power credits and your rights as a tenant is more important than ever. Nevada's laws and programs offer pathways for renters to benefit from clean energy—and potentially lower monthly bills.

What Are Solar Power Credits?

Solar power credits, also called net metering credits, allow people who use solar panels to get financial credits for the excess electricity they produce and send back to the grid. In Nevada, certain multi-unit buildings with solar installations can share these credits with tenants, helping reduce electricity charges.

Do Nevada Renters Qualify for Solar Power Credits?

If you live in an apartment or rental home, your access to solar power credits depends on the type of building and agreement with your landlord:

• Individually Metered Units: If your apartment or house has its own power meter and the landlord participates in a solar program like NV Energy's SolarGenerations, you may directly receive solar credits on your bill.
• Master Metered Buildings: In buildings where utilities are bundled, credits may go to the property owner. Some landlords share these savings through reduced rents or separate utility cost adjustments.

Your Rights Under Nevada Law

Nevada's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NRS Chapter 118A) outlines your rights. Landlords must provide clear information about how utilities are billed and disclose if you benefit from solar credits. If your landlord installs solar panels after your lease begins, any adjustments to your utility charges should be communicated in writing.^[1]

How to Check If You Receive Solar Credits

To find out if you’re getting solar credits as a Nevada renter:

• Review your Nevada Power/NV Energy utility bill for "Net Metering Credit" or similar line items.
• Ask your landlord directly if any solar savings are applied to your rental or utilities.
• Check your lease for mentions of solar, renewable energy credits, or utility sharing arrangements.

What If You Think You're Missing Out?

If solar credits appear to be generated by your building but are not reflected on your bill, you have options:

• Request written clarification from your landlord about solar credit allocation.
• Contact NV Energy Customer Service at NV Energy's official support for billing questions.
• If disputes arise, Nevada renters can seek help from the Nevada Housing Division's Landlord/Tenant program.

Official Forms for Renters

• Nevada Tenant Complaint Form (Landlord-Tenant)
  Name/Number: "Tenant Complaint Form" – No assigned form number
  When to use: If your landlord does not provide clear information about solar credits or utility billing, use this form to file a complaint with the Nevada Housing Division. For example, a renter who believes promised solar savings haven't been credited may submit this form.
  Download the Nevada Tenant Complaint Form (PDF)
• Utility Service Complaint Submission (PUCN)
  Name/Number: Public Utilities Commission of Nevada Consumer Complaint Form
  When to use: If your complaint involves NV Energy or electric billing practices directly, submit this form to the PUCN. For example, use if you are receiving a bill and believe net metering credits from solar installations are missing.
  File a Utility Complaint with PUCN

How Does Net Metering Work in Nevada?

Nevada's net metering program requires utilities like NV Energy to credit customers for excess energy sent back to the grid. For renters, credits are only shared if the property owner allows it or participates in a Shared Solar or Community Solar program. Detailed rules are set by the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN).

Action Steps if You Have a Solar Credit Issue

• Read your lease and utility bills for solar credit language
• Contact your landlord in writing about any discrepancies
• File the Nevada Tenant Complaint Form, if your issue isn’t resolved
• Submit a complaint to the PUCN for utility billing issues

Taking these steps can help clarify your rights and ensure transparency regarding solar savings.

FAQ: Nevada Renters and Solar Power Credits

1. Can my landlord charge me for solar panels?
   If the landlord owns the solar panels, they may adjust rent or utility costs, but must disclose changes in writing and follow Nevada rental law.
2. What if my lease doesn't mention solar energy?
   If solar panels are installed after your tenancy begins, the landlord should provide written notice about how credits or costs are handled.
3. Do all Nevada renters qualify for solar savings?
   No, only those living in buildings participating in recognized utility or solar programs, and with landlord agreement, generally benefit.
4. How do I dispute a missing utility credit in Nevada?
   First, contact your landlord. If unresolved, file a complaint with the Nevada Housing Division or the PUCN for utility bill disputes.
5. Where can I find legal information about tenant energy rights?
   Review the Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NRS 118A) for current statutory protections.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Nevada renters may save on electricity by receiving solar credits, but eligibility depends on building setup and landlord participation.
• Landlords must disclose changes to utility billing and solar credit allocation in writing and follow state law.
• If disputes or confusion arise, use official complaint forms and state agencies for support.

Understanding your solar credit options can help you make informed decisions about your rental and utility agreements.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Nevada Housing Division: Landlord/Tenant Resources – Tenancy dispute guidance, official forms, and contacts.
• Public Utilities Commission of Nevada (PUCN) Consumer Portal – Utility complaints and solar power credit info.
• NV Energy Solar Programs – Details on solar options and billing info.
• Nevada Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (NRS 118A) – Complete legal rights and responsibilities.

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1. Nevada Revised Statutes – Chapter 118A: Landlord and Tenant: Dwellings
2. Nevada Housing Division – Landlord/Tenant Program
3. Public Utilities Commission of Nevada
4. NV Energy Solar Programs

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