NV Energy's net metering program is one of the most important factors in your solar savings calculation. Here's exactly how it works — and how to maximize it.
What Is Net Metering?
Net metering is a billing arrangement where your solar panels can send excess electricity to the grid, and NV Energy credits your account for that energy. When your panels aren't producing (at night, cloudy days), you draw from the grid — and your credits offset what you owe.
What Rate Does NV Energy Pay?
Nevada's net metering rules require NV Energy to credit solar customers at approximately 75% of the retail electricity rate. If retail electricity costs $0.12/kWh, you earn about $0.09/kWh for excess energy exported.
This is better than many states (California's NEM 3.0 dropped to as low as $0.02–$0.05/kWh in 2023), making Nevada one of the more favorable net metering states in the West.
How Credits Work Month to Month
Nevada net metering uses a 12-month true-up period:
- Each month, credits accumulate if your production exceeds usage
- Summer production peaks often build large credit balances
- Winter months draw down those credits
- At the end of 12 months, any remaining credit balance is paid out (though at a lower rate than the accumulated credit value)
The goal of good system design is to size your solar to roughly match your annual consumption — not dramatically over-produce, since end-of-year excess is settled at a lower rate.
How to Maximize Your Net Metering Benefits
- Right-size your system: Design for 90–100% of annual kWh usage, not 120%+
- Shift usage to daylight hours: Run dishwasher, laundry, and EV charging during peak solar production
- Consider adding battery storage: Store excess midday production to use at night instead of exporting it at 75% credit
- Time your large loads: Pool pumps, A/C pre-cooling — schedule these for 10am–3pm when panels produce most
Will NV Energy's Net Metering Change?
Nevada's net metering rules are reviewed periodically by the Public Utilities Commission. The current 75% retail rate has been stable since Nevada reversed its 2015 reduction in 2017. There's no scheduled change, but locking in your system before any potential policy shifts protects your rate under grandfathering provisions.