⚠️ 2026 update on the federal tax credit
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025 for systems you buy with cash or a loan. Cost and savings figures on this page that assume that credit may be out of date. Two things still apply: Nevada's sales-tax and property-tax exemptions and NV Energy net metering, and systems on a lease or PPA may still qualify for a federal incentive through the end of 2027. For numbers that reflect today's incentives, book a free review and talk to a tax professional about your situation.
Anthem and Boulder City are the highest-elevation solar markets in Clark County, and that elevation is worth real money — modules in Anthem (2,400–2,900 ft) produce roughly 2–3% more annually than the valley floor. Boulder City is the only municipal utility (BCEU) in the metro and has its own net metering rules separate from NV Energy. I've done 11 installs across Anthem and 4 in Boulder City and the math is different in each.
Anthem — Henderson's south-end master plan
Anthem is in 89052 and split between Sun City Anthem (55+), Anthem Country Club, and the open-age Anthem Coventry / Anthem Highlands sections. Elevation 2,400–2,900 ft. Roofs are dominated by concrete S-tile (Pulte, Del Webb, Toll Brothers builds). Average summer bill is high — $340–$520 — because of pools and bigger square footage.
Sun City Anthem HOA — slow but consistent
Sun City Anthem's architectural committee meets every 3 weeks. Plan on a 21–28 day approval. They require concealed conduit, paint-matched flashings, and a setback from the ridge. Once approved, install is straightforward. I've never had a Sun City Anthem submittal rejected; just delayed.
Anthem Country Club — strictest in the area
ACC has the toughest aesthetic standards. They want tile-replacement flashings (no L-feet on tile), all conduit hidden, and panels set back 18 inches from any visible ridge. Approval averages 18 days. You're constrained on layout but the homes are big enough that production isn't a problem.
Boulder City — completely different ballgame
Boulder City Electric Utility (BCEU) is municipal. Net metering exists but at 1:1 retail credit (better than NV Energy's 75% tier). Cap is 100% of prior 12-month consumption. Interconnection is faster than NV Energy — I've had PTO in 18 days. The catch: BCEU has stricter inspection standards and the city building department reviews every install.
Boulder City HOA situation
Most of Boulder City is HOA-free — older town, traditional lots. The newer Boulder Creek and Lake Mountain Estates pockets have HOAs but they're small and approve quickly (7–10 days). NRS 278.0208 applies the same as anywhere in Nevada.
Elevation production gain — real numbers
I have side-by-side data: same panel model, same azimuth, one home in Anthem at 2,750 ft, one in Henderson 89014 at 1,650 ft. Anthem produced 4.1% more annually. Cooler module temps + thinner atmosphere. That's not a marketing pitch; it's measured.
Wind and Boulder City's microclimate
Boulder City sits in a wind corridor between the Eldorado Valley and Lake Mead. Sustained winds 15–25 mph are normal in spring. I run 150 mph wind calcs on every Boulder City install and use 6-attachment-per-panel layouts instead of the standard 4. Adds about $300 in materials but it's not optional.
Anthem payback math
12 kW system in Anthem CC: $36k cash (the 30% federal credit ended December 31, 2025 for purchased systems, so there's no federal reduction off that now), ~$5,800/year offset. Full payback runs roughly 9–12 years on a cash purchase now that the credit has ended, though NV Energy's rising rates keep pulling that number down. Sun City Anthem typically smaller (10 kW), similar payback range.
Boulder City payback math
8 kW system, $24k cash — the 30% federal credit ended December 31, 2025 for purchased systems, so that's the price now. Average BCEU customer offset: $1,800–$2,200/year (lower rates than NV Energy but 1:1 net metering). Payback runs roughly 9–12 years for a cash purchase now that the credit has ended, though rising utility rates keep pulling that number down.
The federal credit has ended — rising rates are the new urgency
The 30% federal residential solar credit expired December 31, 2025 for systems a homeowner buys with cash or a loan. A lease or PPA (third-party-owned) setup can still capture a federal incentive through the end of 2027, but for an owned system that money is gone. The real reason to move now isn't a credit deadline — it's that NV Energy rates have climbed about 9.5% in the past year to roughly 17.45¢/kWh. Locking in your own generation cost is the hedge. I tell every Anthem/Boulder City client to move in the year they're ready, not wait for rates to climb further.
Want a real number?
Address + utility bill (NV Energy or BCEU) and I'll send back a quote with the elevation production adjustment factored in. Henderson solar or request a quote.