Commercial, Regulation, Solar  -  June 13, 2017 - By Amy Poszywak

Solar companies prepare to flock back into Nevada

Following the passage of a series of clean energy industry-friendly bills by the Nevada Legislature, at least three solar companies have announced plans to restart operations in the state if and when Gov. Brian Sandoval signs them into law. 

The bills include A.B. 405, which would restore net metering rates close to retail for rooftop solar customers that the state reduced in 2015 after a highly contested debate between the solar industry and Nevada's largest utility, NV Energy. The 2015 decision to reduce net metering rates in the state had resulted in a number of residential solar companies exiting the market.

Thus far, the solar companies planning to return to Nevada include Tesla's SolarCity, Vivint Solar and Sunrun. 

"We are very pleased Nevada officials have recognized the broad public support of rooftop solar and reestablished the state's commitment to the future of renewable energy," David Bywater, CEO of Vivint Solar, said in June 8 statement speaking directly to the net metering bill. "This bill demonstrates the power of building consensus across stakeholders to find a win-win-win solution for the residential solar industry, utilities and Nevada consumers. We look forward to bringing jobs, consumer choice and affordable solar power back to the state of Nevada."

Vivint's statement followed similar ones from SolarCity and Sunrun. Tesla said in an earlier statement that the net metering legislation, if enacted, will create thousands of jobs and bring millions of dollars in economic benefits to Nevada, according to a report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The newspaper also reported that the governor has indicated he will sign the net metering bill.

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