Reno's Relaxed Approach to Solar Energy: What's Allowed

Every city handles solar energy a little differently. In Reno, Nevada, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Panel Permits

Reno rooftop solar needs a building and electrical permit. Contractors must hold a Nevada C-2 license. NV Energy interconnection is required, and NRS 704.7732 governs net metering tiers.

Key details: Permit: Building + electrical. Contractor: NV C-2 license. Net Metering: NRS 704.7732. Utility: NV Energy. Federal ITC: 30% through 2032.

Unpermitted solar install: stop-work, fines, inspection required, interconnection denied. Code violations: rework at owner expense.

Reno is more permissive than most cities when it comes to panel permits. That said, there are still limits.

HOA Restrictions

NRS 116.2055 prohibits Nevada HOAs from banning or unreasonably restricting solar systems. Reno HOAs can require reasonable placement and color, but cannot add over 10% to system cost.

Key details: Law: NRS 116.2055. Prohibition: HOAs cannot ban. Cost Cap: No >10% added cost. Efficiency: Cannot reduce significantly. Disputes: NV Real Estate Division.

HOA violating NRS 116.2055: owner can file complaint with Nevada Real Estate Division. Civil action may recover attorney fees.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Reno gives residents more flexibility on hoa restrictions.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Reno gives residents more room on solar energy. 2 of the 2 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

These rules come from Reno's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.