Nevada: NV Energy is taking applications for its Expanded Solar Access Program (ESAP) through October 31, 2026. The program gives income-qualified residential customers solar energy at a guaranteed lower rate — with no panels to install, nothing on your roof, and no installer to hire. If you qualify, you apply, and NV Energy assigns you a share of solar from utility-scale and community-based projects.

Applications opened September 1, 2026. The window closes October 31, and applying does not guarantee a spot — so if this fits your household, do not wait until the last week.

What ESAP is — and what it is not

ESAP is a rate program, not a rebate and not a rooftop solar installation. Enrolled customers get a discount on the energy portion of their electric bill while helping pay for new clean energy resources in Nevada. Nothing is installed at your home, you do not own any equipment, and there is no system to maintain.

NV Energy says participants are currently saving more than 8% on the cost of their electric use, and that in 2026 participants are saving an average of 8% to 9% on electric consumption, depending on their rate. Read that carefully: the percentage applies to the energy portion of the bill, not the whole bill. It is a real saving, but it is not 8–9% off every dollar you pay NV Energy.

Who qualifies

To qualify for the income-qualified residential category, you must be:

• A bundled residential NV Energy customer — the program runs through your own NV Energy account, so the account needs to be in your name.
• At or below 80% of the Area Median Income for your area, as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — or able to show eligibility through a qualifying assistance program instead.
• A customer without rooftop solar. The application asks whether you currently have a rooftop solar system, and having one makes you ineligible for ESAP.

One honest gap: because ESAP runs through the account holder's own account, NV Energy's published material does not explain how a renter whose electricity comes through a landlord or a master meter would take part. If that is your situation, ask NV Energy directly before assuming you qualify.

You can look up NV Energy and other utilities serving Nevada on our electric utilities directory.

How to apply

Applications are accepted online, through MyAccount, or by mail with supporting documentation, and must be in by October 31, 2026. You will need to document your eligibility — household income at or below 80% of area median income, or participation in a qualifying assistance program. The program page is at nvenergy.com/esap.

Already enrolled? Current ESAP participants who want to keep participating in 2027 must also complete recertification by October 31, 2026, with updated eligibility documentation. NV Energy is sending current participants details by email and U.S. mail — do not assume your enrollment simply rolls over.

What happens after you apply

Applying does not guarantee enrollment. ESAP has a set annual capacity, and if the number of eligible applicants exceeds that capacity, NV Energy will hold a lottery in December to decide who participates.

One change worth knowing: the program's Disadvantaged Business/Nonprofit and Eligible Premises categories close effective January 1, 2027, which shifts the available capacity to income-qualified residential customers.

No roof for panels? ESAP is not the only route

ESAP exists for households that cannot or do not want to install panels — renters with their own account, shaded roofs, or homes where rooftop solar does not pencil out. If your barrier is the roof itself, small plug-in systems are another option worth understanding: our guide to balcony solar panels explains what they are, how they work, and who they are for. And if you do have a usable roof and want to compare rooftop solar for your home, you can get a quote and see what an installer would charge.

Checklist before you apply

• Confirm you are a bundled residential NV Energy customer and the account holder.
• Check your household income against 80% of HUD area median income for your area — or gather proof of participation in a qualifying assistance program.
• Confirm you do not already have a rooftop solar system.
• Apply online, through MyAccount, or by mail at nvenergy.com/esap — before October 31, 2026.
• If you are already enrolled, complete recertification with updated documents by October 31, 2026.
• Remember: applying is not a guarantee. If applications exceed capacity, a December lottery decides.

Bottom line for Nevada: ESAP is one of the few solar savings options that requires no roof, no panels, and no upfront cost — a lower solar rate for income-qualified NV Energy customers. The trade-off is the deadline and the lottery: applications close October 31, 2026, and a spot is not guaranteed. If you qualify, apply early.