New Orleans Solar Power

Solar panels on your roof? New law makes leasing possible

Parking garages typically serve one obvious function.

But drive to the top of the parking garage on First and Sierra Streets in downtown Reno, and you’ll realize that this is one facility that also can take the heat.

Solar panels have turned the garage from a one-trick pony to a building that harnesses renewable energy. And thanks to a new Nevada law, proponents of green energy are predicting that similar projects will become more common across the Silver State.

The new law, Assembly Bill 186, makes it easier for companies to lease renewable systems such as solar panels to public and private entities. The law came into effect Oct. 1 and should be officially finalized by December.

On the surface, the law is a “pretty simple piece of legislation” that’s more akin to a tweaking of the rules, said renewable energy lobbyist Tom Clark. But that simple tweak has potentially big implications and could especially provide a boost to Nevada’s solar industry.

“There are huge benefits from an economic perspective and a jobs perspective,” Clark said. “Nevada is in a footrace with other Western states in trying to invite renewable companies. This law, along with other laws that provide incentives for renewable energy, sends a message that Nevada is the place to be when it comes to doing things related to renewable energy.”