LAS VEGAS (AP) — State officials plan to do a fresh study on whether rooftop solar is a net benefit for Nevada ratepayers.

The Nevada Board of Examiners approved nearly $67,000 so a contractor can re-do a cost analysis published in 2014.

The report was cited by parties on both sides of the recent debate about whether to raise rates on customers who participate in net metering. It found that rooftop solar systems provide a net benefit of $36 million to the state's ratepayer base, but that it could be a net burden if some market factors changed.

Officials with the Public Utilities Commission said Tuesday that the price of utility grade solar has dropped significantly since the last study, and a fresh analysis could inform regulators as they consider rate changes this summer.