Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Nebraska (2024 Reviews)

In this guide to Nebraska’s best solar companies, you’ll learn:

  • What are the best solar companies in Nebraska?
  • How can you save money going solar in Nebraska?
  • Will solar panels increase the value of your Nebraska home?
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Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.”

What Are Nebraska’s Top 6 Solar Energy Companies?

Despite solar’s lack of prominence in the state, Nebraska is still a great place to go solar. The Cornhusker state sees more sun than the national average at 223 sunny days per year.1 Switching to solar in Nebraska creates a potential energy savings of roughly $735 per year and total savings of around $18,399 after the system pays for itself.

Going solar in Nebraska is often an easy choice to make, but choose an installer to get there is much more complicated. So, what are the best solar companies in Nebraska? The EcoWatch team has ranked each of Nebraska’s solar installers based on who provides the best service specifically to Nebraska homeowners. Here are our top six picks:

  • GenPro Energy Solutions
  • GRNE Solar
  • Everlight Solar
  • Solar Omaha
  • Great Plains Renewables

Read on if you’d like to learn more about why we picked these companies as the best solar installers in Nebraska. You can click on the free quote button at any time to get connected with the most reputable installers in your area and find out how much you can save by installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) system.

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GenPro Energy Solutions

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • NABCEP-certified technicians
  • Competitive pricing
  • Multitude of products and services

Cons

  • No leases or PPAs
  • Limited warranty coverage
Badge icon

GRNE Solar

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Comprehensive service offerings
  • Excellent reputation

Cons

  • Limited brands of solar equipment available
Badge icon

Everlight Solar

Outstanding Regional Installer

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Expansive service area
  • Award-winning company
  • Representatives are experts on local policies

Cons

  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
  • Relatively young company
Badge icon

Solar Omaha

Solar Veteran

Regional Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Many years of experience
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Custom system designs

Cons

  • Limited information available on website
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Limited service offerings
  • Limited warranty coverage
Badge icon

Great Plains Renewables

Outstanding Local Installer

Local Service

EcoWatch rating

Average cost

Pros

  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies

Cons

  • Relatively young company
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Expensive
  • Limited warranty coverage

Watch Below: Learn How Solar Panels Are Becoming So Efficient

How Can You Save Money When Hiring A Solar Company In Nebraska

close up of solar panel details

The average cost of a solar panel system in Nebraska is $37,275 before applying the federal solar tax credit, or $26,093 after the credit is considered. But these costs reflect a fairly large 10.5 kilowatt (kW) solar panel system (the size needed to offset the average monthly energy usage in Nebraska).

Solar panel systems in Nebraska are typically priced per-watt, with the average cost in Nebraska at $3.55 per watt, so if you consume less energy, you could install a smaller, less-expensive solar system. Solar system prices in Nebraska typically range from $28,400 to $49,700 before applying any financial incentives.

Unfortunately, solar in Nebraska is still quite more expensive compared to the national average of $3.33 per watt. That doesn’t mean that it’s not worth going solar in Nebraska, as many solar customers still see plenty of electricity savings. But it does mean you’ll want to pull out all the stops to save money on your solar panels by doing the following:

  • Take advantage of the federal solar tax credit
  • Choose your solar equipment brands wisely
  • Only install as many solar panels as you need
  • Shop around for the best quotes

Take Advantage of the Federal Solar Tax Credit

The federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the best financial incentive available to Nebraska homeowners who install solar panels. It’s a tax credit worth 30% of your total solar system cost, which in Nebraska comes out to roughly $11,183 on average.

But we want to be clear that the ITC is not a rebate, but rather a reduction on income taxes that you owe. This credit gets applied to your income taxes for the year your system is installed.

The downside is that if you don’t owe $11,183 in income taxes, you won’t get the full 30% back. However, the credit can be rolled over for up to five years.

Importantly, the ITC applies to all solar equipment, including batteries, which are crucial to maximizing solar savings in Nebraska. The typical cost of batteries sits between $10,000 and $20,000, so the ITC can be worth an average of between $3,300 and $6,600 more than the figure above if you also install batteries.

While the ITC is the largest incentive for going solar in Nebraska, there are a few others. Below is an overview of what’s available:

NEBRASKA SOLAR INCENTIVE DESCRIPTION
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) The federal solar tax credit is the most significant solar incentive in Nebraska, where solar is still growing in popularity and prevalence. This credit gets applied to your federal income tax liability the year you convert to solar, and the credit amount is equal to 30% of your total solar energy system cost.2 This rate will drop to 26% in 2033 and 22% in 2034 before being phased out in 2035.
Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing (PACE) The PACE program affords unique solar panel financing options to homeowners and business owners looking to convert to solar. The loans cover all upfront costs for eligible parties and are repaid over time with relatively little interest.3 PACE loans are attached to the property rather than the individual, so the value of the home is often used as collateral rather than an individual’s credit score.
Net Metering Net metering is a billing policy that lets you pull energy from the grid when your panels underproduce and offset the costs of that energy by sending power to the grid when your panels overproduce.4 Ultimately, this policy helps reduce or eliminate electricity bills once solar is installed in your home. We’ll discuss the specifics of Nebraska’s net metering policy below.
Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Community Renewable Energy Projects Nebraska incentivizes community-based solar projects by waiving sales tax on related solar equipment. This policy helps reduce the cost of community solar and other energy-efficiency initiatives, including geothermal and biomass projects.5 This affects homeowners who can enjoy pass-through savings when committing to community solar.
Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Generation Facilities Nebraska provides a property tax exemption to prevent your taxes from increasing as a result of going solar, but only in some cases. This incentive only applies to systems greater than 100 kilowatts, which is far larger than any single home would have installed.6 Instead, this helps avoid your property taxes from going up if you opt into a community solar project.

Choose Your Solar Panel Wisely

Most people don’t think of sunshine when they think of Nebraska, but it’s actually the 14th sunniest state in the nation.7 That means you don’t need the most expensive, highest-efficiency solar panels to get good energy creation out of your panels.

The price of going solar will vary based on the type of solar panel you choose. Most homeowners in Nebraska install monocrystalline or polycrystalline solar panels.

Type of solar panel isn’t the only factor. Just like with clothes, different brands of solar panels each come with varying qualities and price tags.

Because Nebraska sees a good amount of sunshine, you may be able to save on solar panels by choosing more affordable solar panel brands like Silfab or Qcells.

Only Install As Many Solar Panels As You Need

Nebraska homes consume 1,013 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month, which is much higher than the national monthly average of 881 kilowatt-hours.8 So the average Nebraska homeowner will need a relatively big 10.5 kW solar panel system to offset all of their energy needs.

However, your energy consumption may fall below average, which means you could get away with installing a smaller (and therefore less expensive) system. The table below shows how the size of your solar panel system affects the total cost before and after applying the ITC.

Size of Solar Panel System Nebraska Solar Panel Cost Cost After Federal Tax Credit
8 kW $28,400 $19,880
9 kW $31,950 $22,365
10 kW $35,500 $24,850
11 kW $39,050 $27,335
12 kW $42,600 $29,820
13 kW $46,150 $32,305
14 kW $49,700 $34,790

Shop Around For the Best Quotes

Nebraska has been slower to the solar revolution, with only 14 installers headquartered in the Cornhusker State according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).9 But, there are a few bigger companies that serve Nebraska, too, that may not be included in that number.

Regardless, we recommend getting solar quotes from two or more of the companies featured in this review to ensure you’re getting the best value solar panels. If you prefer one company over another but it’s more expensive, use the lower quote as a bargaining chip to see if you can save some money on your solar installation.

See Also: Calculate How Much You Can Save By Going Solar

Will Solar Increase Your Home Value In Nebraska?

Adding a typical kW solar panel system to your home in Nebraska can increase your property value by $17,000, according to SunPower.10

Multiple studies have confirmed that solar panels do increase the value of a home. Research from Zillow also shows that homes with solar panels typically sell for 4% more compared to homes without.11 With the average home value in Nebraska sitting at $245,663 as of January 2024, the value bump could be a bit more modest at around $10,072.

Should Nebraska Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer Or DIY?

Cost is the number one reason why homeowners hesitate to install solar panels — especially in Nebraska where it’s a bit more expensive compared to the national average — $3.55 per watt as opposed to the national average of $3.33 per watt.

You may be wondering if you could save some money going solar by installing your own solar panels. But is DIY solar panel installation a good idea?

  • How much do you save with a DIY solar panel installation?
  • Are you capable of installing your own solar panels?
  • Do you still get a warranty with DIY solar panel installation?

How Much Do You Save With a DIY Solar Installation in Nebraska?

To figure out how much you’d save by installing your own solar panels, we first need to know how much labor costs in a solar installation. The truth is that it varies by company, but according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, labor typically accounts for at least 10% of the total cost of solar installation.12

In Nebraska where the average solar panel installation costs $37,275, installing your own panels could save you about $3,725. So we can see while it’s tempting. But don’t let cost be the only deciding factor here.

Are You Capable of Installing Your Own Solar Panels?

If you’re a handy homeowner, you might be feeling confident in a DIY solar panel installation. After all, we’re all experts after watching a few YouTube videos, right?

Not so fast.

Installing solar is more complicated than you think. Unless you’re an electrician or certified in a similar trade, we don’t recommend installing your own solar panels. There’s a reason why solar technicians have to go through rigorous training and licensing — it’s not an easy job. Installing solar comes with a lot of risks to you and your home.

Solar installation companies also have fancy software designed to find the exact angle and placement of panels to maximize production, which can lead to savings of well over $3,725 when you consider 25 years of production.

If you install your solar panels improperly, you run the risk of losing out on major solar power benefits. And that’s not to mention the potential home and roof damage you could cause in the process.

Do You Still Get a Warranty With DIY Solar Panel Installation?

If you buy solar panels for your home instead of hiring a solar panel company, the panels and equipment you purchase may still be covered under the product manufacturer’s warranty. That’s typically a 10 to 25-year guarantee that the panels won’t fail.

Some solar panel brands may also offer a performance warranty, which guarantees 90% of solar electric production for 10 years and 80% at 25 years.

However, many manufacturer and performance warranties include language that they’re only valid if the solar PV system is installed by a professional technician.

If you’re planning a DIY installation, be sure to call the manufacturer and ask for clarification on the warranty to make sure your solar investment will be protected. Even if you’re capable of installing the panels, you don’t want to run the risk of being out of luck if you have a faulty panel.

Bottom line: solar is a big investment. While you may be able to save a few thousand dollars by performing a DIY solar installation in Nebraska, consider that you may put yourself, your home and your solar equipment at risk. The smartest thing to do is to protect your investment by hiring a reputable solar company.

What Should Nebraska Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?

There are over a dozen solar companies in Nebraska to choose from. Aside from price, what factors should you consider when trying to decide which installer is best for you? We recommend finding a company that fits the following criteria:

  • Strong warranty coverage
  • Battery storage and energy efficiency add-ons
  • Solar financing options
  • Great company experience and reputation

A Strong Warranty

Going solar isn’t cheap, so you want to get the most out of your investment. Your solar panels should last you at least 25 years, so you shouldn’t accept a panel warranty that’s any less than that.

Everlight Solar and Nelnet offer 25-year equipment or performance warranties, which is why they scored highly in this category. All three also offer workmanship warranties of at least 10 years, which is in line with the industry average and will ensure that your panels are properly installed.

Battery Storage Add-Ons

Power outages aren’t incredibly common in Nebraska as a whole, but the state is certainly no stranger to severe weather conditions that may reduce your solar energy production for periods of time.

That’s why many Nebraska homeowners who install solar panels also install a solar battery storage system. Your panels are almost always going to produce more electricity than what’s needed to power your home during the day. If you have a solar battery, that excess energy is stored in your home for you to use at night or during periods of low to no sunshine.

With a solar battery storage system, you’re able to use your solar energy more often. This reduces your reliance on your utility company and reduces your electricity bills and carbon footprint. Batteries are likely going to be even more valuable in the future, as we expect the net metering policy to decline and eventually get discontinued in the state, as it has in other states.

Solar Financing Options

The majority of Nebraskans don’t have $37,000 on hand to pay for their solar panel system with cash or credit. Good solar panel companies understand that and offer plenty of financing options to make going solar more affordable.

While you’ll see the biggest return on investment by paying for your system upfront, many homeowners find taking out a solar loan is far more feasible. Choose a solar company that offers a solar financing program that best suits your needs.

We don’t recommend taking out a solar lease or PPA in Nebraska, unless you can’t make a cash purchase or loan work, which is why the top companies featured on this page don’t have those options. However, we did list the lack of leasing options as a con because solar leases do help more people access solar energy, which is a win for the planet regardless of how little it may benefit the homeowner.

Company Experience and Reputation

You may take a gamble on trying the hottest new restaurant in Lincoln before reading customer reviews, but we don’t suggest you do the same with solar panel companies.

We only recommend solar companies that have at least five years of experience in Nebraska. New businesses don’t necessarily mean bad business. But there’s a sense of security that comes with choosing a solar installer with a track record of positive customer experiences.

After you’ve received your solar quotes, you may want to ask your utility company what it thinks of the company, as it deals with solar companies all the time to set up net metering connections. And of course, read customer testimonials and reviews online for each solar company before you purchase panels.

 

The cost information presented in this article is derived from a comprehensive analysis, incorporating data from multiple industry sources. The average cost per watt per state was calculated based on figures from Consumer Affairs, Energy Sage, and Berkeley Lab’s Electricity Markets & Policy Department. Additionally, monthly energy consumption and the average monthly cost of electricity were sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, ensuring a well-rounded and accurate representation of the information presented.

Methodology: How We Ranked Nebraska’s Solar Companiesman checking if solar panels are properly aligned

Solar is still pretty underutilized in Nebraska, which means there aren’t as many solar installers to choose from. Fortunately, this means that we were able to dig a little deeper into each Nebraska solar company.

When we rank our top solar companies, we start by identifying the factors that matter most when ensuring that our Nebraska readers find a trustworthy, reliable and environmentally responsible installation. We’ve listed those factors as categories below. We then weigh these factors against the industry benchmark (a company meeting the industry standard in all categories would earn 4 stars in our rating system).

Our goal is to deliver unbiased reports and honest reviews, thus, our methodology is not affected by commercial partnerships and is specifically tailored to Nebraska homes.

  • Solar Services (20%): Every installer on this list installs solar panels but some companies — like Great Plains Renewables — stop there. Others are scored higher for offering add-on services and products, like solar batteries, electric vehicle chargers, energy efficiency upgrades and more.
  • Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications (20%): Solar companies often affiliate themselves with industry organizations when they genuinely care about improving the solar industry. Companies with certifications or affiliations from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), Nebraskans for Solar, etc. will score higher.
  • Solar Warranty & Customer Support (20%): Warranty coverage is one of the best ways to protect your multi-thousand-dollar solar investment. Solar warranties can cover equipment malfunction, performance and workmanship. The more robust the warranty, the better. But warranties are also only as good as the company’s customer support service, so we look for a good rating in that category, too.
  • Solar Financing Options (20%): Many companies accept cash purchases and loans, but the terms of the solar loans can make an enormous difference in the total price paid over time. Companies with more appealing and flexible financing options rank higher in our ratings.
  • Experience (10%): We’ve seen many “fly by night” companies pop up in an effort to turn a profit in a hot, emerging market. Unfortunately, these companies provide sub-optimal customer service most of the time, and if they go out of business, your warranty will be voided. We rank companies with longevity in the industry a bit higher for these reasons.
  • Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Factors (10%): While going solar is great for money-saving benefits, we prioritize people and the planet alongside your profit. As such, we take each company’s ecological and ethical standards into account when ranking our top providers.

FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Nebraska

The EcoWatch team gets lots of questions from Nebraska residents on a daily basis. Below are some of the questions we see most frequently, along with our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.

Blog author image
Article author
Kristina Zagame is a journalist, editor and content writer with expertise in solar and other energy-related topics. Before joining EcoWatch, Kristina was a TV news reporter and producer, covering a wide variety of topics including West Coast wildfires and hurricane relief efforts. Kristina’s reporting has taken her all over the U.S., as well as to Puerto Rico and Chile.
Reviewer image
Expert reviewer
Karsten is an editor and energy specialist focused on environmental, social and cultural development. His work has been shared by sources including NPR, the World Economic Forum, Marketwatch and the SEIA, and he is certified in ESG with the CFA Institute. Before joining EcoWatch, Karsten worked in the solar energy sector, studying energy policy, climate tech and environmental education. A lover of music and the outdoors, Karsten might be found rock climbing, canoeing or writing songs when away from the workplace.

Comparing authorized solar partners

EcoWatch rating
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
  • 4.5
    • NABCEP-certified technicians
    • Competitive pricing
    • Multitude of products and services
    • No leases or PPAs
    • Limited warranty coverage
    A+
    Outstanding Regional Installer

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