Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aurora, NE (2023 Update)

  • Aurora Solar Installation Cost: $18,391
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,239
  • Payback Period: 12.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aurora

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Aurora.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Aurora it's 2.83 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Aurora is around 9.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,384 for a solar installation, or $26,289 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Aurora find going solar can pay off big.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Aurora, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Aurora

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-18,269
3 years $-18,025
5 years $-17,781
7 years $-17,537
9 years $-17,292
11 years $-17,048
13 years $-16,804
15 years $-16,560
17 years $-16,316
19 years $-16,071
21 years $-15,827
23 years $-15,583
25 years $-15,339

Top Solar Installers in Aurora

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Aurora:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

See all of the solar companies in Aurora

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aurora

For many Aurora homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Aurora, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,830. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Aurora, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Aurora to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Aurora, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.94 $12,361 $11,312 13.1 years
8 kW $2.89 $16,165 $15,400 12.8 years
10 kW $2.83 $19,810 $19,646 12.6 years
12 kW $2.77 $23,297 $24,051 12.3 years
14 kW $2.72 $26,625 $28,614 12.0 years
16 kW $2.66 $29,794 $33,335 11.8 years
18 kW $2.60 $32,805 $38,215 11.5 years
20 kW $2.55 $35,658 $43,254 11.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Aurora, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Aurora, NE Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Aurora?

The average cost of solar panels in Aurora is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Aurora?

A solar panel system isn't free in Aurora, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Aurora?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.

Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.

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