Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beatrice, NE (2024 Update)
- Beatrice Solar Installation Cost: $23,159
- 25-Year Savings: $18,450
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beatrice
We break down average solar pricing in Beatrice.
In Beatrice, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Beatrice homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,159 with the federal tax credit, or $33,117 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Beatrice homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Beatrice
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,069 |
| 3 years | $-19,890 |
| 5 years | $-17,711 |
| 7 years | $-15,531 |
| 9 years | $-13,352 |
| 11 years | $-11,173 |
| 13 years | $-8,994 |
| 15 years | $-6,814 |
| 17 years | $-4,635 |
| 19 years | $-2,456 |
| 21 years | $-277 |
| 23 years | $1,903 |
| 25 years | $4,082 |
Top Solar Installers in Beatrice
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Beatrice, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Beatrice
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beatrice
The cost of installing a solar system in Beatrice can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Beatrice’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $8,227 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,370 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $14,714 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $18,258 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $22,003 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $25,948 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $30,094 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $34,440 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Beatrice, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Beatrice, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Beatrice?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Beatrice?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Beatrice is currently $160,361, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,575 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Beatrice is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.