Solar Panel Cost Guide in Beatrice, NE (2023 Update)
- Beatrice Solar Installation Cost: $18,304
- 25-Year Savings: $18,452
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Beatrice
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Beatrice.
In Beatrice, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. Because a 9.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Beatrice, the average price of going solar will be about $18,304 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Beatrice homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Beatrice
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,834 |
| 3 years | $-13,894 |
| 5 years | $-10,953 |
| 7 years | $-8,013 |
| 9 years | $-5,072 |
| 11 years | $-2,132 |
| 13 years | $809 |
| 15 years | $3,749 |
| 17 years | $6,690 |
| 19 years | $9,630 |
| 21 years | $12,571 |
| 23 years | $15,512 |
| 25 years | $18,452 |
Top Solar Installers in Beatrice
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Beatrice
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Beatrice
There are many criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,830. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Beatrice average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. 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 because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $11,503 | 12.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $15,654 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $19,964 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $24,432 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $29,059 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $33,844 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $38,788 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $43,890 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Beatrice, 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:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Beatrice, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Beatrice?
The average cost of solar panels in Beatrice 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Beatrice?
You can't get solar panels for free in Beatrice. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.