Solar Panel Cost Guide in Blair, NE (2024 Update)

  • Blair Solar Installation Cost: $24,010
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,244
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Blair

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Blair.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Blair it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $24,010 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Blair homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Blair can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a top solar company in Blair, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Blair

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-22,760
3 years $-20,261
5 years $-17,761
7 years $-15,262
9 years $-12,762
11 years $-10,263
13 years $-7,764
15 years $-5,264
17 years $-2,765
19 years $-266
21 years $2,234
23 years $4,733
25 years $7,232

Top Solar Installers in Blair

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

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 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 Blair

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blair

The cost of installing a solar system in Blair can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on 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

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,580. 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Blair average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Blair to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Blair’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger 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 $12,058 14.1 years
8 kW $3.65 $20,449 $16,478 13.8 years
10 kW $3.58 $25,060 $21,098 13.6 years
12 kW $3.51 $29,471 $25,920 13.3 years
14 kW $3.44 $33,681 $30,941 13.0 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,690 $36,163 12.8 years
18 kW $3.29 $41,499 $41,586 12.5 years
20 kW $3.22 $45,108 $47,209 12.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 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 Blair, NE Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Blair?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 maximize your savings.

Does Blair have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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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