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
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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.Because a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Blair, the average price of going solar will be about $24,010 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Blair see about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Blair
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Blair
While the average cost of a solar system in Blair is $24,010, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Blair average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Blair homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Blair, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 car 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 | $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
There are many companies to choose from in Blair, 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 high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 type 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
EcoWatch's Blair, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Blair?
The average cost of solar panels in Blair is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Blair?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Blair have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.