Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chadron, NE (2025 Update)
- Chadron Solar Installation Cost: $22,604
- 25-Year Savings: $30,074
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chadron
See how much it might cost to go solar in Chadron.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chadron generally cost about 4.The average Chadron homeowner needs a 9.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,604 with the federal tax credit, or $32,324 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Chadron homeowner can save around $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
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 Chadron
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,382 |
| 3 years | $-18,938 |
| 5 years | $-16,494 |
| 7 years | $-14,050 |
| 9 years | $-11,606 |
| 11 years | $-9,162 |
| 13 years | $-6,717 |
| 15 years | $-4,273 |
| 17 years | $-1,829 |
| 19 years | $615 |
| 21 years | $3,059 |
| 23 years | $5,503 |
| 25 years | $7,947 |
Top Solar Installers in Chadron
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Chadron
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chadron
For many Chadron homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chadron, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 higher 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 $3,580.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Chadron homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $16,253 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $22,071 | 12.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $28,091 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $34,310 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $40,730 | 11.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $47,351 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $54,172 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $61,193 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
EcoWatch's Chadron, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chadron?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Chadron?
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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Chadron?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.