Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chadron, NE (2023 Update)
- Chadron Solar Installation Cost: $17,869
- 25-Year Savings: $30,074
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chadron
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Chadron.
In Chadron, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. Since a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Chadron, the average price of going solar will be about $17,869 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Chadron can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Chadron for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Chadron
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,951 |
| 3 years | $-12,115 |
| 5 years | $-8,280 |
| 7 years | $-4,445 |
| 9 years | $-609 |
| 11 years | $3,226 |
| 13 years | $7,062 |
| 15 years | $10,897 |
| 17 years | $14,732 |
| 19 years | $18,568 |
| 21 years | $22,403 |
| 23 years | $26,239 |
| 25 years | $30,074 |
Top Solar Installers in Chadron
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Chadron, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Chadron
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chadron
For many Chadron homeowners, the decision to go solar 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 several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Chadron, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Chadron, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chadron, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Chadron, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $19,529 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $26,355 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $33,341 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $40,484 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $47,786 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $55,247 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $62,866 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $70,643 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Chadron, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Chadron, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chadron?
The average cost of solar panels in Chadron 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chadron?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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.
Is it worth going solar in Chadron?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Chadron?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.