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

  • Chalco Solar Installation Cost: $23,804
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,036
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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 Chalco

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Chalco.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chalco it’s 4 per watt.The average Chalco homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,804 with the federal tax credit, or $34,040 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $16,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chalco find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Chalco

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-22,554
3 years$-20,054
5 years$-17,555
7 years$-15,056
9 years$-12,556
11 years$-10,057
13 years$-7,558
15 years$-5,058
17 years$-2,559
19 years$-60
21 years$2,440
23 years$4,939
25 years$7,438

Top Solar Installers in Chalco

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Chalco

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chalco

Although the average cost of a solar system in Chalco is $23,804, your final cost may differ. 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

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Chalco, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Chalco, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.72$15,637$10,16815.1 years
8 kW$3.65$20,449$13,95814.9 years
10 kW$3.58$25,060$17,94914.6 years
12 kW$3.51$29,471$22,14014.3 years
14 kW$3.44$33,681$26,53214.0 years
16 kW$3.37$37,690$31,12413.7 years
18 kW$3.29$41,499$35,91713.4 years
20 kW$3.22$45,108$40,91013.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.

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 Chalco, NE Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chalco?

The average cost of solar panels in Chalco is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Chalco?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 property 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.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chalco is currently $319,922, which means you can look forward to a value of about $13,117 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chalco is a rewarding investment.

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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.