Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chalco, NE (2023 Update)
- Chalco Solar Installation Cost: $18,820
- 25-Year Savings: $22,034
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chalco
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Chalco.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chalco generally cost around 2.83. Since a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Chalco, the average price of going solar will be about $18,820 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Chalco can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chalco
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,185 |
| 3 years | $-13,917 |
| 5 years | $-10,649 |
| 7 years | $-7,381 |
| 9 years | $-4,112 |
| 11 years | $-844 |
| 13 years | $2,424 |
| 15 years | $5,692 |
| 17 years | $8,961 |
| 19 years | $12,229 |
| 21 years | $15,497 |
| 23 years | $18,765 |
| 25 years | $22,034 |
Top Solar Installers in Chalco
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Chalco
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chalco
Though the average cost of a solar system in Chalco is $18,820, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel 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 determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Chalco, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Chalco, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Chalco's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $13,444 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,242 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $23,199 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $28,314 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,588 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $39,020 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $44,611 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $50,360 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 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 $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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Chalco?
Solar panels aren't free in Chalco, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chalco is currently $154,600, so you can expect a value of about $6,339 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chalco is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Chalco?
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 larger 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.
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.