Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cozad, NE (2024 Update)
- Cozad Solar Installation Cost: $22,674
- 25-Year Savings: $23,004
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cozad
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Cozad.
In Cozad, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 9.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Cozad, the average price of going solar will be about $22,674 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Cozad depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Cozad can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cozad
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,335 |
| 3 years | $-18,656 |
| 5 years | $-15,977 |
| 7 years | $-13,299 |
| 9 years | $-10,620 |
| 11 years | $-7,942 |
| 13 years | $-5,263 |
| 15 years | $-2,585 |
| 17 years | $94 |
| 19 years | $2,772 |
| 21 years | $5,451 |
| 23 years | $8,130 |
| 25 years | $10,808 |
Top Solar Installers in Cozad
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Cozad
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cozad
For many Cozad homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cozad, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,580 per kilowatt in Cozad.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Cozad, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $11,503 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $15,739 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $20,175 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $24,811 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $29,648 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $34,685 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $39,923 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $45,361 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
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 Cozad, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cozad?
The average cost of solar panels in Cozad 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cozad?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Cozad?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Cozad?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.