Solar Panel Cost Guide in Crete, NE (2024 Update)
- Crete Solar Installation Cost: $23,223
- 25-Year Savings: $19,900
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Crete
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Crete.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Crete, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 9.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Crete, the average price of going solar will be about $23,223 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Crete depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Crete
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,133 |
| 3 years | $-19,954 |
| 5 years | $-17,775 |
| 7 years | $-15,596 |
| 9 years | $-13,416 |
| 11 years | $-11,237 |
| 13 years | $-9,058 |
| 15 years | $-6,879 |
| 17 years | $-4,700 |
| 19 years | $-2,520 |
| 21 years | $-341 |
| 23 years | $1,838 |
| 25 years | $4,017 |
Top Solar Installers in Crete
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Crete, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Crete
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Crete
Although the average cost of a solar system in Crete is $23,223, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,580 per kilowatt in Crete.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Crete average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Crete to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Crete is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $9,133 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,578 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,224 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,070 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,116 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $28,363 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $32,811 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $37,459 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar 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 the EcoWatch team.
EcoWatch's Crete, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Crete?
The average cost of solar panels in Crete 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 consume.
Are solar panels free in Crete?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Crete. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Crete is currently $224,507, so you could be looking at a value of about $9,205 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Crete is a fruitful 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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.