Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairbury, NE (2023 Update)
- Fairbury Solar Installation Cost: $18,186
- 25-Year Savings: $21,349
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairbury
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fairbury.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fairbury typically cost around 2.83. The average solar panel system size in Fairbury is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,186 for a solar installation, or $26,006 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Fairbury that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Fairbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,604 |
| 3 years | $-13,441 |
| 5 years | $-10,279 |
| 7 years | $-7,116 |
| 9 years | $-3,953 |
| 11 years | $-790 |
| 13 years | $2,373 |
| 15 years | $5,535 |
| 17 years | $8,698 |
| 19 years | $11,861 |
| 21 years | $15,024 |
| 23 years | $18,187 |
| 25 years | $21,349 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairbury
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Fairbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairbury
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 spend about $2,830 per kilowatt in Fairbury. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Fairbury homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Fairbury, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $13,478 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,288 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $23,257 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $28,383 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,668 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $39,112 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $44,714 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $50,475 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Fairbury, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairbury?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairbury 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fairbury?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fairbury. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.