Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairbury, NE (2025 Update)
- Fairbury Solar Installation Cost: $23,005
- 25-Year Savings: $21,350
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairbury
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fairbury.
In Fairbury, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 9.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Fairbury, the average price of going solar will be about $23,005 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high initial cost, the average Fairbury homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairbury
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,915 |
| 3 years | $-19,736 |
| 5 years | $-17,557 |
| 7 years | $-15,378 |
| 9 years | $-13,198 |
| 11 years | $-11,019 |
| 13 years | $-8,840 |
| 15 years | $-6,661 |
| 17 years | $-4,481 |
| 19 years | $-2,302 |
| 21 years | $-123 |
| 23 years | $2,056 |
| 25 years | $4,235 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairbury
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Fairbury:
See all of the solar companies in Fairbury
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairbury
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Fairbury: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Fairbury, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Fairbury, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fairbury, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Fairbury, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $10,202 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $14,004 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $18,007 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $22,209 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $26,612 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $31,216 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $36,020 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $41,025 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fairbury?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.