Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fremont, NE (2024 Update)
- Fremont Solar Installation Cost: $23,967
- 25-Year Savings: $22,603
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fremont
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Fremont.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fremont it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Fremont, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $23,967, or $34,273 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fremont homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Fremont homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives 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 Fremont
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,667 |
| 3 years | $-20,067 |
| 5 years | $-17,467 |
| 7 years | $-14,867 |
| 9 years | $-12,268 |
| 11 years | $-9,668 |
| 13 years | $-7,068 |
| 15 years | $-4,468 |
| 17 years | $-1,868 |
| 19 years | $732 |
| 21 years | $3,331 |
| 23 years | $5,931 |
| 25 years | $8,531 |
Top Solar Installers in Fremont
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Fremont
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fremont
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Fremont: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,580. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fremont, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fremont is the company you get to install your solar 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 at different price points.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,429 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $14,306 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $18,384 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $22,662 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $27,141 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $31,820 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $36,699 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $41,780 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Fremont, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel 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.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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 National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Fremont, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fremont?
The average cost of solar panels in Fremont 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fremont is currently $230,607, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,455 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fremont is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.