Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Island, NE (2024 Update)
- Grand Island Solar Installation Cost: $23,197
- 25-Year Savings: $20,046
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Island
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Grand Island.
In Grand Island, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Grand Island, most homeowners require a 9.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $23,197, or $33,172 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Grand Island depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Grand Island for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Grand Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,045 |
| 3 years | $-19,743 |
| 5 years | $-17,440 |
| 7 years | $-15,138 |
| 9 years | $-12,835 |
| 11 years | $-10,533 |
| 13 years | $-8,230 |
| 15 years | $-5,928 |
| 17 years | $-3,625 |
| 19 years | $-1,322 |
| 21 years | $980 |
| 23 years | $3,283 |
| 25 years | $5,585 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Island
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Grand Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Island
While the average cost of a solar system in Grand Island is $23,197, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Grand Island, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Grand Island offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Grand Island homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $9,243 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,724 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,407 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,289 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,373 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $28,656 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $33,141 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $37,825 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence 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 keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Grand Island, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Grand Island?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Grand Island?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Grand Island, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Grand Island?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.