Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Island, NE (Jun 2022)
- Grand Island Solar Installation Cost: $19,392
- 25-Year Savings: $18,991
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated 5/26/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Island
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Grand Island.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Grand Island, the average cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.3 would cost about $19,392 before the federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Grand Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,857 |
| 3 years | $-14,786 |
| 5 years | $-11,716 |
| 7 years | $-8,645 |
| 9 years | $-5,574 |
| 11 years | $-2,504 |
| 13 years | $567 |
| 15 years | $3,638 |
| 17 years | $6,708 |
| 19 years | $9,779 |
| 21 years | $12,850 |
| 23 years | $15,921 |
| 25 years | $18,991 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Island
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
4.0
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Grand Island
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grand Island
For many Grand Island homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Grand Island, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment Size
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels 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 primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,830 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 Grand Island, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar installers in Grand Island have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When considering 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
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Grand Island, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,068 | $11,812 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $17,089 | $16,085 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $20,942 | $20,525 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $24,628 | $25,132 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $28,146 | $29,907 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $31,497 | $34,850 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $34,680 | $39,960 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $37,696 | $45,238 | 11.4 years |
Solar Incentives in Grand Island
| Name | Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Community Renewable Energy Projects |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Local Option - Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Dollar and Energy Savings Loans |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- 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 have a solid reputation and are qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
4.0
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Grand Island, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grand Island?
The average cost of solar panels in Grand Island is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Grand Island?
A solar panel system isn't free in Grand Island, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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 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.
