Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grand Island, NE (Mar 2023)
- Grand Island Solar Installation Cost: $18,344
- 25-Year Savings: $20,039
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grand Island
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Grand Island.
In Grand Island, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Grand Island is around 9.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,344 for a solar installation, or $26,232 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average Grand Island homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Grand Island
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,809 |
| 3 years | $-13,738 |
| 5 years | $-10,667 |
| 7 years | $-7,597 |
| 9 years | $-4,526 |
| 11 years | $-1,455 |
| 13 years | $1,615 |
| 15 years | $4,686 |
| 17 years | $7,757 |
| 19 years | $10,827 |
| 21 years | $13,898 |
| 23 years | $16,969 |
| 25 years | $20,039 |
Top Solar Installers in Grand Island
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company 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, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Grand Island:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Grand Island can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,830. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Grand Island average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Grand Island offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When figuring out 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Grand Island is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $12,519 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,008 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $21,657 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $26,463 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $31,429 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $36,552 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $41,835 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $47,275 | 10.7 years |
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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- 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?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Grand Island?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.