Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gretna, NE (2024 Update)
- Gretna Solar Installation Cost: $23,804
- 25-Year Savings: $20,672
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gretna
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Gretna.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gretna typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Gretna, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $23,804, or $34,040 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Gretna can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gretna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,554 |
| 3 years | $-20,054 |
| 5 years | $-17,555 |
| 7 years | $-15,056 |
| 9 years | $-12,556 |
| 11 years | $-10,057 |
| 13 years | $-7,558 |
| 15 years | $-5,058 |
| 17 years | $-2,559 |
| 19 years | $-60 |
| 21 years | $2,440 |
| 23 years | $4,939 |
| 25 years | $7,438 |
Top Solar Installers in Gretna
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Gretna, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Gretna, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Gretna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gretna
For many Gretna homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gretna, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,580 per kilowatt in Gretna.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Gretna, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $9,306 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,809 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,513 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,417 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,521 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $28,826 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $33,332 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $38,038 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Gretna, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gretna?
The average cost of solar panels in Gretna 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gretna?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for 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 a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.