Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hastings, NE (2024 Update)
- Hastings Solar Installation Cost: $22,956
- 25-Year Savings: $18,637
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hastings
We go over average solar pricing in Hastings.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Hastings is 4 per watt.The average Hastings homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,956 with the federal tax credit, or $32,827 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hastings homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Hastings can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Hastings for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hastings
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,717 |
| 3 years | $-19,239 |
| 5 years | $-16,762 |
| 7 years | $-14,284 |
| 9 years | $-11,806 |
| 11 years | $-9,329 |
| 13 years | $-6,851 |
| 15 years | $-4,374 |
| 17 years | $-1,896 |
| 19 years | $581 |
| 21 years | $3,059 |
| 23 years | $5,537 |
| 25 years | $8,014 |
Top Solar Installers in Hastings
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Hastings
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hastings
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Hastings, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Hastings, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Hastings homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hastings homeowners, they can also increase 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 company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Hastings, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 | $8,456 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,676 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $15,096 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $18,716 | 15.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $22,537 | 15.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $26,559 | 14.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $30,781 | 14.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $35,203 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Hastings, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Hastings, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hastings?
The average cost of solar panels in Hastings 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Hastings have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.