Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kearney, NE (2024 Update)
- Kearney Solar Installation Cost: $22,954
- 25-Year Savings: $21,259
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kearney
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Kearney.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Kearney, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Kearney, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $22,954, or $32,824 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Kearney find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Kearney, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kearney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,615 |
| 3 years | $-18,936 |
| 5 years | $-16,258 |
| 7 years | $-13,579 |
| 9 years | $-10,900 |
| 11 years | $-8,222 |
| 13 years | $-5,543 |
| 15 years | $-2,865 |
| 17 years | $-186 |
| 19 years | $2,492 |
| 21 years | $5,171 |
| 23 years | $7,849 |
| 25 years | $10,528 |
Top Solar Installers in Kearney
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Kearney:
See all of the solar companies in Kearney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kearney
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Kearney is $22,954, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,580 per kilowatt in Kearney.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Kearney, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kearney is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Kearney know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $10,174 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $13,967 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $17,960 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $22,153 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $26,547 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $31,141 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $35,936 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $40,931 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
EcoWatch's Kearney, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kearney?
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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Kearney?
Solar panels aren’t free in Kearney, 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 switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial 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 electricity bills are already pretty 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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.