Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kearney, NE (Mar 2023)
- Kearney Solar Installation Cost: $18,146
- 25-Year Savings: $21,259
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kearney
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Kearney.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kearney it's 2.83 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Kearney is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,146 for a solar installation, or $25,949 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Kearney homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Kearney can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Kearney for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Kearney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,570 |
| 3 years | $-13,417 |
| 5 years | $-10,265 |
| 7 years | $-7,113 |
| 9 years | $-3,960 |
| 11 years | $-808 |
| 13 years | $2,345 |
| 15 years | $5,497 |
| 17 years | $8,649 |
| 19 years | $11,802 |
| 21 years | $14,954 |
| 23 years | $18,106 |
| 25 years | $21,259 |
Top Solar Installers in Kearney
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Kearney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kearney
For many Kearney homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kearney, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Kearney, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Kearney to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Kearney know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $13,450 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,251 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $23,210 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $28,327 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,603 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $39,037 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $44,630 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $50,381 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you 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 the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Kearney, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kearney?
The average cost of solar panels in Kearney 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $860.39 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.