Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kearney, NE (Nov 2022)
- Kearney Solar Installation Cost: $18,146
- 25-Year Savings: $21,259
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated 11/09/2022
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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 $3 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.2 would cost about $18,146 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Kearney homeowners. 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. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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 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
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
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 nearby:
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
Although the average cost of solar panels in Kearney is $18,146, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Kearney, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kearney have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Kearney, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are a large number of companies available in Kearney, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kearney?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Kearney?
A solar panel system isn'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 can help lower the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots 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 fairly 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 buy 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.
