Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kearney, NE (Jun 2022)
- Kearney Solar Installation Cost: $19,183
- 25-Year Savings: $20,222
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Updated 5/26/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kearney
We go over average solar pricing in Kearney.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Kearney generally cost about $3. Using this figure, a typical 9.2 would cost about $19,183 before the federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Kearney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,607 |
| 3 years | $-14,454 |
| 5 years | $-11,302 |
| 7 years | $-8,150 |
| 9 years | $-4,997 |
| 11 years | $-1,845 |
| 13 years | $1,308 |
| 15 years | $4,460 |
| 17 years | $7,612 |
| 19 years | $10,765 |
| 21 years | $13,917 |
| 23 years | $17,069 |
| 25 years | $20,222 |
Top Solar Installers in Kearney
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
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
4.0
- 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
Even though the average cost of solar panels in Kearney is $19,183, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment Size
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size. Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,830. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Kearney, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Kearney is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $13,068 | $12,744 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $17,089 | $17,327 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $20,942 | $22,078 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $24,628 | $26,996 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $28,146 | $32,081 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $31,497 | $37,335 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $34,680 | $42,755 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $37,696 | $48,344 | 11.0 years |
Solar Incentives in Kearney
| Name | Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Community Renewable Energy Projects |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Local Option - Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Dollar and Energy Savings Loans |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, checking your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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
4.0
- 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?
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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Kearney?
Solar panels aren't free in Kearney, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, 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 it worth going solar in Kearney?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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.
