Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Vista, NE (2023 Update)

  • La Vista Solar Installation Cost: $18,817
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,036
  • Payback Period: 11.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Vista

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in La Vista.

In La Vista, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. The average La Vista homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,820 with the federal tax credit, or $26,913 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in La Vista see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in La Vista for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in La Vista

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,567
3 years $-15,068
5 years $-12,568
7 years $-10,069
9 years $-7,570
11 years $-5,070
13 years $-2,571
15 years $-72
17 years $2,428
19 years $4,927
21 years $7,427
23 years $9,926
25 years $12,425

Top Solar Installers in La Vista

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 La Vista

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Vista

The cost of installing a solar system in La Vista can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in La Vista, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in La Vista to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in La Vista, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $13,444 12.0 years
8 kW $2.89 $16,165 $18,242 11.7 years
10 kW $2.83 $19,810 $23,199 11.5 years
12 kW $2.77 $23,297 $28,314 11.3 years
14 kW $2.72 $26,625 $33,588 11.1 years
16 kW $2.66 $29,794 $39,020 10.8 years
18 kW $2.60 $32,805 $44,611 10.6 years
20 kW $2.55 $35,658 $50,360 10.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in La Vista, 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:

  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 La Vista, NE Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in La Vista?

This is a difficult 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power 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 take a 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.

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