Solar Panel Cost Guide in McCook, NE (2024 Update)
- McCook Solar Installation Cost: $21,967
- 25-Year Savings: $27,096
- Payback Period: 12.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McCook
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in McCook.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in McCook it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in McCook is around 8.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $21,967 for a solar installation, or $31,413 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in McCook can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in McCook for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in McCook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,791 |
| 3 years | $-18,440 |
| 5 years | $-16,089 |
| 7 years | $-13,737 |
| 9 years | $-11,386 |
| 11 years | $-9,035 |
| 13 years | $-6,683 |
| 15 years | $-4,332 |
| 17 years | $-1,981 |
| 19 years | $371 |
| 21 years | $2,722 |
| 23 years | $5,073 |
| 25 years | $7,425 |
Top Solar Installers in McCook
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in McCook, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
See all of the solar companies in McCook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McCook
While the average cost of a solar system in McCook is $21,967, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the McCook average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for McCook homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in McCook, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $14,795 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $20,128 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $25,661 | 12.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $31,395 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $37,329 | 11.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $43,464 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $49,799 | 11.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $56,334 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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
EcoWatch's McCook, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McCook?
The average cost of solar panels in McCook is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in McCook?
You can’t get solar panels for free in McCook. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 cover 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.