Solar Panel Cost Guide in McCook, NE (2023 Update)
- McCook Solar Installation Cost: $17,365
- 25-Year Savings: $27,096
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in McCook
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in McCook.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in McCook, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.83 per watt. The average McCook homeowner needs a 8.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,373 with the federal tax credit, or $24,843 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the significant initial cost, the average McCook homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McCook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,189 |
| 3 years | $-13,838 |
| 5 years | $-11,487 |
| 7 years | $-9,135 |
| 9 years | $-6,784 |
| 11 years | $-4,433 |
| 13 years | $-2,081 |
| 15 years | $270 |
| 17 years | $2,621 |
| 19 years | $4,973 |
| 21 years | $7,324 |
| 23 years | $9,675 |
| 25 years | $12,027 |
Top Solar Installers in McCook
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
For many McCook homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in McCook, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. McCook's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $12,361 | $18,071 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $24,412 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $30,911 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $37,569 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $44,385 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $51,360 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $58,493 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $65,784 | 8.8 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 durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in McCook?
The average cost of solar panels in McCook 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in McCook?
You can't get solar panels for free in McCook. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in McCook, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.