Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nebraska City, NE (Mar 2023)

  • Nebraska City Solar Installation Cost: $18,582
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,216
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Nebraska City

We break down average solar pricing in Nebraska City.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Nebraska City generally cost around 2.83. Because a 9.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Nebraska City, the average price of going solar will be about $18,582 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Nebraska City homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Nebraska City, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Nebraska City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,950
3 years $-13,686
5 years $-10,422
7 years $-7,158
9 years $-3,895
11 years $-631
13 years $2,633
15 years $5,897
17 years $9,161
19 years $12,424
21 years $15,688
23 years $18,952
25 years $22,216

Top Solar Installers in Nebraska City

When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 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 Nebraska City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nebraska City

There are many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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 Nebraska City to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 $13,723 11.8 years
8 kW $2.89 $16,165 $18,615 11.6 years
10 kW $2.83 $19,810 $23,665 11.4 years
12 kW $2.77 $23,297 $28,873 11.2 years
14 kW $2.72 $26,625 $34,240 10.9 years
16 kW $2.66 $29,794 $39,765 10.7 years
18 kW $2.60 $32,805 $45,449 10.5 years
20 kW $2.55 $35,658 $51,291 10.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Contract: When looking 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 component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.

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 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 Nebraska City, NE Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Nebraska City?

The average cost of solar panels in Nebraska City 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 certain factors such as 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 Nebraska City?

You can't get solar panels for free in Nebraska City. 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.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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