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
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Updated March 14, 2023
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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 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- 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 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- 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.