Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nebraska City, NE (2024 Update)
- Nebraska City Solar Installation Cost: $23,517
- 25-Year Savings: $22,208
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nebraska City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Nebraska City.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Nebraska City is 4 per watt.Since 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 $23,517 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Nebraska City find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Nebraska City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,267 |
| 3 years | $-19,768 |
| 5 years | $-17,268 |
| 7 years | $-14,769 |
| 9 years | $-12,269 |
| 11 years | $-9,770 |
| 13 years | $-7,271 |
| 15 years | $-4,771 |
| 17 years | $-2,272 |
| 19 years | $227 |
| 21 years | $2,727 |
| 23 years | $5,226 |
| 25 years | $7,725 |
Top Solar Installers in Nebraska City
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Nebraska City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nebraska City
While the average cost of a solar system in Nebraska City is $23,517, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,580. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Nebraska City average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Nebraska City, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Nebraska City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Nebraska City, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Nebraska City know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $10,447 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $14,331 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $18,415 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $22,699 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $27,184 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $31,869 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $36,755 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $41,841 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with 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 keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 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 $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 model 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 afford 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 it worth going solar in Nebraska City?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 the amount of 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 get 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.