Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nebraska City, NE (2023 Update)
- Nebraska City Solar Installation Cost: $18,590
- 25-Year Savings: $22,208
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nebraska City
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Nebraska City.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Nebraska City generally cost about 2.83. Using this figure, a typical 9.4-kW system would cost about $18,582 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Nebraska City homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Nebraska City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Nebraska City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,340 |
| 3 years | $-14,841 |
| 5 years | $-12,342 |
| 7 years | $-9,842 |
| 9 years | $-7,343 |
| 11 years | $-4,843 |
| 13 years | $-2,344 |
| 15 years | $155 |
| 17 years | $2,655 |
| 19 years | $5,154 |
| 21 years | $7,653 |
| 23 years | $10,153 |
| 25 years | $12,652 |
Top Solar Installers in Nebraska City
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Nebraska City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nebraska City
For many Nebraska City homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Nebraska City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Nebraska City, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Nebraska City to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Nebraska City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has 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 | $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
There are a large number of companies available in Nebraska City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 $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.