Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norfolk, NE (Mar 2023)
- Norfolk Solar Installation Cost: $18,899
- 25-Year Savings: $19,693
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norfolk
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Norfolk.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Norfolk typically cost around 2.83. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Norfolk, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,899, or $27,026 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Norfolk homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Norfolk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,355 |
| 3 years | $-14,268 |
| 5 years | $-11,180 |
| 7 years | $-8,093 |
| 9 years | $-5,006 |
| 11 years | $-1,919 |
| 13 years | $1,169 |
| 15 years | $4,256 |
| 17 years | $7,343 |
| 19 years | $10,431 |
| 21 years | $13,518 |
| 23 years | $16,605 |
| 25 years | $19,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Norfolk
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels 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.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Norfolk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norfolk
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Norfolk is $18,899, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Norfolk average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Norfolk, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Norfolk's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Norfolk 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 walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $11,914 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $16,202 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $20,648 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $25,254 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $30,017 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $34,939 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $40,020 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $45,259 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Norfolk, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norfolk?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Norfolk?
You can't get solar panels for free in Norfolk. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Norfolk?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.