Solar Panel Cost Guide in Norfolk, NE (2024 Update)
- Norfolk Solar Installation Cost: $23,903
- 25-Year Savings: $19,696
- Payback Period: 15.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Norfolk
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Norfolk.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Norfolk it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $23,903 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Norfolk depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the high initial cost, the average Norfolk homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Norfolk
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,732 |
| 3 years | $-20,391 |
| 5 years | $-18,049 |
| 7 years | $-15,707 |
| 9 years | $-13,365 |
| 11 years | $-11,024 |
| 13 years | $-8,682 |
| 15 years | $-6,340 |
| 17 years | $-3,998 |
| 19 years | $-1,657 |
| 21 years | $685 |
| 23 years | $3,027 |
| 25 years | $5,369 |
Top Solar Installers in Norfolk
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Norfolk
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Norfolk
For many Norfolk homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Norfolk, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably 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 affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Norfolk 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 remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Norfolk is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Norfolk are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $8,638 | 16.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $11,918 | 15.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $15,398 | 15.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $19,080 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $22,961 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $27,043 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $31,326 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $35,809 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Norfolk, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Norfolk, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Norfolk?
The average cost of solar panels in Norfolk 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
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 let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.