Solar Panel Cost Guide in Offutt Air Force Base, NE (2023 Update)
- Offutt Air Force Base Solar Installation Cost: $18,820
- 25-Year Savings: $21,351
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Offutt Air Force Base
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Offutt Air Force Base.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Offutt Air Force Base typically cost about 2.83. Using this figure, a typical 9.5-kW system would cost about $18,820 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Offutt Air Force Base based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Offutt Air Force Base can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Offutt Air Force Base
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,213 |
| 3 years | $-13,999 |
| 5 years | $-10,785 |
| 7 years | $-7,572 |
| 9 years | $-4,358 |
| 11 years | $-1,144 |
| 13 years | $2,069 |
| 15 years | $5,283 |
| 17 years | $8,497 |
| 19 years | $11,710 |
| 21 years | $14,924 |
| 23 years | $18,138 |
| 25 years | $21,351 |
Top Solar Installers in Offutt Air Force Base
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Offutt Air Force Base
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Offutt Air Force Base
For many Offutt Air Force Base homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Offutt Air Force Base, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,830. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Offutt Air Force Base average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Offutt Air Force Base homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Offutt Air Force Base, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $13,013 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,668 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $22,481 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $27,453 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $32,583 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $37,871 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $43,318 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $48,924 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Offutt Air Force Base, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 Offutt Air Force Base, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Offutt Air Force Base?
The average cost of solar panels in Offutt Air Force Base 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Offutt Air Force Base have a net metering program?
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 electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.