Solar Panel Cost Guide in Omaha, NE (2023 Update)
- Omaha Solar Installation Cost: $18,919
- 25-Year Savings: $21,895
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Omaha
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Omaha.
In Omaha, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Omaha is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,919 for a solar installation, or $27,054 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Omaha homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Omaha
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,286 |
| 3 years | $-14,021 |
| 5 years | $-10,756 |
| 7 years | $-7,491 |
| 9 years | $-4,226 |
| 11 years | $-961 |
| 13 years | $2,305 |
| 15 years | $5,570 |
| 17 years | $8,835 |
| 19 years | $12,100 |
| 21 years | $15,365 |
| 23 years | $18,630 |
| 25 years | $21,895 |
Top Solar Installers in Omaha
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Omaha, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Omaha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Omaha
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Omaha: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Omaha, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Omaha, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Omaha is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,280 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $18,023 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $22,926 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $27,986 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,205 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $38,583 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $44,119 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $49,813 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Omaha, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Omaha?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Omaha is currently $175,927, so you can look forward to a value of about $7,213 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Omaha is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.