Solar Panel Cost Guide in Omaha, NE (2025 Update)
- Omaha Solar Installation Cost: $23,933
- 25-Year Savings: $21,895
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Omaha
We break down average solar pricing in Omaha.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Omaha, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $23,933 before the 0 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 actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Omaha find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Omaha
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-22,623 |
3 years | $-20,004 |
5 years | $-17,385 |
7 years | $-14,766 |
9 years | $-12,147 |
11 years | $-9,527 |
13 years | $-6,908 |
15 years | $-4,289 |
17 years | $-1,670 |
19 years | $949 |
21 years | $3,568 |
23 years | $6,187 |
25 years | $8,807 |
Top Solar Installers in Omaha
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Omaha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Omaha
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,580. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Omaha, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Omaha, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital 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 making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Omaha have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $10,004 | 15.2 years |
8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $13,739 | 15.0 years |
10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $17,676 | 14.7 years |
12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $21,812 | 14.4 years |
14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $26,149 | 14.1 years |
16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $30,687 | 13.8 years |
18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $35,425 | 13.5 years |
20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $40,363 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Omaha, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
EcoWatch's Omaha, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Omaha?
The average cost of solar panels in Omaha 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Omaha?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Omaha. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Omaha, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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.