Solar Panel Cost Guide in Omaha, NE (2024 Update)

  • Omaha Solar Installation Cost: $23,933
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,895
  • Payback Period: 14.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Omaha

We break down average solar pricing in Omaha.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Omaha typically cost about 4.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Omaha, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $23,933, or $34,224 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Omaha homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Omaha can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a top solar company in Omaha, you can 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

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Omaha, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Omaha: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,580 per kilowatt in Omaha.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Omaha average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Omaha, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Omaha, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

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 a large number of companies available in Omaha, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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?

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 real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Omaha?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Omaha, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $854.71 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.

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