Solar Panel Cost Guide in Omaha, NE (Jun 2022)
- Omaha Solar Installation Cost: $20,000
- 25-Year Savings: $20,814
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Updated 5/26/2022
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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 generally cost about $3. The average Omaha homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $20,000, or $14,800 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Omaha for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Omaha
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,367 |
| 3 years | $-15,102 |
| 5 years | $-11,837 |
| 7 years | $-8,572 |
| 9 years | $-5,307 |
| 11 years | $-2,042 |
| 13 years | $1,224 |
| 15 years | $4,489 |
| 17 years | $7,754 |
| 19 years | $11,019 |
| 21 years | $14,284 |
| 23 years | $17,549 |
| 25 years | $20,814 |
Top Solar Installers in Omaha
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
4.0
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Omaha
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Omaha
There are many factors 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 Size
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,830. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Omaha to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $13,068 | $12,574 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $17,089 | $17,100 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $20,942 | $21,794 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $24,628 | $26,655 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $28,146 | $31,684 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $31,497 | $36,880 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $34,680 | $42,244 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $37,696 | $47,775 | 11.0 years |
Solar Incentives in Omaha
| Name | Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Community Renewable Energy Projects |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Local Option - Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Dollar and Energy Savings Loans |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely have a good reputation and are qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
4.0
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Omaha, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Omaha?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Omaha?
You can't get solar panels for free in Omaha. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Omaha?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.
