Solar Panel Cost Guide in Omaha, NE (Jan 2023)
- Omaha Solar Installation Cost: $18,919
- 25-Year Savings: $21,895
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Omaha
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Omaha.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Omaha, the typical cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Omaha, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,919, or $14,000 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Omaha, you can 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
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- 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 several criteria that can determine 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
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels 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 largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Omaha, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Omaha homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Omaha's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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 solar panel company you go with will affect 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 keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not 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 type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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 variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally 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.