Solar Panel Cost Guide in O'Neill, NE (2025 Update)
- O'Neill Solar Installation Cost: $23,871
- 25-Year Savings: $23,267
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in O'Neill
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in O'Neill.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in O'Neill it’s 4 per watt.Since a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in O'Neill, the average price of going solar will be about $23,871 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in O'Neill see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in O'Neill for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in O'Neill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,649 |
| 3 years | $-20,205 |
| 5 years | $-17,760 |
| 7 years | $-15,316 |
| 9 years | $-12,872 |
| 11 years | $-10,428 |
| 13 years | $-7,984 |
| 15 years | $-5,540 |
| 17 years | $-3,096 |
| 19 years | $-651 |
| 21 years | $1,793 |
| 23 years | $4,237 |
| 25 years | $6,681 |
Top Solar Installers in O'Neill
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in O'Neill:
See all of the solar companies in O'Neill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in O'Neill
The cost of installing a solar system in O'Neill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like O'Neill, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in O'Neill are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $10,904 | 14.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $14,939 | 14.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $19,176 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $23,612 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $28,249 | 13.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $33,087 | 13.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $38,125 | 13.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $43,363 | 12.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
EcoWatch's O'Neill, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in O'Neill?
The average cost of solar panels in O'Neill 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in O'Neill?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in O'Neill?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 house 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.