Solar Panel Cost Guide in Papillion, NE (2023 Update)

  • Papillion Solar Installation Cost: $18,820
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,579
  • Payback Period: 11.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Papillion

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Papillion.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Papillion, the average cost of a solar system is 2.83 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Papillion, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,820, or $26,913 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Papillion depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Papillion can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Papillion for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Papillion

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-17,204
3 years $-13,972
5 years $-10,740
7 years $-7,508
9 years $-4,276
11 years $-1,044
13 years $2,188
15 years $5,419
17 years $8,651
19 years $11,883
21 years $15,115
23 years $18,347
25 years $21,579

Top Solar Installers in Papillion

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you're searching for a solar company in Papillion, 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

★★★★★
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 Papillion

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Papillion

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Papillion: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,830 per kilowatt in Papillion. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect your pricing. Papillion's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 $13,157 12.1 years
8 kW $2.89 $16,165 $17,859 11.9 years
10 kW $2.83 $19,810 $22,720 11.6 years
12 kW $2.77 $23,297 $27,740 11.4 years
14 kW $2.72 $26,625 $32,918 11.2 years
16 kW $2.66 $29,794 $38,254 10.9 years
18 kW $2.60 $32,805 $43,749 10.7 years
20 kW $2.55 $35,658 $49,403 10.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.

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

★★★★★
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 Papillion, NE Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Papillion?

The average cost of solar panels in Papillion is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Papillion?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $850.61 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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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