Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plattsmouth, NE (2023 Update)
- Plattsmouth Solar Installation Cost: $18,677
- 25-Year Savings: $20,812
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plattsmouth
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Plattsmouth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plattsmouth, the average cost of solar panels is 2.83 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.4-kW system would cost about $18,681 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Plattsmouth based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Plattsmouth homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plattsmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,545 |
| 3 years | $-18,282 |
| 5 years | $-18,018 |
| 7 years | $-17,755 |
| 9 years | $-17,492 |
| 11 years | $-17,229 |
| 13 years | $-16,965 |
| 15 years | $-16,702 |
| 17 years | $-16,439 |
| 19 years | $-16,176 |
| 21 years | $-15,912 |
| 23 years | $-15,649 |
| 25 years | $-15,386 |
Top Solar Installers in Plattsmouth
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. 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 get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Plattsmouth:
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
See all of the solar companies in Plattsmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plattsmouth
Although the average cost of a solar system in Plattsmouth is $18,681, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Plattsmouth, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,830 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Plattsmouth, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Plattsmouth homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play 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 better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $12,361 | $12,769 | 12.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,343 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $22,075 | 11.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $26,965 | 11.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $32,014 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $37,221 | 11.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $42,587 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $48,111 | 10.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Plattsmouth, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project 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
EcoWatch's Plattsmouth, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plattsmouth?
The average cost of solar panels in Plattsmouth 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Plattsmouth have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Plattsmouth?
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.