Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plattsmouth, NE (Mar 2023)
- Plattsmouth Solar Installation Cost: $18,681
- 25-Year Savings: $20,808
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plattsmouth
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Plattsmouth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Plattsmouth, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.83 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Plattsmouth is around 9.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,681 for a solar installation, or $26,714 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Plattsmouth homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Plattsmouth homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Plattsmouth that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Plattsmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,101 |
| 3 years | $-13,942 |
| 5 years | $-10,783 |
| 7 years | $-7,624 |
| 9 years | $-4,465 |
| 11 years | $-1,306 |
| 13 years | $1,853 |
| 15 years | $5,012 |
| 17 years | $8,171 |
| 19 years | $11,330 |
| 21 years | $14,490 |
| 23 years | $17,649 |
| 25 years | $20,808 |
Top Solar Installers in Plattsmouth
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Plattsmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plattsmouth
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Plattsmouth is $18,681, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,830. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Plattsmouth, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plattsmouth to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Plattsmouth, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better 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 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 solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Plattsmouth, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Plattsmouth?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Plattsmouth is currently $165,600, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,790 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Plattsmouth is a rewarding investment.
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 the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.