Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plattsmouth, NE (2024 Update)
- Plattsmouth Solar Installation Cost: $23,626
- 25-Year Savings: $20,812
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plattsmouth
We break down average solar pricing in Plattsmouth.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plattsmouth typically cost about 4.Since a 9.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Plattsmouth, the average price of going solar will be about $23,626 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Plattsmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,377 |
| 3 years | $-19,877 |
| 5 years | $-17,378 |
| 7 years | $-14,879 |
| 9 years | $-12,379 |
| 11 years | $-9,880 |
| 13 years | $-7,380 |
| 15 years | $-4,881 |
| 17 years | $-2,382 |
| 19 years | $118 |
| 21 years | $2,617 |
| 23 years | $5,116 |
| 25 years | $7,616 |
Top Solar Installers in Plattsmouth
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Plattsmouth can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Plattsmouth to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Plattsmouth homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Plattsmouth is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,493 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $13,059 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,825 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,791 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,958 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $29,325 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $33,893 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $38,661 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plattsmouth?
The average cost of solar panels in Plattsmouth 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key 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 think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Plattsmouth?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.