Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ralston, NE (2024 Update)

  • Ralston Solar Installation Cost: $23,933
  • 25-Year Savings: $21,934
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Ralston

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ralston.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ralston generally cost around 4.The average Ralston homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,933 with the federal tax credit, or $34,224 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ralston see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ralston

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-22,683
3 years $-20,184
5 years $-17,684
7 years $-15,185
9 years $-12,686
11 years $-10,186
13 years $-7,687
15 years $-5,188
17 years $-2,688
19 years $-189
21 years $2,310
23 years $4,810
25 years $7,309

Top Solar Installers in Ralston

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Ralston:

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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Ralston

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ralston

For many Ralston homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ralston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Ralston, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ralston to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Ralston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 $10,029 15.2 years
8 kW $3.65 $20,449 $13,772 14.9 years
10 kW $3.58 $25,060 $17,717 14.6 years
12 kW $3.51 $29,471 $21,862 14.4 years
14 kW $3.44 $33,681 $26,207 14.1 years
16 kW $3.37 $37,690 $30,753 13.8 years
18 kW $3.29 $41,499 $35,499 13.5 years
20 kW $3.22 $45,108 $40,445 13.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Ralston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • 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 solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

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

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Ralston, NE Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Ralston is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ralston?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to get the most savings.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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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