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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ralston
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ralston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ralston it’s 4 per watt.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 needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Ralston homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility 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 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
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Ralston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ralston
The cost of installing a solar system in Ralston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Ralston, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ralston average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ralston, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Ralston’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 your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater 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 down 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 | $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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's Ralston, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ralston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get 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 get 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.