Solar Panel Cost Guide in Schuyler, NE (Mar 2023)
- Schuyler Solar Installation Cost: $18,800
- 25-Year Savings: $19,769
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Schuyler
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Schuyler.
In Schuyler, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Schuyler, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $18,800, or $26,884 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Schuyler homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Schuyler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,257 |
| 3 years | $-14,171 |
| 5 years | $-11,086 |
| 7 years | $-8,001 |
| 9 years | $-4,915 |
| 11 years | $-1,830 |
| 13 years | $1,256 |
| 15 years | $4,341 |
| 17 years | $7,427 |
| 19 years | $10,512 |
| 21 years | $13,598 |
| 23 years | $16,683 |
| 25 years | $19,769 |
Top Solar Installers in Schuyler
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Schuyler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Schuyler
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Schuyler: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Schuyler average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Schuyler, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Schuyler is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $12,011 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $16,331 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $20,810 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $25,447 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $30,243 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $35,198 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $40,311 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $45,582 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- 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 company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Schuyler, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Schuyler?
The average cost of solar panels in Schuyler is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Schuyler?
You can't get solar panels for free in Schuyler. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Schuyler have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.