Solar Panel Cost Guide in Schuyler, NE (2024 Update)
- Schuyler Solar Installation Cost: $23,794
- 25-Year Savings: $19,759
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Schuyler
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Schuyler.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Schuyler, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Schuyler, the average price of going solar will be about $23,794 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Schuyler depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the high initial cost, the average Schuyler homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Schuyler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,530 |
| 3 years | $-20,003 |
| 5 years | $-17,475 |
| 7 years | $-14,948 |
| 9 years | $-12,420 |
| 11 years | $-9,893 |
| 13 years | $-7,365 |
| 15 years | $-4,838 |
| 17 years | $-2,310 |
| 19 years | $217 |
| 21 years | $2,745 |
| 23 years | $5,272 |
| 25 years | $7,800 |
Top Solar Installers in Schuyler
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.
There are a number of 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 Schuyler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Schuyler
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,580 per kilowatt in Schuyler.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Schuyler provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Schuyler 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Schuyler, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting 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 | $8,735 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,047 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $15,560 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $19,273 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $23,187 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $27,302 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $31,617 | 14.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $36,132 | 13.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system 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: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Schuyler, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Schuyler?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Schuyler?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Schuyler, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.