Solar Panel Cost Guide in Schuyler, NE (2023 Update)
- Schuyler Solar Installation Cost: $18,809
- 25-Year Savings: $19,759
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Schuyler
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Schuyler.
In Schuyler, solar panels cost about 2.83 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Schuyler, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt 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 price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Schuyler find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Schuyler for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Schuyler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,546 |
| 3 years | $-15,018 |
| 5 years | $-12,491 |
| 7 years | $-9,963 |
| 9 years | $-7,436 |
| 11 years | $-4,908 |
| 13 years | $-2,381 |
| 15 years | $147 |
| 17 years | $2,674 |
| 19 years | $5,202 |
| 21 years | $7,729 |
| 23 years | $10,257 |
| 25 years | $12,785 |
Top Solar Installers in Schuyler
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Schuyler:
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 considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Schuyler: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss 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 going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Schuyler homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Schuyler homeowners, they can also increase 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 Schuyler is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk 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 lower 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 | $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 solar panel company you opt for will affect 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, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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
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.