Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scottsbluff, NE (2024 Update)
- Scottsbluff Solar Installation Cost: $22,294
- 25-Year Savings: $19,337
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scottsbluff
We break down average solar pricing in Scottsbluff.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Scottsbluff, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Scottsbluff homeowner needs a 8.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $22,294 with the federal tax credit, or $31,880 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Scottsbluff
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,072 |
| 3 years | $-18,628 |
| 5 years | $-16,184 |
| 7 years | $-13,739 |
| 9 years | $-11,295 |
| 11 years | $-8,851 |
| 13 years | $-6,407 |
| 15 years | $-3,963 |
| 17 years | $-1,519 |
| 19 years | $925 |
| 21 years | $3,370 |
| 23 years | $5,814 |
| 25 years | $8,258 |
Top Solar Installers in Scottsbluff
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Scottsbluff
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scottsbluff
The cost of installing a solar system in Scottsbluff can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,580. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Scottsbluff, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $9,290 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $12,788 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $16,486 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $20,384 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $24,483 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $28,783 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $33,283 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $37,983 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Scottsbluff, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Scottsbluff, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scottsbluff?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Scottsbluff?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Scottsbluff, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.