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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Scottsbluff it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Scottsbluff is around 8.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $22,294 for a solar installation, or $31,880 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Scottsbluff find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, 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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Scottsbluff, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Scottsbluff, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Scottsbluff homeowners, they can also raise 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
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Scottsbluff is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits 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 | $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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity 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.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy 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.
EcoWatch's Scottsbluff, NE Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scottsbluff?
The average cost of solar panels in Scottsbluff 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Scottsbluff?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Scottsbluff, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.