Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seward, NE (2024 Update)
- Seward Solar Installation Cost: $23,428
- 25-Year Savings: $23,831
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seward
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Seward.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Seward it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Seward, most homeowners require a 9.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $23,428, or $33,502 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Seward based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Seward for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Seward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,206 |
| 3 years | $-19,762 |
| 5 years | $-17,318 |
| 7 years | $-14,873 |
| 9 years | $-12,429 |
| 11 years | $-9,985 |
| 13 years | $-7,541 |
| 15 years | $-5,097 |
| 17 years | $-2,653 |
| 19 years | $-209 |
| 21 years | $2,236 |
| 23 years | $4,680 |
| 25 years | $7,124 |
Top Solar Installers in Seward
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Seward, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Seward
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Seward
Cost is usually 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 Seward: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Seward, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, 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 looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Seward offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Seward are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $11,543 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $15,792 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $20,241 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $24,891 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $29,741 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $34,791 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $40,042 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $45,494 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Seward, 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: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer 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 EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Seward, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Seward?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Seward have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.