Solar Panel Cost Guide in Seward, NE (2023 Update)
- Seward Solar Installation Cost: $18,520
- 25-Year Savings: $23,831
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Seward
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Seward.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Seward, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.83 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Seward is around 9.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,522 for a solar installation, or $26,486 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Seward homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Seward can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Seward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,379 |
| 3 years | $-18,096 |
| 5 years | $-17,814 |
| 7 years | $-17,532 |
| 9 years | $-17,249 |
| 11 years | $-16,967 |
| 13 years | $-16,685 |
| 15 years | $-16,402 |
| 17 years | $-16,120 |
| 19 years | $-15,838 |
| 21 years | $-15,555 |
| 23 years | $-15,273 |
| 25 years | $-14,991 |
Top Solar Installers in Seward
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Seward, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Seward is $18,522, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Seward, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Seward homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Seward, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Seward have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $2.94 | $12,361 | $14,819 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $20,076 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $25,491 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $31,065 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $36,797 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $42,687 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $48,736 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $54,944 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Seward?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Seward?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Seward?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.